The Soviet Union and the Cold War

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Bolshevik

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Led by Vladimir Lenin, they seized power in the October Revolution of 1917 and became the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

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Bourgeoisie

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In Marxist theory, this refers to the capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and means of production. It stands in contrast to the proletariat (working class).

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Capitalism

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An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state. Key characteristics include private property, free markets, and competition.

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Cold War

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A state of political and military tension after World War II between the United States and the Soviet Union. It was characterized by an arms race, and proxy wars.

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Containment

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A geopolitical strategy pursued by the United States during the Cold War to prevent the spread of communism abroad by providing aid to anti-communist forces and establishing alliances.

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Cuban Missile Crisis

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A 13-day confrontation in October 1962 between the United States and the Soviet Union over the installation of Soviet nuclear missiles just 90 miles from U.S. shores.

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Cultural Revolution

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A sociopolitical movement in China from 1966 until 1976, launched by Mao Zedong to preserve true Communist ideology in the country by purging Mao’s political enemies with the support of young radicals called the Red Guard.

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Détente

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The easing of strained relations between the United States and the Soviet Union through negotiations and agreements, particularly in arms control.

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Five-Year Plan

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A series of nationwide centralized economic programs in the Soviet Union and other communist states aimed to rapidly industrialize and collectivize agriculture.

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Glasnost and Perestroika

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Reform policies introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union in the late 1980s to reduce censorship and introduce elements of market-based reforms.