Introduction: Why the Cold War Matters in APUSH
The Cold War (1945–1991) is one of the most tested periods on the AP U.S. History Exam. It shaped U.S. foreign and domestic policy for nearly half a century. Understanding major events, policies, and themes will help you succeed on multiple-choice, SAQs, DBQs, and LEQs.
This guide walks you through the essential Cold War events and how to connect them to APUSH exam questions.
Step 1: The Origins of the Cold War (1945–1950)
- Yalta Conference (1945): Post-WWII meeting of FDR, Churchill, Stalin → tensions over Eastern Europe.
- Iron Curtain Speech (1946): Winston Churchill warns of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe.
- Truman Doctrine (1947): U.S. promises to support nations resisting communism (Greece & Turkey).
- Marshall Plan (1948): Economic aid to rebuild Western Europe, preventing communist spread.
- Berlin Blockade/Airlift (1948–1949): First major Cold War conflict; U.S. & allies supply West Berlin by air.
- NATO formed (1949): Military alliance against Soviet threat.
Step 2: Escalation and Containment (1950s)
- Korean War (1950–1953): U.S. fights under UN flag to contain communism; ends in stalemate.
- McCarthyism (1950–1954): Domestic “Red Scare” → fear of communist infiltration.
- Eisenhower Doctrine (1957): U.S. pledges aid to Middle Eastern nations threatened by communism.
- Sputnik (1957): Soviet satellite launch sparks U.S. investment in science, space race, and education.
Step 3: Height of the Cold War (1960s)
- Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961): Failed CIA-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro in Cuba.
- Berlin Wall built (1961): Physical symbol of Cold War division.
- Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): Closest the world came to nuclear war; U.S. blockade forces Soviet retreat.
- Vietnam War escalates (1964–1968): U.S. involvement increases after Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.
Step 4: Détente and Shifts (1970s)
- Nixon visits China (1972): Opens diplomatic relations, weakens Soviet influence.
- SALT I (1972): U.S. and USSR agree to limit nuclear weapons.
- End of Vietnam War (1975): U.S. withdraws; South Vietnam falls to communism.
- Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979): Ends détente, sparks U.S. boycott of 1980 Olympics.
Step 5: End of the Cold War (1980s–1991)
- Reagan Doctrine (1980s): U.S. supports anti-communist movements worldwide.
- Strategic Defense Initiative (1983): “Star Wars” missile defense proposal.
- Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989): Symbolic end of Cold War division.
- Collapse of the USSR (1991): Official end of the Cold War.
Step 6: Themes and Connections for APUSH Essays
Cold War events tie into several APUSH themes:
- American Identity: Patriotism and anti-communism reshaped politics.
- Foreign Policy: From isolationism → global leadership role.
- Domestic Policy: Red Scare, military spending, education reforms.
- Civil Rights: Cold War pressure made U.S. leaders address racial inequality to look better globally.
👉 RevisionDojo connects these themes with practice DBQs to help you apply events in essays.
Cold War Events to Memorize for APUSH
- 1947: Truman Doctrine
- 1948–1949: Berlin Airlift
- 1950–1953: Korean War
- 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis
- 1964–1975: Vietnam War
- 1972: Nixon visits China
- 1989: Fall of Berlin Wall
- 1991: Collapse of USSR
Exam Tips for Cold War Questions
- Multiple Choice: Expect chronology-based questions (e.g., Which happened first?).
- SAQs: Explain containment using examples like Truman Doctrine or Marshall Plan.
- DBQs: Focus on U.S. foreign policy and domestic effects.
- LEQs: Compare Cold War to earlier U.S. foreign policies (e.g., Monroe Doctrine).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to know exact dates for Cold War events in APUSH?
Not all — focus on turning points and sequences.
2. How does the Cold War connect to domestic policy?
It fueled McCarthyism, defense spending, and reforms in education/science.
3. What’s the most important Cold War event to know?
The Cuban Missile Crisis — it highlights U.S. foreign policy, containment, and nuclear tension.
4. How do I practice Cold War essays?
Use RevisionDojo’s DBQ essay bank and timed drills.
5. Could the Cold War appear on APUSH LEQs?
Yes — often in questions about foreign policy, containment, or U.S. global leadership.
