Eastern BlocCold War coalition of communist states
Soviet UnionThe Soviet Union, officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), was a transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from its formation in 1922 until its dissolution in 1991. It was the world's third-most populous country, the largest by area, and bordered twelve other countries.
Western BlocThe Western Bloc, also known as the Capitalist Bloc, the Freedom Bloc, the Free Bloc, and the American Bloc, was an unofficial coalition of countries that were officially allied with the United States during the Cold War (1947–1991).
United StatesCountry primarily in North AmericaThe United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic consisting of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 contiguous states border Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with the semi-exclave of Alaska in the northwest and the archipelago of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean.
Aftermath of World War IIEvents after the end of the war in 1945View of the defendants in the dock at the International Military Tribunal trial of war criminals in Nuremberg, Bavaria.The aftermath of World War II saw the rise of two global superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union.
CommunismCommunism (from Latin'common, universal') is a political and economicideology whose goal is the creation of a communist society, a socioeconomic classless order centered on common ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange that allocates products in society based on need. A communist society entails the absence of private property and social classes, and ultimately money and the state.
Dissolution of the Soviet Union1988–1991 breakup of the sovereign state862–1240: Ancient Rus'Rurik • Baptism of Rus' • Russkaya Pravda • Council of Liubech • Council of Uvetichi • Mongol conquest1240–1547: Appanage RussiaBlack Death • Battle of Kulikovo • MuscoviteCivil War • Great Stand on the Ugra River • Sudebnik of 14971547–1917: Tsarist RussiaTime of Troubles • Zemsky Sobor • Treaty ofNystad • Petrovian reforms • Patriotic War • Decembrist Revolt • Emancipation reform • Russo-Japanese War • 1905 Revolution • October Manifesto • Second Patriotic War1917–1922: Russian RevolutionFebruary Revolution • Provisional Government • Dvoyevlastiye • July Days • Kornilov affair • Directorate • Constituent Assembly (election) • Bolshevik Coup • Civil War • White Guard • Red Army • Soviet-Polish War • PriamuryeGovt.
SuperpowerPolitical entities with extensive influence Possible extant superpowers, or entities having the potential to become one in the near future—supported in varying degrees by academics United States China European Union India RussiaA superpower is a sovereign state or supranational union that holds a dominant position characterized by the ability to exert influence and project power on a global scale.
Cold war (term)A cold war is a state of conflict between nations that does not involve direct military action but is pursued primarily through economic and political actions, propaganda, acts of espionage or proxy wars waged by surrogates. This term is most commonly used to refer to the American–Soviet Cold War of 1947–1991. The surrogates are typically states that are satellites of the conflicting nations, i.e., nations allied to them or under their political influence.
CapitalismCapitalism is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and its use for the purpose of obtaining profit. This socioeconomic system has developed historically in several stages and is defined by a number of constituent elements: private property, profit motive, capital accumulation, competitive markets, commodification, wage labor, and an emphasis on innovation and economic growth.
World War IIGlobal conflict from 1939 to 1945BelligerentsAlliesAxisCommanders and leadersMain Allied leaders: Joseph StalinFranklin D. RooseveltWinston ChurchillChiang Kai-shekMain Axis leaders: Adolf HitlerHirohitoBenito MussoliniCasualties and losses 60–75 million deaths (military and civilian) World War II, or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945), was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers.
GeopoliticsGeopolitics (from Ancient Greek γῆ gê 'earth, land' and πολιτική politikḗ 'politics') is the study of the effects of Earth's geography on politics and international relations.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.