Watch The Cold War

The Cold War from HISTORY Vault is an insightful and comprehensive series that explores the rivalry of two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, from the end of World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The show provides viewers with an in-depth look at the political, diplomatic, military, and social aspects of the Cold War, which defined the latter half of the 20th century.

The series is divided into six episodes, each of which covers a specific period in the Cold War timeline. Episode one, titled "Origins," examines the aftermath of World War II, the rise of communism, and the nuclear arms race. The episode delves into the tension and mistrust between the US and the Soviet Union, and the impact of the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis on the relationship between the two countries.

Episode two, "Dangerous Games," looks at the proxy wars that were fought between the US and the Soviet Union, such as the Vietnam War and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The episode also explores the role of espionage and intelligence gathering during the Cold War era.

Episode three, "Brinkmanship," examines the height of the Cold War, when the world was on the brink of nuclear war. The episode discusses the arms race, the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, which nearly led to a devastating conflict.

Episode four, "Divided States," focuses on the impact of the Cold War on American society, such as the rise of anti-communist hysteria, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War protests. The episode also looks at the Soviet Union's crackdown on dissidents and the pressure that the Cold War put on other countries, particularly those in the developing world.

Episode five, "Thaw," explores the period of détente that emerged in the 1970s, when the US and the Soviet Union sought to ease tensions and reduce the risk of nuclear war. The episode discusses the arms control agreements that were made, including the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT), and the impact of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan on the relationship between the two superpowers.

The final episode, "Endgame," focuses on the events that led to the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. The episode discusses the economic challenges that the Soviet Union faced, the role of Mikhail Gorbachev in attempting to reform the country, and the impact of the arms race on the Soviet economy. The episode also looks at the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, which marked the end of the Cold War.

Throughout the series, viewers are provided with insightful commentary from leading historians, experts, and Cold War veterans, who provide unique perspectives on the events and issues that shaped the era. The show also features a wealth of archival footage, including news clips, speeches, and propaganda films, which help to bring the era to life.

In summary, The Cold War from HISTORY Vault is a gripping and informative series that provides viewers with a comprehensive look at one of the most significant periods in modern history. The show explores the political, military, social, and cultural aspects of the Cold War, and provides valuable insights into the events and issues that defined the era. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this transformative period, The Cold War from HISTORY Vault is a must-watch series.

The Cold War is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between and on HISTORY Vault