THE COLD WAR

THE ORIGINS OF THE WAR

• The superpowers tried to dominate recovering countries through financial aid.
• Europe divided into two blocs: U.S. dependent and U.S.S.R. dependent.
• Germany was divided between the Allies and the iron curtain went up.
• U.S. began a containment policy to restrict communist influence.
• NATO and the Warsaw Pact stockpiled nuclear weapons to be military superior.

Why is it called the Cold War?

The Cold War almost never involved direct fighting-- it was an ideological struggle.

CAPITALISM VS. COMMUNISM

• Capitalism relies on competition and results in a few amassing wealth
• Communism involves redistributing wealth and private property
• Capitalism has no government interference unless necessary
• Communism is run by the government
• Communism gives everyone a set wage despite how hard they work

SOVIET RESPONSE TO CONTAINMENT

• Supported wars of national liberation
• Tried to obtain military parity with the U.S.
• Exerted more influence on Eastern Europe

THE KITCHEN DEBATE

• Demonstrated deep rift between Soviet and U.S. ideology
• Showcased U.S. belief in domestic containment and traditional family life
• Clarified Soviet ideology concerning working women
• Showed each side that the other leader was human