A Cold War

The Cold War was characterized by mutual distrust, suspicion, and

misunderstandings by both the United States and the Soviet Union, and their allies. At

times, these conditions increased the likelihood of a third world war. The United States

accused the Soviet Union of seeking to expand Communism throughout the world. The

Soviets, meanwhile, charged the United States with practicing imperialism and with

attempting to stop revolutionary activity in other countries. Though the Cold War did not

begin until the end of World War II, in 1945, relations between the United States and the

Soviet Union had been strained since 1917. In that year, a revolution in Russia

established a Communist dictatorship there. In 1941, during World War II, Germany

attacked the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union then joined the Western Allies in fighting

Germany. For a time early in 1945, it seemed possible that a lasting friendship might

develop between the United States and the Soviet Union based on their wartime

cooperation.However, major differences continued to exist between the two, particularly

with regard to Eastern Europe. As a result of these differences, the United States adopted

a "get tough" policy toward the Soviet Union after the war ended. The Soviets responded

by accusing the United States and the other capitalist allies of the West of seeking to

encircle the Soviet Union so they could eventually overthrow its Communist form of

government. During the late 1940's and the 1950's, the Cold War became increasingly

tense. Each side accused the other of wanting to rule the world. Each side believed its

political and economic systems were better than the other's. Each strengthened its armed

forces. Both sides viewed the Cold War as a dispute between right and wrong. They saw

every revolt and every international incident