The Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States along with their respective allies, dominated much of the second half of the 20th century. It was characterized by political maneuvering, military confrontations, and ideological clashes but avoided outright warfare between the two superpowers. Understanding why this tension thawed and led to the Cold War's conclusion is crucial as it reshaped global relations and ended decades of high-stakes rivalry. There are several reasons for the end of the Cold War. Your examination of this period reveals key elements such as the economic stagnation of the Soviet Union, which made competition with the United States unsustainable. Leadership changes also played a significant role, with figures like Mikhail Gorbachev implementing reforms that inadvertently hastened the collapse of the Soviet bloc. Meanwhile, popular uprisings across Eastern Europe, empowered by a combination of new freedoms … [Read more...]