12. What was the Cold War? What exactly made it "Cold"? Why was it never "hot"? (Answer every part of the question) (5 points) *
https://www.ducksters.com/history/cold_war/summary.php
The Cold War was a conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. It wasn't really a war, and if it were a hot war military soldiers would be sent to attack the Soviet Union physically with tanks and guns. Hope this answers your question brook and others who has the same question about the Cold War.
The Cold War was a period of political tension and hostility between the United States and the Soviet Union, lasting from the end of World War II in 1945 until the early 1990s. It was called the "Cold" War because it primarily involved indirect conflicts, propaganda, and the threat of nuclear warfare, rather than direct military engagement.
What made it "Cold"?:
1. Ideological Differences: The Cold War was fueled by ideological differences between the capitalist system of the United States and its allies, and the communist system of the Soviet Union and its allies. The two superpowers distrusted each other's intentions and sought to spread their own ideologies globally.
2. Arms Race: A significant aspect of the Cold War was the arms race, with both superpowers constantly developing and stockpiling nuclear weapons. The threat of nuclear war created a sense of "coldness" as it resulted in a constant fear of mutual destruction without actual military confrontation.
3. Proxy Wars: Instead of engaging in direct military action against each other, the United States and the Soviet Union fought through "proxy wars" in various parts of the world. Proxy wars involved supporting opposing factions in conflicts, such as the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Soviet-Afghan War. These conflicts allowed the superpowers to exert influence and expand their ideologies without directly fighting each other.
Why was it never "hot"?:
The Cold War never escalated into a full-blown "hot" war primarily due to the doctrine of nuclear deterrence. The United States and the Soviet Union possessed massive arsenals of nuclear weapons, which served as a deterrent against launching a full-scale war. The concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD) meant that any major conflict between the superpowers would likely result in catastrophic consequences for both sides.
Additionally, both superpowers understood the potential consequences of a nuclear war, given the destructive power of these weapons. This awareness, along with diplomatic efforts and negotiations, helped to maintain a delicate balance of power and prevent direct military confrontation between the two sides.
In summary, the Cold War was a period of tension and hostility between the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by ideological differences, the arms race, and proxy wars. It was considered "Cold" because it involved indirect conflicts and the threat of nuclear war, but it never became "hot" due to the doctrine of nuclear deterrence and the awareness of the catastrophic consequences of a direct military confrontation.