Social Science · Class 12
History: Cold War
Learn History: Cold War with notes, examples, and practice questions.
4 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples
Chapter Overview
The Cold War (1947–1991) was ideological and geopolitical rivalry between USA and USSR — nuclear arms race, proxy wars, NATO vs Warsaw Pact, and eventual collapse of Soviet Union.
Origins
- WWII allies become rivals
- Capitalism vs communism
- Iron Curtain — Churchill 1946
- Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan; Cominform response
Crises and Proxy Wars
- Berlin Blockade 1948–49; Berlin Wall 1961
- Korean War, Vietnam War, Soviet-Afghan War
- Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 — nuclear brinkmanship
- Non-Aligned Movement — Nehru, Nasser, Tito
End of Cold War
- Gorbachev — glasnost and perestroika
- Fall of Berlin Wall 1989
- USSR dissolved 1991
- USA as sole superpower; new global challenges
Solved Examples
Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.
NATO
What was NATO and why was it formed?
- 1North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 1949
- 2Western military alliance against Soviet expansion
Answer
Western collective defence pact against USSR
NAM
What did Non-Aligned Movement stand for?
- 1Not joining either superpower bloc
- 2Sovereignty and development for Third World
Answer
Independent foreign policy outside US-USSR rivalry
Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Cold War avoided direct US-USSR war
- ✓ Nuclear deterrence shaped strategy
- ✓ Proxy wars devastated many regions
- ✓ NAM gave voice to developing countries
Exam Tips
- • Timeline Cold War 1947–1991
- • Causes of Cuban Missile Crisis
- • Role of India in NAM
Practice MCQs — History: Cold War
Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.
Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0
Cold War between: