The Cold War was a time of hostility and tension between the two superpowers, the USA and the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics). Each side followed policies that were intended to strengthen itself and to weaken the other side, without actually fighting.
Because these countries were so powerful, they dragged other countries into the dispute as allies or supporters. This tension was the cause of crises and conflicts in international relations (relations between countries) in many parts of the world. ● These crises brought the world to the brink of a third world war on a number of occasions between 1945 and 1991.
What caused the Cold War? 1
Capitalism vs
communism 4 The Marshall Plan 3 The Truman Doctrine 1 Capitalism vs communism – different ways of life
The Cold War was a clash of two different ways of life. ● The USA and USSR (Soviet Union) had two different systems of government and society (or way of life). Each side feared that the other wanted to overthrow it and establish their own system.
● The Cold War was a conflict about which way of life was better and stronger.
Conflict between Capitalism and Communism USA and Capitalism
Democracy – different political parties allowed in a democratic system of government
Capitalism – private ownership of business and industry
Political differences between East and West
What were the causes of the Cold War?
2 Post-war disagreements
Soviet satellite states
Churchill’s ‘iron curtain’ speech
Soviet buffer zone
USSR and Communism
Dictatorship – one-party dictatorship with only the Communist Party allowed
Communism – government ownership of business and industry