After World War 2, tensions rose between the capitalist United States and communist Soviet Union as they emerged as the two dominant superpowers. They engaged in a Cold War characterized by espionage, proxy wars, and an arms race as each sought to spread their influence and contain the other. Key events included the Berlin Airlift, Cuban Missile Crisis, and space race, though the two sides never directly fought each other.

1. An overview of the Cold War How can a war be ‘cold’? What were the Hotspots of the Cold War?

11. The Iron Curtain

14. Truman Doctrine

17. Berlin Blockade (1948-1949)

18. Berlin Blockade (1948-1949)

19. The Berlin Wall 1961

27. The Korean War 1950-1953

28. The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962

29. The Vietnam War c.1963-1975