The Cold War?

Question

Explain at least one factor from each of the five decades of the 1940s-80's that perpetuated the Cold War.

Answer 1

1940's  The Marshall Plan kept west Berlin and the countries devastated by war in W. Europe from falling into the hands of the communists.

1950's Korean War US and NATO vs, N. Korea & China, a cease fire was called no peace treaty was ever signed, a state of war still exists between the two Koreas.

1960's Space race, Cuban missile crisis, Bay of Pigs, Vietnam war. The Soviets attempt to spread their idealogy through spontaneous revolution (Lenin) while the US does their best to prevent the spread. The US also fight a costly war in Vietnam that dras on into the 1970's.

1970's El Salvador guerilla war, Nicaragua and the assassination of Somoza.  The SALT treaties, Detante.

1980's  Grenada, Soviet/Afghan War. Star Wars. A US initiative to shoot down Soviet missiles in space.