Define the term “Cold War”. Why were both the Soviet Union and the United States fearful of starting an outright war with each other? Detail one event or situation that brought both sides close to nuclear war. (Ex. Cuban Missile Crisis)
http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/cold-war-history
Both countries had more than enough nuclear weapons to destroy the whole world and all of its people.
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1961-1968/cuban-missile-crisis
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The term "Cold War" refers to the political tension and military rivalry between the Soviet Union (USSR) and the United States after World War II, which lasted approximately from 1947 to 1991. It was called a "cold" war because it didn't involve direct military conflict between the two superpowers but rather was characterized by proxy wars, espionage, nuclear arms race, and ideological competition.
Both the Soviet Union and the United States were fearful of starting an outright war with each other due to several reasons. First, both countries possessed significant nuclear arsenals that could cause immense destruction and loss of life. The destructive power of nuclear weapons made the idea of a direct war between the two superpowers potentially catastrophic, leading to a mutual fear of the consequences of engaging in full-scale conflict.
Second, both the USSR and the US were aware of the concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD). This theory held that if one side launched nuclear strikes, the other would retaliate, resulting in the total annihilation of both countries. This understanding created a sense of mutual restraint and deterrence, preventing either side from initiating a full-scale war.
One event that brought both sides dangerously close to nuclear war was the Cuban Missile Crisis. In October 1962, the US discovered that the Soviet Union was secretly installing nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles off the coast of Florida. This discovery heightened tensions, sparking a standoff between the two superpowers.
The crisis escalated as the US imposed a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent further missile shipments, while demanding the removal of the existing missiles. The situation became extremely tense, with both sides preparing for a potential conflict. President John F. Kennedy and his advisors considered military options, including airstrikes and a potential invasion of Cuba. The world held its breath as the crisis unfolded.
Eventually, through intense diplomatic negotiations and a series of secret exchanges, the US and the USSR managed to defuse the situation. They reached an agreement whereby the US publicly declared not to invade Cuba, and the USSR agreed to remove its missiles from the island. This event highlighted the dangers of nuclear brinkmanship and served as a catalyst for improved communication and de-escalation between the two superpowers.
In summary, the term "Cold War" refers to the political and military rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States. Both sides were fearful of starting an outright war due to the destructive power of nuclear weapons, the concept of mutually assured destruction, and the catastrophic consequences that would result from a direct conflict. The Cuban Missile Crisis was one event that brought the superpowers dangerously close to nuclear war, highlighting the need for diplomacy and the importance of avoiding escalations in times of tension.