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. In this episode, the drama turns to the United States, where fear of Communism led to the Red-baiting of the McCarthy era. It details the loyalty oaths and investigations by the House Committee Un-American Activities. Also included in this episode is the death of Stalin in the Soviet Union. It shows how the Soviet people mourned their leader, even though he was responsible for the deaths of more than 20 million of his own people in the Communist purges.
by Rose of Sharon Winter
synopsis
