The open conflict that came about in between our planet's two super powers, the USSR and the United States was viewed as the lengthiest non-conflict engagement conflict of all time. It was called the Cold War. The 2 sides both had respective allies; the NATO lead USA controlling Western Europe while the Warsaw Pact driven through the Soviet Union governing the Eastern side of Europe.
The undoing of the USSR in 1991 ended this conflict that started just after World War II ended in 1945. Throughout this period there was hardly any real military contact from either side hence the use of the word 'cold'. Yet all through the Vietnam and Korean Wars, although the Cold War was there, some shots were fired; albeit indirectly.
The moment Japan and Nazi armies were conquered in World War Two, which meant the two dominating powers, the USA and the Soviet Union were left in opposition. They both had different types of economies along with the types of government. The Soviet Union operated a Communist government while the US ran a capitalist system and as a consequence of conflict of interest, this descended into direct opposition.
Let alone unite; both ideologies never saw face to face. The Cold War worsened even more because the Communist beliefs being propagated were reactions to the Capitalists' policies. After the fall of the Third Reich, the USSR held a free reign in Europe with its Allies controlling the many areas that bordered the USSR to the West.
The Iron Curtain appeared when Europe was split. Soviet ideologies and invasion along with actual enlargement further prompted concern and insecurity in the West. After the implementation of the Truman Doctrine, the West assured military aid and monetary support to any nations which resisted Communism. In the early 60's Europe was forcefully divided into two blocks. This made it a potential battlefield for looming World War III and atomic warfare. Eventually the Cold War had spread out around the planet with little countries being sucked in, generating an even greater split globally.
The undoing of the USSR in 1991 ended this conflict that started just after World War II ended in 1945. Throughout this period there was hardly any real military contact from either side hence the use of the word 'cold'. Yet all through the Vietnam and Korean Wars, although the Cold War was there, some shots were fired; albeit indirectly.
The moment Japan and Nazi armies were conquered in World War Two, which meant the two dominating powers, the USA and the Soviet Union were left in opposition. They both had different types of economies along with the types of government. The Soviet Union operated a Communist government while the US ran a capitalist system and as a consequence of conflict of interest, this descended into direct opposition.
Let alone unite; both ideologies never saw face to face. The Cold War worsened even more because the Communist beliefs being propagated were reactions to the Capitalists' policies. After the fall of the Third Reich, the USSR held a free reign in Europe with its Allies controlling the many areas that bordered the USSR to the West.
The Iron Curtain appeared when Europe was split. Soviet ideologies and invasion along with actual enlargement further prompted concern and insecurity in the West. After the implementation of the Truman Doctrine, the West assured military aid and monetary support to any nations which resisted Communism. In the early 60's Europe was forcefully divided into two blocks. This made it a potential battlefield for looming World War III and atomic warfare. Eventually the Cold War had spread out around the planet with little countries being sucked in, generating an even greater split globally.
About the Author:
The stand-off between NATO and the Warsaw PACT for the second part of the last century was commonly called the Cold War.. Free reprint available from: The Origins Of The Cold War.