Answer:
The Cold War was a period of intense geopolitical tension and ideological rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, which lasted roughly from the end of World War II in 1945 to the early 1990s. Several feelings and attitudes contributed to the beginning of the Cold War and its continuation. Here are some of the key factors:
1. Ideological Differences: The fundamental ideological differences between the capitalist and democratic principles embraced by the United States and its allies, and the communist ideology espoused by the Soviet Union, played a significant role in fueling the Cold War. The clash between these two opposing systems created a deep-seated sense of mistrust and hostility.
2. World War II Legacy: Despite being wartime allies, tensions emerged between the United States and the Soviet Union during World War II. Differences arose over the division of Europe and conflicting visions for the post-war world order. The legacy of suspicion and competition that developed during the war laid the groundwork for the subsequent Cold War.
3. Nuclear Arms Race: The development of nuclear weapons by both the United States and the Soviet Union escalated the rivalry and heightened the fear of a catastrophic global conflict. The possession of nuclear weapons created a dangerous balance of power, often referred to as "mutually assured destruction" (MAD), wherein both sides possessed enough firepower to annihilate each other, thus acting as a deterrent to direct military confrontation but also perpetuating a state of tension and fear.
4. Proxy Wars and Competition: The United States and the Soviet Union engaged in proxy wars, supporting opposing sides in conflicts around the world. Examples include the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and conflicts in Africa and Latin America. These proxy wars were fueled by the desire to expand influence, spread ideological systems, and maintain a strategic balance of power.
5. Spy Networks and Espionage: The Cold War witnessed extensive espionage and intelligence operations on both sides. The fear of infiltration and subversion led to an atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia. High-profile cases like the Soviet spy rings in the United States (such as the Rosenbergs) and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's covert operations contributed to an atmosphere of mutual distrust and hostility.
6. Propaganda and Information Warfare: Both superpowers engaged in extensive propaganda campaigns to influence public opinion, both domestically and internationally. Each side sought to portray itself as morally superior and the other as a threat to freedom and democracy. This propaganda war deepened divisions and reinforced negative perceptions, making reconciliation more challenging.
7. Economic Competition: The United States and the Soviet Union also engaged in economic competition, striving to demonstrate the superiority of their respective economic systems. The United States emphasized the virtues of capitalism and free markets, while the Soviet Union sought to showcase the achievements of planned economies. Economic competition further fueled tensions and contributed to the ideological divide.
These various feelings and attitudes combined to create a complex web of distrust, fear, and competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. The resulting Cold War had a profound impact on global politics, shaping alliances, conflicts, and the balance of power for decades.