The Cold War

The Cold War lasted from 1947 to 1991. It was a fight between the United States and the Soviet Union. They never actually went to war with each other. Instead, they competed in many ways. They built weapons, spied on each other, and raced to space.

Two Different Sides

The United States believed in democracy and free markets. The Soviet Union believed in communism, where the government runs everything. These two ideas clashed after World War II. The world split into sides that supported each country.

A War Without Fighting

The Cold War was called 'cold' because the two countries never fought directly. But they built lots of nuclear weapons that could destroy the world. They also helped different sides in smaller wars. The Cold War ended when the Soviet Union broke apart in 1991.

Fun Facts

• Both sides had enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world many times over.
• Spies used many tricks, like hiding messages in shoes or buttons.
• The Cold War caused a huge increase in science and technology.

Did You Know?

During the Cold War, American kids practiced 'duck and cover' drills in case of a bomb attack.