Why was the period following World War II termed the "Cold War"?
History · High School · Sun Jan 24 2021
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- The period following World War II was termed the "Cold War" because it was characterized by a state of geopolitical tension and ideological conflict between the two emerging superpowers of the time, the United States and the Soviet Union, but without direct large-scale fighting between the two. Instead, the struggle manifested through proxy wars, espionage, propaganda, a race for technological and military supremacy (including the nuclear arms race), and various forms of political and economic coercion.
- The term "Cold War" captures the fact that while the conflict was intense and pervasive, it did not escalate into a full-scale "hot war," primarily because both sides feared the potentially catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare.
- As a result, the United States and the Soviet Union, while preparing and maintaining the capability for war, engaged in a variety of indirect means to exert influence and gain an advantage over the other side, supporting allied nations and movements, competing in space exploration, and engaging in extensive intelligence activities.