Soon after World War II, a new kind of struggle developed. As the Soviet Union sought to expand its influence around the world, the United States tried to protect non-communist governments. Both superpowers built many atomic weapons. Tensions during the Cold War, as the conflict became known, led to several crises and military conflicts. However, Soviet and American forces never faced each other directly in battle.

For more than 40 years, the Cold War divided the world into opposing camps. This state of tensions continued until the 1990s, when the breakup of the Soviet Union brought an end to the Cold War.

Additional Activities

• "Why Study History?" Activity: Have students use the Internet to study the process of conflict resolution. (See Teacher's Edition, page 774.)
  
  
• Check out the Student Internet Activities, which focus on the impact of the Vietnam War on Americans and Eastern Europe since the fall of communism.
  
  

Section 1: The Nation Faces a Cold War

Section 2: The Cold War Heats Up

Section 3: Cold War Battlegrounds

Section 4: The Vietnam War

Section 5: The End of the Cold War