# Introduction

* The tension and rivalry between the USA and the USSR was described as the Cold War (1945-1990).
* There was never a real war between the two sides between 1945 and 1990, but they were often very close to war (Hotspots). 
* Both sides got involved in other conflicts in the world to either stop the spread of communism (USA) or help the spread (USSR).

# Cold War Characteristics 

* Political, strategic and ideological struggle between the US and the USSR that spread throughout the world
* Struggle that contained everything short of war
* Competing social and economic ideologies

# Germany - Divided

* Germany, which had been ruled by the Hitler and the Nazis until their defeat in 1945, was split in two.
* The Allies divided up control over Germany after the War. 
* The western side became West Germany and the eastern side became East Germany.
* East Germany became another communist country.

# After WWII the Cold War Began & Caused Tension Throughout the World

* The USA and the USSR (Soviet Union) were the two world Superpowers.
* The USA was a capitalist society with a democracy.
* The USSR was a communist country with a dictatorship.
* Both wanted to be the most powerful nation in the world.

# Post WWII/Cold War Goals For United States

* Promote open markets for US goods to prevent another depression
*  Promote democracy throughout the world, especially in Asia and Africa
*  Stop the spread of communism
  * “Domino Effect”

# The Domino Effect

* The USSR had a lot of influence over many of the new communist countries (especially those in Europe).
* The USA was very worried that the USSR’s influence over these countries was making the USSR and communism more powerful.
* The USA did not want communism to spread any further – they were worried about the domino effect (one country becomes communist, then another, then another etc)

# Post WWII/Cold War Goals For USSR

* Create greater security for itself
  * lost tens of millions of people in WWII and Stalin’s purges
  * feared a strong Germany


* Establish defensible borders
* Encourage friendly governments on its borders
* Spread communism around the world

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World History

# Introduction

* The tension and rivalry between the USA and the USSR was described as the Cold War (1945-1990).
* There was never a real war between the two sides between 1945 and 1990, but they were often very close to war (Hotspots). 
* Both sides got involved in other conflicts in the world to 

The Cold War

Torie Robinson

View the note The Cold War: IntroductionThe tension and rivalry between the USA and the USSR was described as the Cold War (1945-1990).There was never a real war between the two sides between 1945 and 1990, but they were often very close to war (Hotspots).Both sides got involved in other conflicts i...