Understanding the Cold War: Conflicts and Global Impact
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The Cold War
The Cold War was a model of international relations that developed after World War II. It was based on antagonism between the blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union. These powers engaged in a long confrontation, stopping short of direct military conflict between the two superpowers. Instead, they participated in an extensive arms race and adopted belligerent stances. The tension between the blocs also led to the use of espionage, propaganda, and other 'dirty tricks', justified as necessary to defend against the opposing bloc.
Conflicts of the Cold War
Korean War
At the end of World War II, Korea was divided, with the North occupied by Soviet troops and the South by American forces. Despite an agreement to establish a single state, Korea was divided into two states in 1949 after the withdrawal of occupying forces. In 1950, North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea. The United States, under the banner of the UN, intervened to defend South Korea. The conflict ended in 1953 with the Panmunjom Armistice, which solidified the division of Korea into two entities.
Vietnam War
In French Indochina, the communist Viet Minh forces proclaimed independence in 1945. France opposed this, initiating a war. The Viet Minh had Soviet support, while the French colonial army was supported by the U.S. The war ended in 1954, resulting in the division of Vietnam: North Vietnam, led by a communist government, and South Vietnam, with a pro-Western regime. After the French withdrawal, the United States sent military support to prevent the reunification of South Vietnam under communist rule. The war ended in 1975 with the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the unification of Vietnam.
Cuban Missile Crisis
In 1959, a revolutionary regime led by Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba, which the U.S. never accepted. The peak of tension occurred in 1962 when the Soviet Union threatened to install nuclear missiles on the island. The U.S. responded by ordering a naval blockade.