cause and effect essay cold war

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Historyplex

A Brief Overview of the Causes and Effects of the Cold War

The Soviet-American combat, known as the "Cold War" hung heavy over global affairs for more than forty long years; structuring the world with extensive military buildups, an unceasing nuclear arms rivalry, intensive surveillance, and relentless technological emulations. Further elaborated are the causes and repercussions of this menacing fracas drawn upon the world by the two superpowers; the United States of America and the Soviet Union.

The Cold War dominated the second half of the 20th century, resulting in the collapse of communism. The Cold War was a period of tension and hostility between the United States of America and the Soviet Union from the mid-40s to the late 80s. It began with the end of the Second World War.

Free society would have termed it as World War III, but instead, used a whimsical name pertaining to no direct military confrontation between the two nations, fearing nuclear escalation assured mutual destruction. Nevertheless, both the nations indulged in indirect conflicts and proxy wars by supporting allied nations in places like Korea and Vietnam.

Cuban missile crisis in 1962 was the closest the world ever came to a nuclear war; when an American U2 spy plane took photographs of Soviet intermediate ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear payloads, sending a total of 42 medium range missiles and 24 intermediate range missiles to Cuba. The US, then threatened to invade Cuba over the issue forcing the Soviets to remove the missiles on America’s assurance of not invading Cuba.

Role of the Soviet Union

Although the Soviet Union and China started off as allies in 1949, there emerged an estrangement between them, which was cleverly exploited by the Americans. The US formed an alliance with China in 1971 to contain the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1980, which led to the United States and its allies boycotting the 1980 Olympic games in Moscow. In retaliation, the Soviet Union and its allies boycotted the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles, USA. The US financed and armed the Afghan guerrillas to fight against the Soviet troops. The Afghan War was a major factor in bankrupting the Soviet Union.

In the ’80s, President Ronald Reagan of the US dubbed the Soviet Union as an “evil empire” and predicted that it would be consigned to the ash heap of history. He announced a major weapons buildup and the SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative) also dubbed as “Star Wars”. The Soviet Union was too economically enfeebled to reply in kind. In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union. He adopted a conciliatory attitude towards the Americans and many arms reduction pacts were signed. In 1989, there was a Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan and in 1990, the Soviets agreed to the reunification of Germany. Movements against communist governments in Eastern Europe followed this. The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, marking the end of the Cold War.

Causes of Cold War

• The Soviet Union wanted to spread its ideology of communism worldwide, which alarmed the Americans who followed democracy.
• The acquisition of atomic weapons by America caused fear in the Soviets.
• Both countries feared an attack from each other adhering to mutual mass destruction.
• The Soviet Union’s action of taking control over Eastern Europe was a major factor for US suspicions.
• The US President had a personal dislike of the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.
• America was annoyed by the Soviet Union’s actions in the part of Germany it had occupied.
• The Soviets feared that America would use Western Europe as a base to attack it.

Effects of Cold War

• Both the USA and the Soviet Union built up huge arsenals of atomic weapons and ballistic missiles.
• The military blocs, NATO and the Warsaw Pact were formed.
• The Berlin Wall was demolished and the two German nations were unified.
• The Warsaw Pact disintegrated.
• Led to destructive conflicts like the Vietnam War and the Korean War.
• The Baltic States and some former Soviet Republics achieved independence.
• America became the sole superpower of the world.
• Communism collapsed worldwide.

The Cold War outlined the foreign policies for both the countries through the second half of the twentieth century as both contested for accomplices to uphold and broaden their respective realms of sovereignty around the world. However, it did not escalate to an apocalyptic World War III. The decade-long impasse between American capitalists and Soviet Communists ceased on a nonviolent mutual consent.

Like it? Share it!

Get Updates Right to Your Inbox

Further insights.

Privacy Overview

• History Classics
• Your Profile
• Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)
• This Day In History
• History Podcasts
• History Vault

Cold War History

By: History.com Editors

Updated: June 26, 2023 | Original: October 27, 2009

The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension marked by competition and confrontation between communist nations led by the Soviet Union and Western democracies including the United States. During World War II , the United States and the Soviets fought together as allies against Nazi Germany . However, U.S./Soviet relations were never truly friendly: Americans had long been wary of Soviet communism and Russian leader Joseph Stalin ’s tyrannical rule. The Soviets resented Americans’ refusal to give them a leading role in the international community, as well as America’s delayed entry into World War II, in which millions of Russians died.

These grievances ripened into an overwhelming sense of mutual distrust and enmity that never developed into open warfare (thus the term “cold war”). Soviet expansionism into Eastern Europe fueled many Americans’ fears of a Russian plan to control the world. Meanwhile, the USSR came to resent what they perceived as U.S. officials’ bellicose rhetoric, arms buildup and strident approach to international relations. In such a hostile atmosphere, no single party was entirely to blame for the Cold War; in fact, some historians believe it was inevitable.

Containment

By the time World War II ended, most American officials agreed that the best defense against the Soviet threat was a strategy called “containment.” In his famous “Long Telegram,” the diplomat George Kennan (1904-2005) explained the policy: The Soviet Union, he wrote, was “a political force committed fanatically to the belief that with the U.S. there can be no permanent modus vivendi [agreement between parties that disagree].” As a result, America’s only choice was the “long-term, patient but firm and vigilant containment of Russian expansive tendencies.”

“It must be the policy of the United States,” he declared before Congress in 1947, “to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation…by outside pressures.” This way of thinking would shape American foreign policy for the next four decades.

Did you know? The term 'cold war' first appeared in a 1945 essay by the English writer George Orwell called 'You and the Atomic Bomb.'

The Cold War: The Atomic Age

The containment strategy also provided the rationale for an unprecedented arms buildup in the United States. In 1950, a National Security Council Report known as NSC–68 had echoed Truman’s recommendation that the country use military force to contain communist expansionism anywhere it seemed to be occurring. To that end, the report called for a four-fold increase in defense spending.

In particular, American officials encouraged the development of atomic weapons like the ones that had ended World War II. Thus began a deadly “ arms race .” In 1949, the Soviets tested an atom bomb of their own. In response, President Truman announced that the United States would build an even more destructive atomic weapon: the hydrogen bomb, or “superbomb.” Stalin followed suit.

As a result, the stakes of the Cold War were perilously high. The first H-bomb test, in the Eniwetok atoll in the Marshall Islands, showed just how fearsome the nuclear age could be. It created a 25-square-mile fireball that vaporized an island, blew a huge hole in the ocean floor and had the power to destroy half of Manhattan. Subsequent American and Soviet tests spewed radioactive waste into the atmosphere.

The ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation had a great impact on American domestic life as well. People built bomb shelters in their backyards. They practiced attack drills in schools and other public places. The 1950s and 1960s saw an epidemic of popular films that horrified moviegoers with depictions of nuclear devastation and mutant creatures. In these and other ways, the Cold War was a constant presence in Americans’ everyday lives.

HISTORY Vault: Nuclear Terror

Now more than ever, terrorist groups are obtaining nuclear weapons. With increasing cases of theft and re-sale at dozens of Russian sites, it's becoming more and more likely for terrorists to succeed.

The Cold War and the Space Race

Space exploration served as another dramatic arena for Cold War competition. On October 4, 1957, a Soviet R-7 intercontinental ballistic missile launched Sputnik (Russian for “traveling companion”), the world’s first artificial satellite and the first man-made object to be placed into the Earth’s orbit. Sputnik’s launch came as a surprise, and not a pleasant one, to most Americans.

In the United States, space was seen as the next frontier, a logical extension of the grand American tradition of exploration, and it was crucial not to lose too much ground to the Soviets. In addition, this demonstration of the overwhelming power of the R-7 missile–seemingly capable of delivering a nuclear warhead into U.S. air space–made gathering intelligence about Soviet military activities particularly urgent.

In 1958, the U.S. launched its own satellite, Explorer I, designed by the U.S. Army under the direction of rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, and what came to be known as the Space Race was underway. That same year, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a public order creating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a federal agency dedicated to space exploration, as well as several programs seeking to exploit the military potential of space. Still, the Soviets were one step ahead, launching the first man into space in April 1961.

That May, after Alan Shepard become the first American man in space, President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) made the bold public claim that the U.S. would land a man on the moon by the end of the decade. His prediction came true on July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission , became the first man to set foot on the moon, effectively winning the Space Race for the Americans. 

U.S. astronauts came to be seen as the ultimate American heroes. Soviets, in turn, were pictured as the ultimate villains, with their massive, relentless efforts to surpass America and prove the power of the communist system.

The Cold War and the Red Scare

Meanwhile, beginning in 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee ( HUAC ) brought the Cold War home in another way. The committee began a series of hearings designed to show that communist subversion in the United States was alive and well.

In Hollywood , HUAC forced hundreds of people who worked in the movie industry to renounce left-wing political beliefs and testify against one another. More than 500 people lost their jobs. Many of these “blacklisted” writers, directors, actors and others were unable to work again for more than a decade. HUAC also accused State Department workers of engaging in subversive activities. Soon, other anticommunist politicians, most notably Senator Joseph McCarthy (1908-1957), expanded this probe to include anyone who worked in the federal government. 

Thousands of federal employees were investigated, fired and even prosecuted. As this anticommunist hysteria spread throughout the 1950s, liberal college professors lost their jobs, people were asked to testify against colleagues and “loyalty oaths” became commonplace.

The Cold War Abroad

The fight against subversion at home mirrored a growing concern with the Soviet threat abroad. In June 1950, the first military action of the Cold War began when the Soviet-backed North Korean People’s Army invaded its pro-Western neighbor to the south. Many American officials feared this was the first step in a communist campaign to take over the world and deemed that nonintervention was not an option. Truman sent the American military into Korea, but the Korean War dragged to a stalemate and ended in 1953.

In 1955, the United States and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) made West Germany a member of NATO and permitted it to remilitarize. The Soviets responded with the Warsaw Pact , a mutual defense organization between the Soviet Union, Albania, Poland, Romania, Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria that set up a unified military command under Marshal Ivan S. Konev of the Soviet Union.

Other international disputes followed. In the early 1960s, President Kennedy faced a number of troubling situations in his own hemisphere. The Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and the Cuban missile crisis the following year seemed to prove that the real communist threat now lay in the unstable, postcolonial “Third World.” 

Nowhere was this more apparent than in Vietnam , where the collapse of the French colonial regime had led to a struggle between the American-backed nationalist Ngo Dinh Diem in the south and the communist nationalist Ho Chi Minh in the north. Since the 1950s, the United States had been committed to the survival of an anticommunist government in the region, and by the early 1960s it seemed clear to American leaders that if they were to successfully “contain” communist expansionism there, they would have to intervene more actively on Diem’s behalf. However, what was intended to be a brief military action spiraled into a 10-year conflict .

The End of the Cold War and Effects

Almost as soon as he took office, President Richard Nixon (1913-1994) began to implement a new approach to international relations. Instead of viewing the world as a hostile, “bi-polar” place, he suggested, why not use diplomacy instead of military action to create more poles? To that end, he encouraged the United Nations to recognize the communist Chinese government and, after a trip there in 1972, began to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing.

At the same time, he adopted a policy of “détente”—”relaxation”—toward the Soviet Union. In 1972, he and Soviet premier Leonid Brezhnev (1906-1982) signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I), which prohibited the manufacture of nuclear missiles by both sides and took a step toward reducing the decades-old threat of nuclear war.

Despite Nixon’s efforts, the Cold War heated up again under President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004). Like many leaders of his generation, Reagan believed that the spread of communism anywhere threatened freedom everywhere. As a result, he worked to provide financial and military aid to anticommunist governments and insurgencies around the world. This policy, particularly as it was applied in the developing world in places like Grenada and El Salvador, was known as the Reagan Doctrine .

Even as Reagan fought communism in Central America, however, the Soviet Union was disintegrating. In response to severe economic problems and growing political ferment in the USSR, Premier Mikhail Gorbachev (1931-2022) took office in 1985 and introduced two policies that redefined Russia’s relationship to the rest of the world: “glasnost,” or political openness, and “ perestroika ,” or economic reform. 

Soviet influence in Eastern Europe waned. In 1989, every other communist state in the region replaced its government with a noncommunist one. In November of that year, the Berlin Wall –the most visible symbol of the decades-long Cold War–was finally destroyed, just over two years after Reagan had challenged the Soviet premier in a speech at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” By 1991, the Soviet Union itself had fallen apart. The Cold War was over.

Sign up for Inside History

Get HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.

More details : Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact Us

Cold War: Summary, Causes, History, & Facts Research Paper

Introduction, key countries, effects of the cold war, the collapse of communism/conclusion, reference list.

The end of World War II did not necessarily imply the beginning of peace but in reality, the dawn of other more complicated conflicts. The term Cold War appeared for the first time in an essay by George Orwell, a famous journalist and English author, entitled You and the Atomic Bomb, released on October 15 of 1945, immediately after World War II. The term defined the conflicts of the world as they unfolded after World War II. Despite its end, economic competitions, proxy wars, military as well as political conflicts, took the stage. These disputes involved both the Communist world, consisting of Russia and its satellite states and the Western world, consisting of the US, among others. Worth noting is that these clashes were not direct as it was for World War II. On the contrary, they entered in form of technological contentions, military coalitions, propaganda, proxy wars, and sports competitions, quoting a few. Who were the main participants?

The key countries participating in the war were Russia, France, Germany, the US, Hungary, and Belgium, Italy, among others, For instance, although USSR and the US were both friends and anti-axis powers, they could not agree on “…political philosophy and the configuration of the post-war world while occupying most of Europe” (Kort, 2001, p.3). During this period, there was a pronounced calmness coupled with international tensions. The two opposing sides sought possible ways out of the then tensions and conflicts. However, among the suggested ways like discouraging direct armed forces attacks aroused the possibility of giving way to nuclear weapons, a case that attracted immediate reforms, which later saw the end of the Cold War in 1991. The collapse of the Soviet Union that brought the end of the war gave way to the US as the major military power. The debate about what fuelled the war still rages. While some argue that, it began soon after World War II, others trace its roots towards the period immediately before World War I. The issue of communism serves as the root cause of the Cold War.

The plot of the Soviet Union to spread the issue of communism to all parts of the world stands out as the major cause of the Cold War. The Soviet Union, a ‘socialist island’ was planning to replace the prevailing capitalism with communism. Turker (1992) observed the efforts of the Soviet Union of ensuring that “…the present capitalist encirclement is replaced by a socialist encirclement” (p.3). If this were given the chance to happen, then the Soviet Union would have drawn many countries, and possibly the world, into communism at a time when the capitalist countries wanted capitalism to spread, rather than communism. However, following the then “temporary stabilization of capitalism” (Turker, 1992, p.45), collapsing of the world was the obvious outcome, hence the war. The possession of atomic weapons by America was yet another cause.

The fact that the Americans owned nuclear weapons posed aroused a lot of fear in the Soviets. Following the harm and power that is associated with nuclear or rather atomic bombs, the Soviets could not tolerate the situation, that the Americans, their worst enemies, had the weapons when they (Soviets) did not have. Therefore, they felt so insecure that they knew they could be outwitted, should the Americans declare war against them. In addition, both the Soviets and the Americans feared one another, as is expected of two enemies. They thought that each could decide to attack the other because they were both able and willing to do so and hence the cold war. The 1917 actions taken against Russia too explain the cause of the Cold war. Charles (2002) observes that “As a result of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia (followed by its withdrawal from World War I ), Soviet Russia found itself isolated in international diplomacy” (p.6). With the Soviet Union unsatisfied with this, other countries suspected that the Soviets could decide to attack them any time when they were unaware. The issue of the partitioning of Europe was also a cause of the Cold war.

There was a disagreement concerning the shape that Europe was to assume after the proposed issue of its division. However, following the prevailing records of frequent attacks of the Russians, there was a feeling of insecurity by the affected Russians. For instance, the attack that they experienced that saw the death of millions of its people as well as the destruction it encountered during World War II, they resolved into nurturing their security by dominating most of Eastern Europe, a factor that contributed to a large extent the then US suspicions. Moreover, the attitude of the then US president towards Josef Stalin, the then Soviet Union leader contributed significantly towards the cause of the Cold war. Stalin was comfortable with the Soviet Union as a ‘Socialist country’, a stand that did not please the US president because he was a capitalist country. As a result, he (US president) developed a personal attitude against Stalin, hence the Cold war. Soviet Union’s activities in the regions dominated by the Americans were also fuel to the Cold war.

The Soviet Union had a share in most of the regions that America had taken control. The Americans wanted to establish their activities in their ways, which they thought were right, even as per the judgment of the capitalist countries. Therefore, following the entry of Soviets in the regions, they were not comfortable especially when the Soviets began their projects in the same regions. The Soviet kingdom was treated as evil and whose activities were unfit in any capitalist regions. Revealing this observation, Pillai (1998) exposits “In the ’80s President Ronald Reagan of the US dubbed the Soviet Union as an “evil empire” and predicted that it would be consigned to the ash heap of history” (p.13). In addition, there was a notable fear by the Soviets following the strong base that America had established in Western Europe. As the two were enemies, the Soviets feared that this could serve as a base for its attack by the Americans hence contributing to the Cold war. However, the Cold war not only had causes but also effects, which range from economic to political, as they unfold in both Eastern and Western Europe. The war led to the division of Germany.

Among the numerous outcomes of the Cold war was the division of Germany. Since the Cold war only meant the exclusion of weapons in the various conflicts, it led to other issues, which passed for conflicts though weaponless. One of the major causes was the plan of Germany to resist the divisions, proposed for it by other countries. However, since it refused the proposition, by the end of the war, it had assumed several occupational divisions, each of which was under the control of Britain, the US, France, and the Soviet Union. In addition, the Cold war brought significant technological progress in Europe. For instance, “Germany had new technologies that people these days would not be able to live without” (Charles, 2002, p.34). Only the armed forces could access internet services meant to facilitate the war. However, it is surprising to realize that most of the technological advancements evident today have their roots in the military officers, to whom the then inventions were restricted. This drives home the point that the Cold war was no more than a way of creating rooms for better things, technologically, economically, as well as politically. The war too affected society.

The war did not spare the society as well as the social attitudes of most of the European countries, which actively participated in the war. With France serving as the best illustration, its 4-trillion dollar debt traces its roots into the Cold war. “The Cold War changed how people thought” (Baker, 1998, p.45). Initially, people had learned from the war that they could kill themselves. However, this was the tip of the iceberg. From the unfolding of the war, they realized that they could, not only destroy themselves but also the entire planet. They also learned that, just as people die, so can the world. Despite the technological and industrial developments that came from the war, tensions and heightened competition came as a result. The proxy wars, evident today arose from the cold war, following the invention of nuclear gadgets. This explains the reason why many European countries have nuclear weapons, which otherwise pose a danger, not only to people but also to the world itself. The issue of communism was no more than the epicenter of the Cold war. It was the major enemy under attack by all, who were against the war. Fortunately, the enemy was defeated. In conclusion, one can ask, ‘What brought the collapse of communism?’

What brought about the collapse of communism is a question, frequently asked, but rarely answered right. Worth noting is that most of the events that unfolded, communism included, because of the war were unexpected. However, there exist some insinuated and complicated reasons explaining the fall of communism. As Robinson (2003) puts it, “The fall of communism was the result of the complex interaction of all these causes on various levels, between different states, but also between states and societies” (p.32). The level of interaction, as highlighted seems to have played a major role in firing communism. However, in other countries like Russia, communism is thought to have arisen from within owing to its stand as a communist country. In addition, inadequate funds and support explain the cause as well. Eastern Europe suffered from both financial and political crises. Russia received a lot of support from the European countries during WWI, all of which is used for its defense. Unfortunately, this was the time it stood strong as a communist country. However, following the European states’ inability to fund it further, it experienced a rapid downfall not sparing its stand as a communist state and hence the fall. More reasons continue to arise including the issue of solidarity whose failure to end in Poland saw its end as a communist government, hence contributing towards the end of communism in general.

Baker, P. (1998). Britain and the Economic Problem of the Cold War . Poland: Ashgate Publishers. p. 45. Print.

Charles, H. (2002). The Two Germanies since 1945: East and West . Connecticut: Yale University Press. Print.

Kort, M. (2001). The Columbia Guide to the Cold War . Columbia: The University Press. p. 3. Print.

Pillai, G. (1998). Reagan, Bush, and Gorbachev: Revisiting the End of the Cold War . Westport: Greenwood Press. Print.

Robinson, C. (2003). Aid to Russia, 1941–1946: Strategy, Diplomacy, the Origins of the Cold War . Columbia: The University Press. Print.

Turker, J. (1992). The Cold War 1945-1991 . Oxford: Blackwell. Print.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, January 7). Cold War: Summary, Causes, History, & Facts. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cold-war-summary-causes-history-amp-facts/

"Cold War: Summary, Causes, History, & Facts." IvyPanda , 7 Jan. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/cold-war-summary-causes-history-amp-facts/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Cold War: Summary, Causes, History, & Facts'. 7 January.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Cold War: Summary, Causes, History, & Facts." January 7, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cold-war-summary-causes-history-amp-facts/.

1. IvyPanda . "Cold War: Summary, Causes, History, & Facts." January 7, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cold-war-summary-causes-history-amp-facts/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Cold War: Summary, Causes, History, & Facts." January 7, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cold-war-summary-causes-history-amp-facts/.

• Communism Collapse in the USSR
• Origins of the Cold War
• The Cold War Between the Union Soviet Socialist Republic and the United States of America
• Reasons for Soviets Losing the Cold War
• The Major Causes of the Cold War Between the Soviet Union and the United States
• The Soviet Space Program Role in the Cold War
• The Cold War: Causes and Consequences
• Misperceptions and the Cold War
• Cold War Politics, Culture and Wars
• The Cold War and the Fifties
• Public Schooling in 19th Century Canada
• Destiny of the Post-Communist Countries
• The Rise and Fall of Tammany Hall
• Yanomamo: From the Deep Amazon Jungles
• Traditions & Encounters in the 16-18th Centuries

Essay on the Cold War: it’s Origin, Causes and Phases

After the Second World War, the USA and USSR became two Super Powers. One nation tried to reduce the power of other. Indirectly the competition between the Super Powers led to the Cold War.

Then America took the leadership of all the Capitalist Countries.

Soviet Russia took the leadership of all the Communist Countries. As a result of which both stood as rivals to each other.

Definition of the Cold War:

ADVERTISEMENTS:

In the graphic language of Hartman, “Cold War is a state of tension between countries in which each side adopts policies designed to strengthen it and weaken the other by falling short by actual war”.

Image Source: i.ytimg.com/vi/y9HjvHZfCUI/maxresdefault.jpg

Infact, Cold War is a kind of verbal war which is fought through newspapers, magazines, radio and other propaganda methods. It is a propaganda to which a great power resorts against the other power. It is a sort of diplomatic war.

Origin of Cold War:

There is no unanimity amongst scholars regarding the origin of the Cold War In 1941 when Hitler invaded Russia, Roosevelt the President of USA sent armaments to Russia. It is only because the relationship between Roosevelt and Stalin was very good. But after the defeat of Germany, when Stalin wanted to implement Communist ideology in Poland, Hungery, Bulgaria and Rumania, at that time England and America suspected Stalin.

Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of England in his ‘Fulton Speech’ on 5 March 1946 said that Soviet Russia was covered by an Iron Curtain. It led Stalin to think deeply. As a result of which suspicion became wider between Soviet Russia and western countries and thus the Cold War took birth.

Causes of the Cold War:

Various causes are responsible for the outbreak of the Cold War. At first, the difference between Soviet Russia and USA led to the Cold War. The United States of America could not tolerate the Communist ideology of Soviet Russia. On the other hand, Russia could not accept the dominance of United States of America upon the other European Countries.

Secondly, the Race of Armament between the two super powers served another cause for the Cold War. After the Second World War, Soviet Russia had increased its military strength which was a threat to the Western Countries. So America started to manufacture the Atom bomb, Hydrogen bomb and other deadly weapons. The other European Countries also participated in this race. So, the whole world was divided into two power blocs and paved the way for the Cold War.

Thirdly, the Ideological Difference was another cause for the Cold War. When Soviet Russia spread Communism, at that time America propagated Capitalism. This propaganda ultimately accelerated the Cold War.

Fourthly, Russian Declaration made another cause for the Cold War. Soviet Russia highlighted Communism in mass-media and encouraged the labour revolution. On the other hand, America helped the Capitalists against the Communism. So it helped to the growth of Cold War.

Fifthly, the Nuclear Programme of America was responsible for another cause for the Cold War. After the bombardment of America on Hiroshima and Nagasaki Soviet Russia got afraid for her existence. So, it also followed the same path to combat America. This led to the growth of Cold War.

Lastly, the Enforcement of Veto by Soviet Russia against the western countries made them to hate Russia. When the western countries put forth any view in the Security Council of the UNO, Soviet Russia immediately opposed it through veto. So western countries became annoyed in Soviet Russia which gave birth to the Cold War.

Various Phases of the Cold War:

The Cold War did not occur in a day. It passed through several phases.

First Phase (1946-1949 ):

In this phase America and Soviet Russia disbelieved each other. America always tried to control the Red Regime in Russia. Without any hesitation Soviet Russia established Communism by destroying democracy in the Poland, Bulgaria, Rumania, Hungery, Yugoslavia and other Eastern European Countries.

In order to reduce Russia’s hegemony, America helped Greece and Turkey by following Truman Doctrine which came into force on 12 March 1947. According to Marshall Plan which was declared on 5 June, 1947 America gave financial assistance to Western European Countries.

In this phase, non withdrawal of army from Iran by Soviet Russia, Berlin blaockade etc. made the cold was more furious. After the formation of NATO in 1949, the Cold War took a halt.

Second Phase (1949-1953 ):

In this phase a treaty was signed between Australia, New Zeland and America in September, 1957 which was known as ANZUS. America also signed a treaty with Japan on 8 September, 1951. At that time by taking armaments from Russia and army from China, North Korea declared war against South Korea.

Then with the help of UNO, America sent military aid to South Korea. However, both North Korea and South Korea signed peace treaty in 1953 and ended the war. In order to reduce the impact of Soviet Communism, America spent a huge amount of dollar in propaganda against Communism. On the other hand, Soviet Russia tried to be equal with America by testing atom bomb.

Third Phase (1953-1957):

Now United States of America formed SEATO in 1954 in order to reduce Soviet Russia’s influence. In 1955 America formed MEDO in Middle East. Within a short span of time, America gave military assistance to 43 countries and formed 3300 military bases around Soviet Russia. At that time, the Vietnamese War started on 1955.

To reduce the American Power, Russia signed WARSAW PACT in 1955. Russia also signed a defence pact with 12 Countries. Germany was divided into Federal Republic of Germany which was under the American control where as German Democratic Republic was under Soviet Russia. In 1957 Soviet Russia included Sphutnick in her defence programme.

In 1953 Stalin died and Khrushchev became the President of Russia. In 1956 an agreement was signed between America and Russia regarding the Suez Crisis. America agreed not to help her allies like England and France. In fact West Asia was saved from a great danger.

Fourth Phase (1957-1962):

In 1959 the Russian President Khrushchev went on a historical tour to America. Both the countries were annoyed for U-2 accident and for Berlin Crisis. In 13 August 1961, Soviet Russia made a Berlin Wall of 25 Kilometres in order to check the immigration from eastern Berlin to Western Berlin. In 1962, Cuba’s Missile Crisis contributed a lot to the cold war.

This incident created an atmosphere of conversation between American President Kenedy and Russian President Khrushchev. America assured Russia that she would not attack Cuba and Russia also withdrew missile station from Cuba.

Fifth Phase (1962-1969 ):

The Fifth Phase which began from 1962 also marked a mutual suspicion between USA and USSR. There was a worldwide concern demanding ban on nuclear weapons. In this period Hot Line was established between the White House and Kremlin. This compelled both the parties to refrain from nuclear war. Inspite of that the Vietnam problem and the Problem in Germany kept Cold War between USA and USSR in fact.

Sixth Phase (1969-1978 ):

This phase commencing from 1969 was marked by DETENTE between USA and USSR- the American President Nixon and Russian President Brezhnev played a vital role for putting an end to the Cold War. The SALT of 1972, the summit Conference on Security’ of 1975 in Helsinki and Belgrade Conference of 1978 brought America and Russia closer.

In 1971, American Foreign Secretary Henry Kissinger paid a secret visit to China to explore the possibilities of reapproachment with China. The American move to convert Diego Garcia into a military base was primarily designed to check the Soviet presence in the Indian Ocean. During the Bangladesh crisis of 1971 and the Egypt-Israel War of 1973 the two super powers extended support to the opposite sides.

Last Phase (1979-1987 ):

In this phase certain changes were noticed in the Cold War. That is why historians call this phase as New Cold War. In 1979, the American President Carter and Russian President Brezhnev signed SALT II. But in 1979 the prospects of mitigating Cold War were marred by sudden development in Afghanistan.

Vietnam (1975), Angola (1976), Ethiopia (1972) and Afghanistan (1979) issues brought success to Russia which was unbearable for America. American President Carter’s Human Rights and Open Diplomacy were criticised by Russia. The SALT II was not ratified by the US Senate. In 1980 America boycotted the Olympic held at Moscow.

In 1983, Russia withdrew from a talk on missile with America. In 1984 Russia boycotted the Olympic game held at Los-Angeles. The Star War of the American President Ronald Regan annoyed Russia. In this way the ‘New Cold War’ between America and Russia continued till 1987.

Result of the Cold War:

The Cold War had far-reaching implications in the international affairs. At first, it gave rise to a fear psychosis which resulted in a mad race for the manufacture of more sophisticated armaments. Various alliances like NATO, SEATO, WARSAW PACT, CENTO, ANZUS etc. were formed only to increase world tension.

Secondly, Cold War rendered the UNO ineffective because both super powers tried to oppose the actions proposed by the opponent. The Korean Crisis, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War etc. were the bright examples in this direction.

Thirdly, due to the Cold War, a Third World was created. A large number of nations of Africa, Asia and Latin America decided to keep away from the military alliances of the two super powers. They liked to remain neutral. So, Non-Alignments Movement became the direct outcome of the Cold War.

Fourthly, Cold War was designed against mankind. The unnecessary expenditure in the armament production created a barrier against the progress of the world and adversely affected a country and prevented improvement in the living standards of the people.

Fifthly, the principle ‘Whole World as a Family’, was shattered on the rock of frustration due to the Cold War. It divided the world into two groups which was not a healthy sign for mankind.

Sixthly, The Cold War created an atmosphere of disbelief among the countries. They questioned among themselves how unsafe were they under Russia or America.

Finally, The Cold War disturbed the World Peace. The alliances and counter-alliances created a disturbing atmosphere. It was a curse for the world. Though Russia and America, being super powers, came forward to solve the international crisis, yet they could not be able to establish a perpetual peace in the world.

Related Articles:

• Essay on the Cold War, 1945
• Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO): Structure, Principles and Other Details
• History of The Cold War: Origin, Reasons and Other Details
• Truman Doctrine: A Policy Statement Made by US during the Cold War

Home — Essay Samples — War — Cold War — Social Effects Of The Cold War

Social Effects of The Cold War

• Categories: Cold War Space Race

About this sample

Words: 654 |

Published: Mar 14, 2024

Words: 654 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: War History

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

6 pages / 2635 words

5 pages / 2483 words

3 pages / 1234 words

8 pages / 3627 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Cold War

Alas, Babylon is a post-apocalyptic novel written by Pat Frank, published in 1959. The story takes place in the fictional town of Fort Repose, Florida, and follows the struggles of the townspeople in the aftermath of a nuclear [...]

The Space Race, a pivotal moment in history that captivated the world's attention and fueled the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, is a topic shrouded in mystery and intrigue. From the launch of Sputnik in [...]

In conclusion, "Where The Domino Fell" offers a comprehensive analysis of the Vietnam War that is both enlightening and accessible. Through its examination of historical context, military strategy, social movements, and [...]

The Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension and ideological rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, dominated the second half of the 20th century. It was a conflict characterized by the absence of direct [...]

During the Cold War, the United States engaged in many aggressive policies both in America and abroad, in pursuance to fight communism and the spread of communist ideologies. Faced with a new challenge and global [...]

The United States’ military is continuously impacted by several factors. Some of these factors include the political parties that are in majority at the time, the beliefs of the current President of the United States, the [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• Testimonials
• How it works
• Paper Writers Team
• Essay Writing Guide
• Free plagiarism checker
• Essay title generator
• Conclusion Generator
• Citation Generator
• Can ChatGPT Write Essays?
• Types of Essays
• Essay Writing Formats
• Essay Topics
• Best Research Paper Topics
• Essays by Subject
• Causes of the Cold War Essay

A GUIDE TO WRITING A CAUSES OF THE COLD WAR ESSAY

Table of contents, what was the cold war, what were the causes of the cold war, writing the causes of the cold war essay, writing the dbq causes of the cold war essay, sample causes of the cold war essays.

A “Cold War” is distinguished from a “hot war,” because actual military actions do not take place between the two or more parties involved, Instead, a cold war is comprised of a series of disagreements, threats, and actions that do not end up with the involved parties taking up military action against one another. 

In modern history, the “Cold War” refers to the conflicts between the Communist and non-Communist powers , of which the U.S. and the Soviet Union were the leaders. While the conflict between the U.S. and the Soviet Union actually began after the Bolshevik Revolution that turned Russia into a Communist country, in 1917, most people agree that these earlier disagreements and hostility were secondary to the events at the end of World War II.

The decisions about how to break up Europe after the defeat of Germany was the subject of the Yalta Conference of 1945 . While Western democracies obviously wanted to promote democracies in countries occupied by Nazi German, Russia wanted to extend its influence and establish Communist regimes in many of those countries. And the biggest issue was Germany – how to plan for the post-war occupation. Ultimately Germany was divided into four occupation zones – British, American, French, and Russian. During the period from 1945-49, Russia established Communist regimes in many Eastern European countries, and, as the other Allies protested, it also closed off critical supply lines for the other Allies to get goods and supplies into their sections of occupied Germany. An allied airlift ensured. 

While Western democracies wanted to promote democracies in countries occupied by Nazi German, Russia wanted to establish Communist regimes.

From this point forward, the Western nations had as their goal the prevention of Communist expansion anywhere in the world. And Russia, with its new Communist China ally, sought to prevent Western countries from preventing their expansionist goals. This led to two hot wars – Korea and Vietnam – as we moved through the 50s and 60s. And of course, there was the Cuban missile crisis of 1962 .

The “competition” extended into space as well , with a race to explore and establish supremacy in that arena.

In 1991, the Soviet Union broke up. While this was the “official” end to the Cold War, there are many who insist that it has really never ended.

Sample Cold War Essay

Writer144311.

Writer144311 has a background in marketing, technology, and business intelligence. S/he enjoys writing about data science, BI, new marketing trends and branding strategies. On TrustMyPaper s/he shares her practical experience through academic writing.

Given the years during which the Cold War was at its height, there were many incidents that could provide great topics for a cold war essay or the causes of the cold war essay.

Best Cold War essay topics:

• Who started the Cold War?
• When did the Cold War actually turn “hot?” What were the results?
• What was the “Red Scare” and how was it manifested in the U.W.?
• How did McCarthyism take hold during the Red Scare and how was it an embarrassing part of our history?
• What were the struggles for the control of undeveloped nations during the Cold War?
• How was the nuclear arms race a part of the Cold War?
• What was the effect of the Cold War on school kids in the 50s?
• What was the Truman Doctrine and how did it influence our behaviors during the Cold War?
• Have recent events signaled the beginning of a new Cold War?

Whether you are given a specific topic by your instructor or are left to your own to choose a topic, your essay will require research – make no mistake about that. You cannot possibly make a case for your thesis statement without factual information. Your Cold War essay introduction must include your thesis statement.

Once you have decided upon a topic, do the research. From that, you will need to develop your thesis statement. What are you trying to show? What question are you answering? Why is it important for your reader to understand what you are presenting? 

Your body paragraphs should be organized in good sequential order, and you will need to craft at least an informal outline so that your essay has a logical flow.

In terms of constructing your Cold War essay, your conclusion must reiterate your thesis statement and how your research has supported that thesis.

There is the other issue of a Cold War DBQ essay (document-based essay) that students may face, especially as they are attempting to gain college credit through their AP high school history courses. Essentially, you will be provided actual documents, such as those from the Yalta Conference of 1945, and be asked to analyze and respond to those documents. Preparation for this essay will be provided by your high school AP history instructor, and it will be important to take all of the advice and practice that you can get when you prepare for this essay requirement.

Certainly, you can find plenty of sample essays on the causes of the Cold War all over the web. You should read and review those essays that relate to your topic choice because you will gain some insights and perhaps some key insights. Be aware, however, that these essays are out there and trying to use them as your own will be a huge mistake. Make your essay your own by crafting it in your own voice, style, and tone.

External links

• Gunnell, N. (2010, November 24).  Main Causes of The Cold War . Bright Hub Education. https://www.brighthubeducation.com/history-homework-help/96727-what-caused-the-cold-war/
• McCammon, E. (2018).  What is a DBQ? The Document-Based Question Explained . Prepscholar.Com. https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-dbq-document-based-question
• AQA A level History - The Cold War in 15 minutes. (2018). [YouTube Video]. In  YouTube . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCYZI_AXAyI

How ready is your essay?

Don`t have an account?

Password recovery instructions have been sent to your email

Back to Log in

•  Order Now

Cold War Causes and Effects

Published Date: 23 Mar 2015 Last Modified: 05 Jul 2017

Disclaimer: This essay has been written and submitted by students and is not an example of our work. Please click this link to view samples of our professional work witten by our professional essay writers . Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssayCompany.

Keywords: cold war cause and effect, cold war reasons

The timing of the Cold War was crucial and one of the most diverse in the recent world history. Not only was it a war of diversity, but a war of great length that lasted about fifty years. What made this time so significant was that the whole world was involved in this war in some way. The world was split into two opposite teams and one minor mistake could have easily resulted in another world war. The Cold War is different from most wars for the simple reason of it was a war that was never actually fought.

The Cold War started because Europe lost power at the end of World War II. This left the Soviet Union and the United States competing for economic and military rule. Both countries believed their policies were the best and ultimately wanted all others to follow. "George Kennan coined the term containment to describe the appropriate American response to dealing with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Ojserkis, 2003: 53)." Containment was a way for the United States to stall the spread of communism and they used this as their main strategy. The United States used both economic and military tactics to ensure their security and influence policies against communism. The Cold War had relatively calm periods but also had periods of high tension. Despite many conflicts, there was never any military force directly between the Socialist and Capitalist. U.S. President Harry S. Truman developed the Truman Doctrine on March 12, 1947. The policy stated that the U.S. would support Turkey and Greece to prevent their fall to communism. "Several circumstances produced this unexpected presidential success in foreign affairs: the appointment of a new Secretary of State; Truman's own leadership-often erratic, but tough in responding to the large issues of foreign policy and national security; and an economic crisis in Europe (Hammond, 1969: 19)."

The Marshall Plan was a program developed by the United States to help aid European Countries after World War II. George C. Marshall was the man with the plan and his efforts for world peace would later be honored by the Nobel Peace Prize. The Marshall plan was also offered to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, but they did not accept it. The United Nations had the role of stopping wars between different countries. The Marshall Plan helped better the lives of many people. "As soon as Congress had authorized the Marshall Plan expenditures for the first year, the Administration, with the cooperation of the Republic leadership in the House and Senate foreign relations committees, began to lay the legislative groundwork for the North Atlantic Treaty (Hammond, 1969: 26)." The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, was created as a result of the Cold War and was designed as a defense mechanism against communism. "Doubtless the Warsaw Pact, multilateral military alliance with a combined command structure, was largely what it appeared to be-a mirror image of NATO (Hammond, 1969: 57)." Russia formed the Warsaw Pact as a comeback to the establishment of NATO. Our membership in NATO today is still necessary for peace among the nations.

After World War II, the Soviet Union strengthened its military power enough that it felt able to challenge the United States in Europe. One major crisis of the Cold War involved the Soviet Union blocking grounds to Berlin in attempt to allow Communist to start supplying fuel and food. The Soviet Union wanted control over the city of Berlin and they thought by cutting off all ground supplies they could do so. Little did they know, the United Kingdom and United States would respond with the Berlin Airlift to reach the people of West Berlin with the supplies they needed. Flights were continued daily for about a year and then the block finally ended. How the United States and their allies overcame the block and helped the people of Berlin would determine their destinies for many years to come. "Although the Berlin blockade undoubtedly increased Cold War tensions and helped foster the environment in which the American arms build-up would later develop, it did not, in itself, lead to any large and long-term strengthening of the U.S. military (Ojserkis, 2003: 23)." The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. As a result of the collapse of the Communist, the Cold War ended. This is what finally gave the United States major military powers.

A war without a fight is difficult to explain. That is what makes the Cold War so unique. This was an expensive war; both sides took hard hits financially and it lasted over four decades. The Cold War probably could not have been avoided since there were too many differences between the United States and Russia. With so many controversies between the leaders it is hard to believe that anything could have been done to have made them see eye to eye.

Our Service Portfolio

• Essay Writing Service
• Dissertation Writing Service
• Assignment Writing Service
• Coursework Writting Service
• Article Writting Service

Want To Place An Order Quickly?

Then shoot us a message on Whatsapp, WeChat or Gmail. We are available 24/7 to assist you.

Do not panic, you are at the right place

Visit Our essay writting help page to get all the details and guidence on availing our assiatance service.

Get 20% Discount, Now £19 £14 / Per Page 14 days delivery time

Our writting assistance service is undoubtedly one of the most affordable writting assistance services and we have highly qualified professionls to help you with your work. So what are you waiting for, click below to order now.

Get An Instant Quote

I DON'T WANT DISCOUNT

Our experts are ready to assist you, call us to get a free quote or order now to get succeed in your academics writing.

Unveiling the Domino Effect: Exploring Cold War Geopolitics

This essay delves into the Domino Effect, a Cold War concept portraying the spread of communism like falling dominos. Originating in post-World War II fears, it profoundly influenced U.S. foreign policy, notably during the Vietnam War. However, the theory’s limitations became evident as history unfolded differently than anticipated, emphasizing the importance of nuanced analysis in understanding global dynamics. The Domino Effect’s demise marked a shift towards a more intricate comprehension of international relations, cautioning against oversimplified geopolitical assumptions.

How it works

In the realm of Cold War geopolitics, the Domino Effect emerged as a concept that deeply influenced the foreign policies of major powers during the mid-20th century. This essay seeks to unravel the origins, applications, and eventual debunking of this intriguing theory, shedding light on its complexities and implications.

The Domino Effect, a metaphorical representation of the spread of communism, gained prominence during the tumultuous years of the Cold War. It posited that if one country in a region fell under communist influence, neighboring nations would inevitably follow suit, akin to dominos toppling in succession.

This metaphorical cascade, particularly associated with Southeast Asia, played a significant role in shaping the strategic calculations of powerful nations, notably the United States.

The roots of the Domino Effect can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II, a period marked by the rise of the Soviet Union as a superpower and the ideological divide between East and West. The fear of communism’s global expansion fueled anxieties in the Western world, giving rise to the notion that the fall of one nation to communism would trigger a chain reaction of similar ideological shifts in neighboring countries.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s articulation of the Domino Effect in the 1950s solidified its place in Cold War rhetoric, shaping subsequent U.S. foreign policy decisions. The belief that preventing the spread of communism was crucial to global stability led to interventions, military engagements, and economic aid programs aimed at containing the perceived threat.

The Vietnam War stands as a stark example of the Domino Effect’s influence on American policy. The commitment of significant resources to prevent the fall of South Vietnam to communism reflected the conviction that allowing one country to succumb to communist forces would set off a chain reaction of similar collapses in the region. However, the outcome of the Vietnam War challenged the validity of this theory.

As history unfolded, the Domino Effect proved to be a flawed conceptualization of geopolitical dynamics. The fall of South Vietnam did not trigger the anticipated domino effect in Southeast Asia, underscoring the limitations of viewing complex international relations through a simplistic lens. Each nation’s unique historical, political, and cultural context played a decisive role in determining its path, debunking the notion of a predetermined ideological cascade.

In retrospect, the Domino Effect serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of oversimplified geopolitical assumptions. While it had a significant impact on shaping policies and military engagements during the Cold War, its failure to accurately predict outcomes highlights the need for nuanced analysis and a deeper understanding of global dynamics. As we reflect on the historical significance of the Domino Effect, it prompts us to approach international relations with humility and a willingness to embrace complexity.

Cite this page

Unveiling the Domino Effect: Exploring Cold War Geopolitics. (2024, Mar 02). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/unveiling-the-domino-effect-exploring-cold-war-geopolitics/

"Unveiling the Domino Effect: Exploring Cold War Geopolitics." PapersOwl.com , 2 Mar 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/unveiling-the-domino-effect-exploring-cold-war-geopolitics/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Unveiling the Domino Effect: Exploring Cold War Geopolitics . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/unveiling-the-domino-effect-exploring-cold-war-geopolitics/ [Accessed: 17 Apr. 2024]

"Unveiling the Domino Effect: Exploring Cold War Geopolitics." PapersOwl.com, Mar 02, 2024. Accessed April 17, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/unveiling-the-domino-effect-exploring-cold-war-geopolitics/

"Unveiling the Domino Effect: Exploring Cold War Geopolitics," PapersOwl.com , 02-Mar-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/unveiling-the-domino-effect-exploring-cold-war-geopolitics/. [Accessed: 17-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Unveiling the Domino Effect: Exploring Cold War Geopolitics . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/unveiling-the-domino-effect-exploring-cold-war-geopolitics/ [Accessed: 17-Apr-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Sample details

• Nuclear Power
• Nuclear weapon

Related Topics

• Just war theory
• Vietnam War
• World War I
• World War II
• Pearl Harbor
• Trench warfare
• War on Terror

Causes and Effects of the Cold War

The cold war was a period characterized by hostility and tension between the Soviet Union and the United States America from 1940’s to 1980’s. It was so called because there was no hot or active war between these two nations. It was just a fear of nuclear escalation. This fear went ahead to initiate the conflicts of the Vietnam and Korea wars.

This war came following an intense rivalry between non communist and communist nations. Cold war was later intensified when US was assumed to be making plots to attack Cuba, which retaliated by consulting USSR for assistance. The factors that led to cold war were all attributed to the end of the Second World War. They included ideological differences, military and political alliances, economic barriers and nuclear weapons (Medhurst, 1997).

ready to help you now

Without paying upfront

In addition to the conflict between communism and capitalism, these two nations developed transient attitudes towards each other. The USSR was very much worried about its security because of series of invasions. The use of atomic bombs by US against Japan made USSR feel it was involved it its attacks and therefore threatened to form its own. These nations engaged in Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles where US tested his in 1952 and USSR in 1955. This arms race turned into a space race where competition in setting up of satellites was pronounced. This was treated by the two nations as an opportunity to compare technological superiority (Medhurst, 1997).

Following this tension, an approximation of $400 million was directed to technical development in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This was made to strengthen and modernize developing world by discouraging it from USSR policies of communism. Out of the same war, western nations and America formed alliances which were made to react against USSR extensions of influence. To show solidarity against USSR, these nations signed North Atlantic Treaty, which provided that if one of the members is attacked, it will be treated as a collective attack. In reaction, Soviet members also formed The Warsaw Pact. The arm race between these two nations led to the wide ownership of nuclear weapons all over the world today. To add on effects of the cold war, the two countries invested heavily upon rebuilding military forces (Medhurst, 1997). They all spend millions and millions of dollars trying to make reforms of the military in a competitive manner.

With view of the above facts, this war was contributed by the Soviets ideology of communism that opposed democracy in America, America’s acquisition of atomic weapons, both countries feared attacks from each other, US suspicions over USSR after taking over Eastern Europe. It is also documented that US president and Soviets leader had personal dislikes. America was also angered by the part of Germany which was occupied by Soviets. Finally, Soviet feared America may use its alliance with Western Europe to attack it.

To generalize the effects, both America and USSR built up large ballistic missiles and atomic weapons, military blocs such as The Warsaw Pact and NATO were formed, led to conflicts between Korean War and Vietnam War, Soviet Union collapsed due to economic challenges, two Germany nations were unified and Berlin wall demolished. Out of the same too, former Soviet republics and Baltic States achieved independence, America became the world’s super power and communism collapsed worldwide (Medhurst, 1997). The above frame of events formed the causes and effects of the cold war.

• Medhurst Martin, 1997. Cold War Rhetoric: Strategy, Metaphor and Ideology. Michigan; Michigan State University

Cite this page

https://graduateway.com/causes-and-effects-of-the-cold-war/

You can get a custom paper by one of our expert writers

Check more samples on your topics

The angolan civil war: a product of the cold war.

            Angola is a country that is often associated with turmoil and strife. This is as a result of its history of violence. The country is however rich in mineral resources such as oil and diamond (Leech 2006 p108). The resources contained within Angola have played a major role in the conflict. Angola’s long time

Causes and Effects The Effects Of Computers On Our Everyday Lives

Computers have changed the lives of people’s in many ways. Now sitting in front of the computer, peoples can easily get access to the Internet by a simple click of mouse. Over the entire world 80 percent of people use the Internet every day. On computer people can simply do anything such as, a slide

The Social Determinants of Health: It’s Time to Consider the Causes of the Causes

Social Determinants Of Health

Problem Statement The community’s health is a focal point currently as a determinant of society’s health. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes social determinants of health as “the settings in which the public is born, develop, live, work, and age” and “are essential motivators of these environments” (Braveman, 2014). These are the dilemmas that we are

IB history outline for Cold War

The reaction of the Soviets with the Molotov Plan and COMMON and their plan to spread communism. Include he Korean war and other wars. Significance: At the end of WI Stalin had the red army spread throughout Germany and Eastern Europe and it made the impression he was rather occupying it than helping it. Stalin

Dbq 22 cold war begins

Therefore, the United States experienced more continuity in her methods of dealing with the threat Of communism. Although the foreign policies during this time period contained many similarities, the policies and tactics relating to the fight against communism had changed from the commencement of the war. During Trauma's presidency, tensions between the Soviet Union and

The Cold War and the Media

The Cold War and the Media When discussing the media coverage in light of what we as Americans know now, I chose the so called “Cold War” era. Although there are many different arguments and views about the actual dates that this era occurred, it can be generally said that it took place from the

Cold War Assignment

I hoped that this time capsule will allow future generations to have an understanding of this period. The four items or events are: Harry Truman Space Race The creation and the destruction of the Berlin Wall Vietnam War Harry Truman Harry S. Truman, was born on 1884 and died on 1972, became the 33rd President

Analysis of Cold War

The Cold War, the lengthiest war that the United States has ever engaged in and a war with limited actual combat, can be comprehended as an escalated dispute between two adjacent nations. It originated from a conflict over the favored building material for their respective yards' fences: wood or metal.One neighbor, President Truman, desired Democracy,

A Turning Point in The Cold War

High strung tensions of a possible nuclear war were a major fear portrayed throughout the Cold War. Cooperation between Americans and Soviets seemed inconceivable and many believed the constant conflict would never end. When relations looked like a turn for the worst, a monumental change occurred in 1985. Mikhail Gorbachev became the new leader of

Hi, my name is Amy 👋

In case you can't find a relevant example, our professional writers are ready to help you write a unique paper. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best match.