cold war library

In the years following the Second World War, tensions between the United States and Russia grew as communist ideals clashed with Western democracy. Here you can learn about the Cold War and the rise of the Iron Curtain.

Who won the Cold War?

Featured Article: Who won the Cold War?

The annals of history offer many perspectives on the Cold War's victor. Some say the U.S. won; others claim there was no winner. And some assert that the former USSR brought itself down. See more »

How Communism Works

How Communism Works

Before the Red Terror or nuclear arms race, there was a philosopher named Karl Marx. How did one man's ideas lead to centuries of political and social unrest?

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What's Mutual Assured Destruction?

What's Mutual Assured Destruction?

During the Cold War, the U.S. and USSR stockpiled weapons but never started a nuclear war. What held them back from launching a strike for nearly 40 years? Could two nations embroiled in conflict have made a mutual agreement not to strike?

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Who won the Cold War?

Who won the Cold War?

The annals of history offer many perspectives on the Cold War's victor. Some say the U.S. won; others claim there was no winner. And some assert that the former USSR brought itself down.

See more »
General Cold War History

General Cold War History

Cold War, the struggle for power and influence in the years after World War II between the Communist nations led by the Soviet Union (the East) and the Western allies headed by the United States (the West).

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The Cold War: October 1951-1991

The Cold War: October 1951-1991

V-J Day meant the end of World War II, but not the end of global tensions. The main area of conflict was between the United States and Russia which led to a tense nuclear arms buildup. Read about how the end of World War II gave rise to the Cold War.

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Central Treaty Organization

Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), a former mutual-defense alliance of Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, and Great Britain.

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Helsinki Accords

Helsinki Accords, a nonbinding agreement between the United States, Canada, Russia, and 49 other countries.

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Iron Curtain

Iron Curtain, a name for the communications barrier between the Communist countries of central and eastern Europe and the rest of the world.

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Moscow Conference of 1963

Moscow Conference of 1963, a conference at which the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union agreed to limit testing of nuclear weapons.

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Persian Gulf War

Persian Gulf War, 1991, a war fought between Iraq and a coalition of Middle Eastern and Western powers led by the United States.

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Southeast Asia Treaty Organization

Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), an alliance, in existence from 1954 to 1977, to protect southeast Asian nations from military aggression.

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Warsaw Pact

Warsaw Pact, the common name for the Warsaw Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance.

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