“Ice, Ice, Baby” The Cold War

Definition A state of hostility between the U.S. and the Soviet Union (the two “superpowers” of the world) from the late 1940’s through the 1980’s Clash of ideology: U.S. – Capitalism Soviet Union- Communism

Countries U.S.Soviet Union Capitalist Superpower Democratically Elected President NATO Leader Communist Superpower Dictatorial Rule Warsaw Pact Leader

Origins 1. U.S. upset that Stalin signed Non-Aggression pact w/ Germany in Stalin blames Allies for not starting D- Day earlier 2. Yalta Conference: (Feb. 1945) Stalin, Roosevelt, Churchill meet to discuss plans for post-war Europe. Agree to divide Germany and Germany must pay Soviet Union for damages. Stalin agrees to free elections in East Germany. Churchill skeptical. 3. Soviet Union begins control of “Satellite Countries” in Eastern Europe spreading communism to those areas. 4. Berlin is locked down by the Soviet Union

“Iron Curtain” The countries indirectly controlled by the Soviet Union Eastern Germany, Poland, Romania, Estonia, ect. Berlin Wall

Space Race Instead of physically fighting they out achieved one another Soviet Space Program vs. NASA First to space was the Soviet Union U.S. first to the moon

Arms Race Who could have the biggest and most Nuclear Weapons and Armed Forces Four years later (1949) Soviets have nuclear bomb called First Lightning U.S. get H-Bomb capabilities on Nov In 1953 both countries had Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM)