Cold War proxy wars notes

What is a proxy war?

A conflict where two opposing countries support rival factions instead of fighting directly.

Vietnam War

A conflict from 1955 to 1975 where the US supported South Vietnam against North Vietnam, backed by the USSR.

Korean War

Fought from 1950 to 1953, North Korea (USSR) invaded South Korea (US), leading to US intervention.

True or false: The US and USSR fought directly in proxy wars.

False, because they supported other countries instead of engaging in direct battles.

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 1962 standoff where the US discovered Soviet missiles in Cuba, escalating Cold War tensions.

Difference between Vietnam and Korean War

Vietnam was a long guerrilla conflict; Korea was a rapid invasion with direct military involvement.

Fill in the blank: The US supported _______ in the Vietnam War.

South Vietnam

Afghanistan War (1979-1989)

A Soviet invasion opposed by US-backed mujahideen fighters, highlighting Cold War tensions.

What was the Iron Curtain?

A term describing the division between Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe and the West.

True or false: Proxy wars were only fought in Asia.

False, because proxy wars occurred in regions like Africa and Latin America too.

Suez Crisis

A 1956 conflict where Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, leading to intervention by Britain, France, and Israel.

What is the significance of the Cold War?

It shaped global relations and conflicts for decades, influencing politics, economics, and military strategies.

True or false: The Cold War ended with the Vietnam War.

False, because the Cold War continued until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

What were the Domino Theory fears?

The belief that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow in a 'domino effect.'