The Cold War Essential Summary The Cold War was the rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union which included no actual fighting. The U.S. was democratic and believed in capitalism, a free market system. The Soviet Union was a dictatorship that supported communism, in which the government controlled all production and distribution. These conflicting beliefs led to competition in weapons, technology, and world power. As communism spread, the United States tried to stop it through a policy of containment. American people reacted to spreading communism and the threat of nuclear war with preparedness, and at times paranoia. Due to cooperation and diplomacy, this rivalry never led to outright war.

THE COLD WAR competition for world power b/t the Soviet Union and the U.S. no direct fighting, but arms race Vs.

Capitalism Private ownership Profit to owner Free market determines production, distribution, prices, services  AKA “supply and demand” Little government interference

Communism Plan to make everyone equal Often starts with revolution Government owns/controls everything  Factories, farmland, banks, transportation, communication  No private business

United States Capitalist Democracy Value freedoms Different economic classes

Soviet Union Communist Dictatorship with fixed elections  Only one party to vote for Censorship, not allowed to leave, secret police (KGB) Not able to compete with free economies

Positives and Negatives of Each CAPITALISM COMMUNISM + --

Exit Slip The major difference between capitalism and communism is ________________ _________________________________. C______________ is a better economic system because __________________ _________________________________.