From 1945 to 1991, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a “Cold War” that had a major impact on the entire world. A Cold War is defined as a conflict in which two or more nations act as if they are at war with each other although an actual war never actually breaks out between these nations (hence the name “cold”, the war actually doesn’t “heat” up). Examples of how a nation can “act” as if it is at war without actually going to war include spending a lot of money to build up your military or forming alliances with nations that are on your side of the conflict. During this time period, these two former allies were engaged in an intense conflict that involved many forms of competition. The three most important types of competition included: Power and Influence Around the Globe (Imperialism!) - Both the US and the Soviet Union wanted to be the dominant superpower and sought to spread their influence in nations all over the world. As a result of this competition, the Cold War did lead to actual real wars that are usually called “proxy wars”. These wars would generally involve one of the two major powers (US or Soviet Union) directly engaging in real war with another nation in order to spread their influence. Again, the Cold War title still holds in that these “proxy wars” never involved the US and Soviet Union going to war directly with each other (Vietnam War, Korean War). Ideological Conflict (My way of life is better than your way of life.) - The US and Soviet Union also engaged in a competition to see whose system of society was preferred. The US obviously represented the strong belief in capitalism, the notion that the government should have as little control over the economy as possible in order to allow for complete economic freedom. This economic system also embraced the strong belief in representative democracy. Whereas, the Soviet Union was the first nation to adopt a communist model where the totalitarian government is given complete control over the economy in order to establish a truly equal society where everyone gets their fair share. Throughout the Cold War, both nations used propaganda to wage an ideological war in order to prove to the rest of the world that their system was the ideal system. Technological Conflict (Nuclear Arms Race = Kaboom = End of World!) - The US and Soviet Union also competed in areas of science and technology. They both wanted to be seen as the most advanced nation in the world. The nuclear arms race that occurred between the two nations serves as the best example of this competition.

1. Based on the reading, what BEST explains why these two allies (US and Soviet Union) were unable to find a way to work through their differences?

2.Of the three types of competitions mentioned in the reading, which do you see as being most significant? Make sure you explain your answer.​