The Cold War

Did you expect the Cold War to become such an active conflict without any real military combat? In this topic, you learned that the Cold War was a competition for power between the United States and the Soviet Union. It lasted from the end of World War II until the collapse of the Soviet Union. Each country tried to promote its fundamental values, and created nuclear weapons to increase its power. In addition, the Soviet Union used spies like Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs to steal information, and help the communist country develop nuclear weapons more quickly. When the spies were caught, Americans’ fear of communism and nuclear war escalated. Some politicians, like Senator Joseph McCarthy, tried to gain political power by honing in on these fears. The situation only seemed worse because the government had students practice nuclear attack drills, and encouraged citizens to build bomb shelters. The Cold War prompted foreign policy to become an important issue in every presidential election during the Cold War. However, in the midst of these fears, Virginia’s economy benefited from the increase in military spending during this time period, including sites like the Norfolk Naval Base, in front of which you can see Terrance standing in the image on the left.

It is time for you to get ready for your last stop on this quest. You will explore the policy of containment, and how it led to the Korean War, and the development of NATO.