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 undergo a period study which tells a story about a period that shaped the world we live in today: the Cold War. They look at the key events, developments, people and stories that defined the relationship between the USA and the USSR in this period.

Period study: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91

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)

someone who has been forced to leave their home country because of war, persecution, natural disaster, or violence, and seeks safety in another country

a demand that if rejected will bring about an end of peaceful talks and could lead to forceful action

Berlin, 1958-61: increased tensions

someone who makes sure that rules are followed when people and goods cross from one country to another; someone who protects the borders of a country

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

something that is used to represent something else

Berlin, 1961-63: the Berlin Wall

a product or service that is sold and transported to another country

someone who strongly believes in and supports their own country, placing its interests above those of other nations

stands for Central Intelligence Agency; part of the US government that is responsible for espionage and secret operations

someone who has been forced to leave their home and live somewhere else, often for political reasons

The Cuban Revolution and the Bay of Pigs Invasion

stands for intermediate range ballistic missile; these missiles could be fitted with nuclear warheads and had a range of 3500 kilometres

short for Executive Committee of the National Security Council; it played a pivotal role in advising the President during the Cuban Missile Crisis

an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving

the practice of pursuing a dangerous policy to the threshold of confrontation

a direct communication link established between the United States and the Soviet Union to enable immediate communication in times of crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

items purchased by individuals for their personal use and enjoyment

government agencies that operate in secrecy to enforce political control; they often use covert methods to monitor, intimidate and eliminate perceived threats

The Prague Spring (1968)

The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia (1968)

a time of very great difficulty and danger

Cold War crises, 1958-70

the relaxation of tensions between states which were previously hostile towards one another

issues that exist within a country, rather than those related to its relationship with other countries

the development of friendlier relations between countries that have been enemies

Détente and SALT I

formal agreements between two or more parties

the basic freedoms and protections that all people are entitled to, simply because they are human

when a decision, treaty, or agreement is formally approved and confirmed making it official

The Helsinki Accords and SALT II

warfare that involves using surprise attacks and hit-and-run tactics to fight a larger, more traditional military force

a strict interpretation of Islam that emphasises a return to traditional beliefs and practices

a measure taken by one country to limit or stop trade with another country to pressure it to change its actions or policies

when people refuse to buy, use or participate in something as a way to protest or bring about change

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

something that discourages or prevents an action or behaviour by creating fear of the consequences

a scenario where nuclear weapons are used on a smaller scale than in a full-scale nuclear exchange

a group set up to represent and advocate for the rights and interests of workers

Reagan and the 'Second Cold War'

the level of wealth, comfort, and access to goods and services available to a person or community

when the military takes over the normal functions of government in an emergency

to make changes in order to improve something

when businesses compete to win customers by providing better products, services, or prices than others

the process of reducing or eliminating military forces and weapons to promote peace and security

Gorbachev's 'new thinking'

bringing things or people back together after they have been separated

The fall of the Berlin Wall

a sudden and illegal takeover of a government, usually by a small group of people, often involving the military

one of the multiple states that were joined together as part of the Soviet Union under the central Soviet government

when a country or organisation officially ends or breaks apart

Period study: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91

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