Conflicting ideologies of capitalism and communism

The Cold War was fueled by the opposing ideologies of capitalism and communism

Disagreements over the reconstruction of the post-World War II world

The fate of Germany

The post-World War II disagreements between the US and Soviet Union were exacerbated by conflicting views on the fate of Germany

Spread of communism and American containment efforts

The spread of communism and US containment efforts through policies like the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan heightened tensions between the superpowers

Berlin Blockade and Airlift

The Berlin Blockade and Airlift in 1948-1949 were key events in the Cold War, highlighting the division between East and West

Proxy wars and interventions

Korean War

The Korean War was a proxy conflict between the US and Soviet Union, with lasting impacts on the region

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a result of US and Soviet involvement in the region, causing devastation and political unrest

Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear war and led to efforts to reduce tensions between the superpowers

Arms race and strategic arms limitation treaties

The arms race and subsequent strategic arms limitation treaties were key components of détente between the US and Soviet Union

Economic and political factors leading to the Soviet Union's decline

Introduction of glasnost and perestroika

The introduction of glasnost and perestroika by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev allowed for more openness and restructuring, ultimately leading to the Soviet Union's collapse

Costly war in Afghanistan

The costly war in Afghanistan was a contributing factor to the Soviet Union's decline in the late 1980s

Symbolic events marking the end of the Cold War

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War and the global competition between capitalism and communism