The Cold War, 1945-1992

Catalog description

Examines the superpower rivalry and American anticommunism from the origins of the Cold War after World War II through to the election of William Jefferson Clinton. Students will examine the most important events, ideas and personalities and address key historical debates on topics including the origins of the Cold War; the development of atomic and nuclear weapons; McCarthyism; the expansion of the Cold War beyond Europe; race and gender relations; the growth of the “imperial presidency,” human rights, dissent, sexuality, neoconservatism, and the end of the Cold War. The course will also give detailed attention to Cold War crises-including the Korean War, the Taiwan Strait, Berlin, Cuba and Vietnam- and their impact on American domestic society. The seminar shall comprise an inquiry of period literature. Note: Offered as required.