Proxy Wars
Conflicts that result from two opponents fighting each other through a third nations battleground, instead of directly fighting each other (the Cold War with USSR and USA fighting on Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan soil)
Korean War
North Korea invaded South Korea, by crossing the border (38th parallel.) The USA wanted to involve themselves and stop communism. Eventually NK pulled out of SK and the containment of communism was successful
Vietnam War
A war characterized by guerilla warfare, civilian bombings (napalm and agent orange), dense jungles, and telivization. The US entered into the war due to the policy of containment but received little support from their country. Overall, containment was unsuccessful in this case.
Afghanistan
The USSR invaded Afghanistan to expand their sphere of influence. The U.S attempted to stop this expansion by supplying weapons to the soldiers. This ended in successful containment
United Nations
Composed of the general assembly and the security council which had 5 permanent members (U.S, France, Russia, Britain, and China)
Events that ended the Cold War
When Mikhail Gorbachev announced the elimination of nuclear weapons and the Soviet withdrew troops from Afghanistan. The fall of the Berlin Wall also signified this
Glasnost
A policy of openness and political freedom, brought about by Gorbachev which gave citizens the ability to dissent and hold their govt accountable.
Perestroika
The restructuring of the communist economic system and political system, which created a free market economy and multiparty political system
Mikhail Gorbachev
Soviet leader who wanted to preserve Marxist ideals (a communist)
