Country Studies US
Country Studies: Latvia the Soviet Period
This article details the occupation of Latvia by the Soviet Union following World War II and during the Cold War.
Federation of American Scientists
Fas: Soviet Union Security Concerns
This article examines the Soviet Union's concerns about its sphere of influence during the Cold War and its desire to protect its interests.
Digital History
Digital History: The Dealth of Stalin and the Cold War
In March 1953, Joseph Stalin, who had ruled the Soviet Union since 1928, died at the age of 73. His feared minister of internal affairs, Lavrenti Pavlovich Beria, was subsequently shot for treason. Nikita Khrushchev then became first...
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: Economic Policy
A great overview of the economic policies implemented in the Soviet Union between 1917 and 1985. Describes collectivization, economic priorities, successes, and failures. Readers will come away with a sound understanding of Soviet...
ibiblio
Ibiblio: Soviet Archives Exhibit
This ibiblio.org exhibit discusses in detail the history of the Soviet Union. The site is grouped into two main categories with several sub-headings. One is Internal Workings of the Soviet System including: Repression and Terror: Stalin...
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Finland: Cold War and the Treaty of 1948
This article details the state of affairs in Finland during the Cold War.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: The Presidency and the Cold War: Richard M. Nixon
The National Portrait Gallery explores the actions of presidents in regard to the Cold War. Read about the so-called anti-Communist warrior, Richard M. Nixon, and his opening of relations with Communist China. Watch Nixon's speech about...
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Cuba and the United States
Site is an Online NewsHour report on the relations between Cuba and the U.S. Trade, trade embargo, life in Cuba, Cuban Missile Crisis, and many more topics are discussed.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: The Khrushchev Era
This article surveys Soviet Union and its leader Nikita Khrushchev, who eventually wielded virtually supreme power after the death of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in 1953.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: Economic Planning and Control
A very comprehensive look at the centrally planned economy of Russia. Examines how such an economy functions and the priorities set forth by government and government control.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Truman: Foreign Affairs
This site gives a great overview of the early Cold War under President Truman. Describes relations with the Soviet Union, the atomic bomb, actions in western Europe, and the Korean War. A great piece that gives the reader a fantastic...
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev
Biographical account of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev, reformer of the Soviet Union. Includes information regarding Gorbachev's ascension to power with the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and his role in reducing the Cold War...
Curated OER
Cbc.ca: Comfort and Fear Cold War Canada
Following the end of WW11, relations between the Soviet Union and the USA turned hostile and negative. Canada quickly became involved in the Cold War. An overview of this period of spying, propaganda, communist paranoia, and even...
BBC
Bbc: News: Collapse of the Ussr 10 Years On
Extensive information about the collapse of the USSR. Includes an interactive timeline from 1985 through 1991, an interactive map of the countries of the USSR with country profiles and timelines, eyewitness accounts of the collapse of...
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum: Soviet Arms Buildup in Cuba
An audio recording of a speech given to Americans by John F. Kennedy on October 22, 1962 where he talks about the buildup of Soviet military power in Cuba. A transcript is also provided. [17:37]
National Archives (UK)
Nalc: Cold War
The tension between Great Britain, United States, and the Soviet Union at end of World War II is surveyed with an excellent presentation with many links and images, a time line, glossary, and archive.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Cold War Erupts
World War II ended in 1945 and the Cold War began immediately. Read about the mistrust Western Europe and the United States felt towards the Soviet Union and Joseph Stalin. Learn how the Soviets expanded their realm of influence and...
Marxists Internet Archive
Marxists Internet Archive: Communism
Taken directly from the writing of Marx, Engels and Lenin, this entry from the Marxists Internet Archive also includes explanation of the quotations. Very detailed, it will require some sophistication on the part of the reader. Gives an...
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Russia the Economy Historical Background
This economic history of the Soviet Union examines the eras of Lenin and Stalin and postwar policy under Khrushchev, Brezhnev, and the reform period of Gorbachev.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: 1989 the Walls Came Tumbling Down
Explains and details the events that led up to and followed the downfall of Communism in Eastern Europe. Very thorough and detailed, including information about leaders, movements, and historical information.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: East Germany: The Soviet Military Administration
This site describes how The Soviet Military Administration in Germany ran Eastern Germany after WWII. Describes disarmament, the Communist Party, and anti-Nazism. Site is brief but informative.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: The Polish People's Republic
This article discusses the Soviet Union's influence in Poland following World War II and during the Cold War.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: The Berlin Airlift
A comprehensive overview of the Berlin Airlift provides links to maps, timelines, and other resources. The entire film is not available at this time, however, a short clip can be viewed. Coverage of the Chocolate Pilot and the support by...
Other
Jewish News: Gorbachev, Shamir Mark Decade of Soviet Aliyah
This article provides insight into religious persecution in the former Soviet Union and Gorbachev's efforts to curb intolerance.