Introduction and Overview
When two countries oppose each other politically and economically, but do not actually participate in a full military conflict
1917: A revolution in Russia brings the Communist Party to power. The Soviet Union is created. Communist ideology advocates government, industry and ownership by the people. In theory, it is a classless system.
This is in conflict with western European and American beliefs in Capitalism and free enterprise. Their conflict takes the form of propaganda and espionage (spying) During WWII, Nazi Germany as a common enemy overrides ideology – for a time
After WWII, USA and the USSR become the “superpowers” in a constant race to gain political and military advantage. They compete, each wanting to prove that its model for society is better
This competition takes the form of an arms race and a space race Global stability is based on the concept of MAD – Mutual Assured Destruction – the knowledge that each side has the ability to destroy the other
Eastern European countries become Soviet “satellite states” Winston Churchill declares that an “iron curtain has descended on Europe” The city of Berlin illustrates the situation. After WWII it is divided up, different zones controlled by different sides.
American foreign policy has the goal of stopping the spread of Communism, anywhere in the world.
Caught in the middle between two superpowers
September 1945: Gouzenko affair shows Canada is a target for Soviet spies A series of radar lines was built across Canada’s north, to watch for Soviet missiles.
1949: NATO is formed (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) 1957 NORAD – North American Air Defence Command is established to provide joint defence for Canada and the US The Soviet Union creates the Warsaw Pact, an alliance to counter NATO
– Soviet supported North fought UN allied South. 17 countries, including Canada, involved themselves in a civil war, as a result of the cold war.
The USSR places missiles on Communist Cuba. War between USA and USSR seems a very real possibility, with Canada in the middle.
The Cold war lasted approximately from 1945 – 1991 Throughout this time, people lived with the fear of escalation into a nuclear war Students prepared with drills, where they were taught to “duck and cover”duck and cover Music and other entertainment of the time period reflected the political state of the world
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