OpenStax
Open Stax: Post War Prosperity and Cold War Fears 1945 1960: The Cold War
Examines the causes of the Cold War, America's efforts to oppose the spread of Communism, and the hunt for Communist sympathizers within the United States.
Digital History
Digital History: The Cold War
A concise resource presenting the origins of the Cold War.
History of American Wars
History of American Wars: Cold War Timeline: 1945 1991
An extensive timeline examining the causes and events of the Cold War. It is preceded by several paragraphs discussing the shifting relations between the United States and Russia in the lead-up to the Cold War. The timeline begins in...
San Diego State University
World History for Us All: Two Big Powers and Their Cold War 1945 1990 [Pdf]
After completing this unit, students will be able to describe major differences in the political ideologies of the United States and the Soviet Union, explain the causes of the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, and explain how...
Other
Nearpod: The Vietnam War: Introduction to the Causes
In this lesson about the Vietnam War, students will understand the motivations behind the United States joining the conflict in Vietnam. This lesson will also discuss the role of the Cold War and communism on US policy.
US Department of State
Office of the Historian: The Cuban Missile Crisis, October 1962
This site gives a clear, succinct look at the Cuban Missile Crisis, its causes, and the results. See how direct and indirect communication between President Kennedy and Soviet leader, Nikita Khruschev, resolved this potentially horrific...
A&E Television
History.com: What Caused the Korean War and Why Did the Us Get Involved?
The Korean War (1950-1953) was the first military action of the Cold War. It was sparked by the June 25, 1950 invasion of South Korea by 75,000 members of the North Korean People's Army. The line they crossed, the 38th parallel, was...
Ducksters
Ducksters: The Cold War for Kids: Red Scare
Kids learn the history of the Red Scare during the Cold War. A fear of communism caused black lists and accusations led by Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Scholastic
Scholastic News: Cold War
This site takes a look at the events and causes that led up to the Cold War as well as one of the key events of the war: the Soviets gaining nuclear power in 1949. The article also details that events that followed the Soviets' discovery...
US Department of State
U.s. Department of State: Decades of Change: 1960 1980
Summary of the rise of cultural and ethnic pluralism that took place in America between 1960 -1980 causing major social change. Included were such movements as civil rights, women, Latino, Native-American, counterculture,...
Other
Nuclearfiles.org: 20 Mishaps and Possible Nuclear War
Read summaries of 20 accidents that moved the United States and USSR dangerously close to "mutually assured destruction" and nuclear war during the Cold War. A chilling reminder of the constant threat faced by all during that period of...
Other
Landscape Change Program: History and Impact of the Interstate Highway System
Read about the reasons behind Federal Highway Act, which resulted in the interstate highway system. Find out about the contruction of the highways, and the cultural impact caused by such highways bypassing so many towns throughout the...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Korean War
A quick overview of the Korean War, its causes, outcome, and its role in the Cold War.
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 8: An Age of Confidence and Anxiety
This extensive learning module examines the United States' response to the global uncertainty and instability that followed World War II and the ways that marginalized groups challenged discrimination, and the counter-responses to their...