Vocabulary
Cold War
The competition
developed after
WWII between the
US and the Soviet
Union for power
and influence in
the world, lasting
until the collapse
of the Soviet
Union in 1991.
Containment
American policy of
resisting further
expansion of
communism
around the world.
Brinkmanship
A 1956 term used
by secretary of
state John Dulles
to describe a
policy of risking
war in order to
protect national
interests.
Satellite Nations
A country dominated politically and
economically by another nation, especially the
Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Iron Curtain
Term coined by Winston Churchill to describe
the division between Communist and Non
Communist life.
NATO
(North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
1949 alliance of nations that agreed to band
together in the event of war and to support
and protect each nation involved.
Collective Security
The principle of mutual military assistance
among nations.
Korean War
Conflict over the future of the Korean peninsula,
fought between 1950 and 1953 and ending in
a stalemate.
Military-Industrial Complex
The military establishment as it developed links
to corporate and scientific communities,
employing 3.5 million Americans by 1960.
38th Parallel
Latitude line that
divided North and
South Korea at
approximately the
midpoint of the
peninsula.
Deterrence
The policy of making the military power of the
US and its allies so strong that no enemy
would attack for fear of retaliation.
Arms Race
A contest
between
nations to
gain weapons
superiority.
ICBM
Intercontinental ballistic missile long range
rockets that carry hydrogen bombs.
Sputnik
The first artificial
satellite to orbit
Earth, launched by the
Soviets in
1957.