This second edition has been updated to take account of recent historical research into the period, including up-to-date interpretations relating to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The major issues surrounding the origins of the Cold War and its subsequent escalation into a global power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, are examined through an accessible narrative and comprehensive selection of sources. The author also provides an analysis of the extent to which the Cold War had an impact on America's political institutions and society. The revised study guides provide a firm basis for answering differentiated source-based and extended writing questions.

This second edition has been updated to take account of recent historical research into the period, including up-to-date interpretations relating to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The major issues surrounding the origins of the Cold War and its subsequent escalation into a global power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, are examined through an accessible narrative and comprehensive selection of sources. The author also provides an analysis of the extent to which the Cold War had an impact on Americaa s political institutions and society. The revised study guides provide a firm basis for answering differentiated source-based and extended writing questions.

Discusses that "political and ideological struggle waged by the Soviet Union and the United States ... from the end of World War II to the signing of the nuclear test ban treaty."

Mason provides concise coverage of the entire Cold War, paying particular attention to the Soviet-American dimension. This pamphlet: * Analyzes the origins of the conflict * Examines how the existence of nuclear weapons gives a unique character to the period * Discusses the involvement of other nations and regions, particularly China * Explains how and why the cold war ended * Draws on recent research of revisionist scholars.