1. The Cold War 1945-1991

2. Some Facts about the Cold War It was between the two Superpowers; the US and the Soviet Union. It lasts from 1945-1991. It is called a COLD war becasue the two countries never actually go to war with one another they compete for control of other countries, nuclear weapons, and technological advancements--such as space exploration. The US adopted a policy of containment: a commitment to stop the spread of communism to other nations. One way the US practiced containment was to provide aid (money) to war torn countries to provide stability so people would choose democratic over communist governments. The Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, and Eisenhower Doctrine were all ways of giving aid to foreign nations. Another way to enforce containment was through physical war--Both the Vietnam and Korean War were a result of the US trying to stop the spread of communism.

3. THE COLD WAR Ways to Prevent the Spread of Communism 1945—The Creation of the United Nations The United Nations was created as an international organization to deal with world problems. It was the predecessor to the League of Nations, but stronger because it had a military. 1947—The Truman Doctrine President Truman wanted to prevent the spread of Communism to nations struggling with rebuilding after the war. He extended US aid to Greece and Turkey. The success of this will lead the US to continue to give money to foreign nations. 1947—The Policy of Containment The US adopted a policy of containment. This policy was the idea that the US would not try to end communism where it already existed but to stop the spread of it by any means necessary. The US attempted to “contain” communism throughout the second half of the 20th century. 1948—The Marshall Plan The US offered money to any country in Europe to help them rebuild following World War II. This was to help prevent the depressions that followed World War I and to prevent countries from choosing communist governments. The program was VERY successful.