Cold War Intimidation Tactics

The Cold War, which lasted from 1945 to 1991, was a time of extreme tensions and conflict between the United States of America and the Soviet Union. The Cold War gained its name due to the fact that though both countries built up their armies, seemingly in preparation for war, neither one directly confronted each. The differences in markets, governments, and general culture allowed tense relations between the two competing superpowers as each attempted to increase their sphere of influence. As a result, this conflict kept the world on the edge of war for those forty six years. The beginning of the Cold War was due to conflicting ideologies and goals, and was fought with nuclear technology and the use of intimidation tactics. The loss of a common enemy, Hitler and the rise of Nazism, led to an increase of tension and power struggles which set off the Cold War. The United States of America did not …show more content…
The use of intimidation was very significant in the Cold War. As each side was unable and unwilling to attack one another, intimidation was their nonphysical weapon against one another in an attempt to make their opponent retreat. This strategy weakens the opponent from the inside out, by breeding fear, paranoia, and mistrust within its own core. For instance, in a speech by Soviet Premier Khrushchev he condemns American capitalism saying, “Capitalism will find its grave in another world war…” His indirect threat widens permits fear and doubt to enter any American citizen’s mind. Additionally, the formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact are attempts to intimidate one another. With the involvement of other countries to back one side or the other, it strengthens their chances of seeming more dangerous and “bigger”. They are attempting to display their control and power by showing off their connections and support to one up the