The Cold War

Ages 13 to 17 Read alone · about 45 minutes

Read together

From about 1947 to 1991, the United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence without fighting each other directly. Their allies fought wars in places such as Korea and Vietnam.

The Soviet Union ended in December 1991.

Do it

1. Draw a timeline with: 1947 (Truman Doctrine), 1949 (NATO), 1961 (Berlin Wall), 1962 (Cuban Missile Crisis), 1989 (Wall opened), 1991.
2. Find a local connection: a family member who lived through it, or a church that was affected.
3. Read how some churches were persecuted in communist states while others worked with governments.
4. Write a paragraph on how fear and propaganda shaped both sides.

Talk about it

• Why did the world fear nuclear war?
• How did ordinary people live under each system?

For the grown-up

The Cold War shaped many countries, including the Philippines (martial law, US bases) and many Eastern European churches. Interpretations of its causes are debated. Present several views, and note that people on all sides suffered. Older relatives may have strong memories; invite them to share.

Mark as done

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Where this comes from

• Gaddis, J. L., The Cold War: A New History (Penguin Press, 2005)
• Westad, O. A., The Cold War: A World History (Basic Books, 2017)
• Cuban Missile Crisis documents, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. Please read it before sharing it with a child.