1. The Cold War(1945 – 1991)

2. What was the Cold War? The Cold War: a period of tension, threats, and competition between communist nations led by the Soviet Union and anti-communist nations led by the U.S. The Cold war began at the end of WWII in 1945 and ended with the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 The U.S. and the Soviet Union never attacked each other

3. The Superpowers The United States Government: democratic republic Economic System: capitalism (free-enterprise) Cold War Goal: wanted to stop the spread of communism The Soviet Union (U.S.S.R.) Government: totalitarian dictatorship Economic System: communism Cold War Goal: wanted to spread communism throughout the world

4. Communism Classless society No rich, middle class, or poor All wealth is distributed evenly among the people No ownership of private property All property is owned by the government Economy strictly controlled by government All farms, factories, mines, etc. are government run Individuals can’t earn profit from businesses Prices and wages are set by the government Government decides what and how much to produce

5. Capitalism Free-enterprise: economy is free from government control Individuals are allowed to own property Businesses are privately owned and operated for profit Economy is driven by competition Businesses compete for profits Workers compete for wages Pay is usually based on productivity and skill level A market economy Wages are negotiated at the workplace Prices are negotiated in the marketplace Society is divided into classes Rich, middle class, poor

6. Cold War Alliances