The Cold War

This book provides a concise analysis of relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the whole period of the Cold War from 1945 to 1991. It explains the rise of the two superpowers immediately after World War II. The author describes the growing confrontation between East and West in Europe dating from the announcement of the Truman Doctrine in 1949 to the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. Full attention is paid to the extension of the conflict beyond Europe. The analysis covers superpower relations in the 1970s and the developments of the 1980s that led to the end of the Cold War. Preface.

Outline Chronology.

1. Beginning of the Cold War.

2. Stalemate in Europe.

3. Conflict in Asia.

4. Revolution in the Third World.

5. Detente.

6. End of the Cold War.

Guide to Further Reading.

Bibliography.

Abbreviations.

Index.

Joseph Smith is Reader in American Diplomatic History at the University of Exeter. He has previously taught at the College of William & Mary and the University of Denver. He is General Editor of the Historical Association Studies series. This book provides a concise and up-to-date analysis of relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the whole period of the Cold War from 1945 to 1991.

The author explains the rise of the two superpowers immediately after World War II and discusses the historical controversy over the origins of the Cold War. He describes the growing confrontation between East and West in Europe dating from the announcement of the Truman Doctrine in 1949 to the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961.

The analysis includes coverage of the extension of the conflict beyond Europe to China, Korea, and Vietnam and also to the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The author highlights the role of Nixon and Kissinger in an examination of the rise and fall of detente during the 1970s. He explains, too, how superpower relations were dramatically altered during the 1980s by the impact of Reagan and Gorbachev. Finally, the book offers an assessment of the reasons for the sudden ending of the Cold War and its final outcome.