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8.1 The Cold War from 1945 to 1980

Part of Period 8: 1945–1980 in AP® US History. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

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The Cold War emerged after World War II as the United States and the Soviet Union, once allies against fascism, became rivals in shaping the postwar world. The conflict stemmed from opposing ideologies: capitalism versus communism. Each side sought to expand its influence globally.

In this unit

13 lessons

  1. 8.1The Cold War from 1945 to 1980This lesson
  2. 8.2The Red ScarePreview lesson
  3. 8.3Economy after 1945Preview lesson
  4. 8.4Culture after 1945Preview lesson
  5. 8.5Early Steps in the Civil Rights Movement (1940s and 1950s)Open lesson
  6. 8.6America as a World PowerOpen lesson
  7. 8.7The Vietnam WarOpen lesson
  8. 8.8The Great SocietyOpen lesson
  9. 8.9The African American Civil Rights Movement (1960s)Open lesson
  10. 8.10The Expansion of the Civil Rights MovementOpen lesson
  11. 8.11Youth Culture of the 1960sOpen lesson
  12. 8.12The Environment and Natural Resources from 1968 to 1980Open lesson
  13. 8.13Society in TransitionOpen lesson

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