Cold War (1945-1991)
U.S./Soviet Comparison
Mr. Doherty / Mrs. T
The Cold War

A battle for influence around the world
between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
U.S.

Government
Soviet Union
Democracy (people
have a say)

Communism (people
do not have a say)
U.S.

Economy
Soviet Union
Free Enterprise/capitalism  Socialist (gov’t
(private ownership)
controls everything)
U.S.

Leader
Soviet Union
President (8 years)

Dictator (No limit)
U.S.

NATO
Alliance
Soviet Union

Warsaw Pact
U.S.

Spread Democracy
Goal

Soviet Union
Spread Communism
“Iron Curtain”

Barrier that cut off Eastern Europe from
the rest of the world
Satellite Nations

Nation that is dominated politically &
economically by a more powerful nation.
Containment

Truman’s plan to keep Soviet influence
contained within existing boundaries.
Truman Doctrine

Truman’s plan to help nations threatened
by communist expansion.
 Greece and Turkey
Marshall Plan

Provide assistance to any nation threatened by
communism  Stalin objected.