The Cold War Essay - 808 Words

The Cold War was one of the most important political confrontations of the twentieth century, with the potential to wreak enormous damage to the world and its inhabitants. It began during the last stages of World War II when the alliances were crumbling and ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The Cold War was the 20th centurys version of great power rivalry (except they were superpowers with the ability to annihilate each other with nuclear weapons at a moments notice.) From the moment the Bolsheviks seized control of Russia in 1917 conflict with the Capitalist West was inevitable. The varied theories of its cause are subject to debate by historians across the globe, although certain key reasons have been, to some†¦show more content†¦Capitalism held the attitude of minimum government interference in business and commerce in private ownership and free enterprise. Accumulation of wealth was encouraged, the complete opposite of the ?for each according to his needs? principle, and it was up to the individual to ensure his survival and success, it was not the responsibility of the state to look after its people. Democracy allowed for multi-party elections, with a variety of political parties and candidates for the voters to choose between. America, in the lead up to the Cold War, was under the impression that Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, was trying to spread Communism worldwide. This was because of Stalin?s attempt to set up pro-comm unist systems elsewhere. Soviet forces ?liberated? the Eastern European countries from Nazi control as World War II neared its end, but at the war?s end Stalin refused to remove his troops and began establishing pro-Communist regimes through Eastern Europe, the satellite states, as well as Russia?s western frontier. Stalin insisted this was done to create a ?protective buffer guard? against future invasion. These actions caused the aforementioned suspicions from the western powers that the Soviet Union intended to spread communism worldwide. ?An iron curtain?had descended,? stated the British Prime Minister, Churchill, indicating the spread of Communism versus Capitalism had divided Europe from east to west. Parts of the Middle East were alsoShow MoreRelatedThe War Of The Cold War1644 Words   |  7 PagesThe Cold War was a state of political and military tension stemming from World War II fought primarily between the United States and the Soviet Union. Although the start and end dates of the Cold War are frequently disputed over, it is generally accepted that the conflict started at the conclusion of the Second World War and stemmed from the social climate and lingering tensions in Europe and the increasing power struggles between the Soviet Union and the United States. Along with economic separationRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War Essay1525 Words   |  7 PagesOne major war ended and another to begin. The Cold war lasted about 45 years. There were no direct military campaigns between the United States and Soviet Union. However, billions of dollars and millions of lives were lost. The United States emerged as the greatest power from World War 2. (Give Me Liberty 896) The country boasted about having the most powerful navy and air force. The United states accounted for about half of the world’s manufacturing capacity, which it alone created the atomic bombRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War757 Words   |  4 PagesAs tensions continued to augment profoundly throughout the lat ter half of the Cold War period, they brought forth a movement from a previous bipolar conflicting course, to one of a more multipolar nature. These tensions were now not only restricted to the Soviet Union and United states, but amongst multiple other nations of the globe. 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For instance, programs like the Marshall PlanRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War Essay1075 Words   |  5 PagesDuring World War II, the United States, Britain, and Russia all worked together to take down Hitler. Although after the war, the coordination between the U.S. and Russia became extremely tense which inevitably lead to the Cold War. The U.S. was worried that Russia would spread communism after World War II. Russia was concerned with the U.S. arms increase and intervention in international affairs. The distrust between the two nations resulted in the Cold war which lasted until 1991. In 1946, WinstonRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War1052 Words   |  5 PagesThe Cold War was a result of what happened at the end of World War 2. At the end of World War 2, the Soviets held a grudge against the U.S for their delayed entrance in the World War resulting in deaths of thousands of Russians resulting in the appearance of the Cold War .The Cuban Missile Crisis was a significant flashpoint in the Cold War because it was the moment two superpowers came closest to nuclear conflict. This crisis, while posing the very real threat of global annihilation, also led toRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War942 Words   |  4 PagesFeelings Do Matter At the close of World War Two in 1945, the United States entered another kind of war, the Cold War, which did not involve two adversaries in open battle fields using bullets against the Soviet Union. Throughout the Cold War, incidents fueled feelings of anxiety, mistrust and pride. Often pride is defined as â€Å"a feeling that you are more important or better than other people† (Pride). 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