With WWII at an end, the world soon faced a new challenge widely known as the Cold War. In 24 episodes, this series chronicles this war of ideologies, from its inception in the late '40s until the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. some 40 years later. With Europe and Japan absorbed in rebuilding their cities and economies, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the world's superpowers and standard bearers for incompatible political philosophies. Capitalism or Communism: The line was drawn in the sand. This episode examines the escalating nuclear arms race between the superpowers. It details the new concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD), the idea that the world will be safe if both sides have similar capacities to destroy the other, because no one will want to "push the button."
by Rose of Sharon Winter
synopsis
