## TL;DR

The Cold War (1947-1991) was a geopolitical struggle between the United States and Soviet Union — ideological (capitalism vs. communism), nuclear arms race, proxy wars, space race. No direct military conflict between the superpowers. Ended with the dissolution of the USSR in December 1991.

## Core Explanation

Key moments: Berlin Blockade (1948-49), Korean War (1950-53), Cuban Missile Crisis (1962, closest to nuclear war), Vietnam War (1955-75), Soviet-Afghan War (1979-89), Berlin Wall falls (1989), USSR dissolution (1991). NATO vs. Warsaw Pact. MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) nuclear doctrine. Space Race: Sputnik (1957) → Moon landing (1969).

## Further Reading

- [The Cold War: A New History (John Lewis Gaddis)](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/256540/the-cold-war-by-john-lewis-gaddis/)