a period between c. 1945 and c. 1991 of intense rivalry and tension between the USA and the USSR

a collection of states known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; also known as the Soviet Union

relating to a system of government where all property is owned by the state and resources are shared equally

relating to an economic system where businesses and resources are owned privately for profit

Causes of tension between the USA and USSR by 1945

History

In this unit, pupils started start their broader study on the events the began the Cold War beyond the USA. In ‘Cold War crises, 1958-70’, pupils will study the increasing tensions of the 1950s and how they led to the breakdown of the Grand Alliance.

In ‘USA: what impact did the Vietnam war have on Americans?’, pupils saw how the Vietnam war affected the USA during the period of the Cold War. In this unit, they start their broader study on the events the began the Cold War beyond the USA.

In this unit, pupils begin their study of superpower relations in the Cold War by examining how the Grand Alliance broke down in the years following the Second World War. They examine key events and developments that led to growing tension between the superpowers.

The origins of the Cold War, 1941-58

a type of nuclear weapon; a powerful and destructive bomb that gets it power from the energy released when atoms are split

a highly destructive explosive device that gets its power from nuclear reactions

secret activities, such as spying, carried out by one government or group to gather confidential information from another, typically for strategic advantage

a short written message sent via a telegraph line

special buildings where diplomats work to represent their country's interests in other countries around the world

The impact of the atomic bomb on US-Soviet relations

a region of the world in which one country is dominant

a country that is dominated by another country

a government in which two or more political parties work together to run a country

an election in which unfair tactics or cheating are used to influence the outcome

Soviet influence over Eastern Europe by 1948

Truman's idea that it was the USA's responsibility to prevent the spread of communism around the world

using American influence and military resources to prevent the spread of communism into non-communist countries

an approach to international relations that is based on not getting involved in the affairs of other countries

an American programme of economic aid that aimed to stop the spread of communism by supporting countries to recover from the Second World War

The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan

an attempt to prevent goods, people or supplies from entering or leaving a certain area

the transportation of people or goods by air, often used when other forms of transport are not available

a difficult or dangerous situation, often with the potential for serious consequences, requiring immediate action or resolution

a system where countries cooperate to protect one other from threats, agreeing to respond together if any member is attacked or faces aggression

The Berlin Crisis (1948)

when countries compete with each other to build up their military strength

a country that has great power and influence globally; the USA and USSR were superpowers during the Cold War period

a meeting between leaders to discuss significant issues or make important decisions

intercontinental ballistic missile; missiles that could fire a nuclear warhead at targets in different continents

using the threat of force to prevent something from happening

The Cold War arms race

a change introduced to improve something, often a system or law

a military alliance of Eastern European countries led by the Soviet Union during the Cold War; it was formed in 1955 in response to NATO

The Hungarian Uprising (1956)

a county that is dominated by another country

The origins of the Cold War, 1941-58

Choose a lesson (8)

These lessons will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.