Cold War: A Brief History
For more than forty years, the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union directly threatened each other with nuclear weapons. This period of time is referred to as The Cold War. This section explores the major events of this period including; the development of the hydrogen bomb, the nuclear arms race, détente, nuclear proliferation and the nuclear world after the end of the Cold War.
Part I: The Beginnings of the Cold War
The Cold War emerges between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Part II: Under the Thermonuclear Shadow
The superpowers race to develop the more powerful hydrogen bomb.
Part III: The Nuclear Club Grows
Britain, France and China develop nuclear-weapons and join the "Nuclear Club"
Part IV: At the Brink
For 13 days, the superpowers stand at the nuclear brink during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Part V: Hope & Fear
The superpowers seek to control the nuclear arms race and nuclear testing.
Part VI: Nuclear Dangers
The nuclear arms race resumes, and the world learns the dangers of nuclear power.
Part VII: The End of the Cold War
The fall of Berlin Wall signals the end of the Cold War, but soon new nuclear dangers emerge.