The Beginner's Guide to the Cold War from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

History of the cold war and of world events 1945-1990s
We'll engage with the fascinating human stories of this time period

We'll explore world-changing events, changes which still impact us today... and some of the weirder moments of the cold war

History of the cold war and of world events 1945-1990s
We'll engage with the fascinating human stories of this time period
We'll explore world-changing events, changes which still impact us today... and some of the weirder moments of the cold war

Syllabus

How did the cold war begin? To answer that, we'll go back in time to explore the development of the two competing ideologies of the old War era: Liberal Democracy and Communism.

In this video, we'll consider some of our taken-for-granted assumptions about the modern world, preview the course and highlight some of the big (and weird) events we'll be exploring.

Let's break it down as much as possible before we dive into all the details... what exactly was the Cold War?

We all recognize the name, but what exactly is the ideology of Communism?

How and why did Karl Marx develop his ideas, and what about them were so appealing to so many people in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?

Communism may have haunted Europe in Marx's day, but at the start of the Cold War there is a new spectre which will haunt the entire world...

How does it feel to one day be a normal politician... and the next day to be given the power to destroy the world? Harry Truman knows...

Winston Churchill signals the beginning of the Cold War with a famous speech... and an even more famous phrase.

A sneaky and decisive move from Stalin quickly becomes a propaganda nightmare as the Western allies show they are willing to defend the people of a broken, battered and blockaded Berlin.

Ever hear of the time American planes bombed Berlin... with candy? Now you have.

Nightmare news for the Western Allies as the world's most populous nation becomes Communist

Ever wonder why there's a North and South Korea? How about the time an America general asked for permission to drop 26 atomic bombs on the Korea-China border?

The USSR gains a new leader - a man who never finished school but was a master at making mincemeat of anyone who thought thy could take him down.

We will... outlast you? Cold Wars are hard enough, without the added difficulty of not being able to understand one another.

And just like that, Communism wasn't on the other side of the world from America... it was above them.

We celebrate humanity's first two space travelers, as the USSR takes a huge lead in the Space Race

How did the most enduing symbol of the Cold War come about - and how did it feel to be caught on the other side from your family?

Aiming to catch up to the Soviets in the Space Race, a brand new president sets an almost unbelievably ambitious goal...

Fidel Castro cements his grip on Cuba, the CIA is embarrassed... and JFK learns a valuable lesson about not trusting your military advisors.

They're eyeball to eyeball... which superpower will blink?

The world's two superpowers continue to face off with their fingers hovering over the big red button which will mean the end of civilization

Whew. That was close. Just how close? Well, let's just say we owe a big thank you to a guy named Vasili Arkhipov.

The British Invasion brings four young men from Liverpool to the USA - and western society is never the same again.

Not everyone was wrapped upon the societal revolution. Some doubled down on what it means to be American... and we still see this huge divide in society to this day.

I take pride in the words... I am a doughnut?

What do you do when the world changes in the blink of an eye? They say everyone remembers where they were when they heard Kennedy had been shot... go and ask your grandparents!

Moon landing hoax? Nope!

JFK Conspiracy? Hmmm....

Frederick Douglas said: If there is no struggle, there is no progress. We'll explore the two great struggles of 1960s America: The Civil Rights movement, and the Vietnam War.

"Three hundred years of deprivation, humiliation and abuse cannot be expected to find voice in a whisper."

A terrible war in South East Asia leads to Americans questioning their fundamental values - and sees society divided even further.

Ever have one of these days where everything seems to happen at once? 1968 was like that for the Cold War.

Even as they land on the Moon, America must come to terms with losing the Vietnam War.

Tricky Dicky lives up to his name... and destroys the American peoples trust in politics while he's at it.

We revisit Nixon's biggest diplomatic coup... and Jimmy Carter said WHAT?

A sudden event changes the landscape of the Middle East... and sets the stage for conflicts that will take place after the end of the Cold War.

The USSR invades Afghanistan. Big mistake. It has that nickname for a reason, you know...

Rhetoric, soundbites, great hair and astrology... let's study one of the most fascinating characters of the later years of the Cold War.

A new Polish political movement - and a new Pope - spells trouble for the USSR.

So exactly how close have we come to totally blowing ourselves up? Probably don't watch this one just before trying to sleep...

As America enjoys military and economic superiority, the USSR slowly begins to fall apart

Reagan had a simple message for Gorbachev... and an East German spokesman called Gunter Schabowski seemed to be listening.

Did the triumph of Liberal Democracy and Capitalism signal the end of historical developments? Some people think so.

Or did the end of the Cold War signal the start of a darker new period... a Clash of Civilizations?

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the human stories behind the Cold War, offering a more relatable and engaging perspective on historical events

Examines the development of Liberal Democracy and Communism, which are essential concepts for understanding 20th-century history

Covers the Korean War, which is often overlooked but was a significant armed conflict during the Cold War era

Discusses the Cuban Missile Crisis, a pivotal moment that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war

Analyzes the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting their impact on American society during the Cold War

Explores the end of the Cold War and its aftermath, including the rise of America as an undisputed world superpower

Reviews summary

Accessible & engaging cold war history

According to learners, this course offers a highly engaging and accessible introduction to the complex history of the Cold War. Students particularly appreciate the instructor's ability to weave fascinating narratives and personal stories into the historical timeline, making the material relatable and memorable. The course is described as an excellent starting point for beginners, providing a solid foundational overview of key events and ideologies. Some feedback suggests that while the course provides a broad understanding, those seeking in-depth academic analysis or specific details may find it somewhat introductory and might need supplementary resources.

Highlights quirky and personal aspects as promised.

"Loved how the course included the 'weird' moments and human stories mentioned in the description."

"The focus on human impact and lesser-known anecdotes made the history much more relatable and interesting."

"It's not just dates and battles; the human element was really well integrated."

"Exploring the personal experiences of people during the Cold War was a highlight."

Reviewers often praise the instructor's engaging and unique delivery.

"The instructor is fantastic - knowledgeable, passionate, and has a great sense of humor."

"His lecturing style is very energetic and keeps you hooked."

"The unique perspective and informal tone of the instructor made learning fun."

"Really enjoyed the lecturer's approach; it wasn't like a dry academic lecture."

Provides a clear, easy-to-understand foundation for newcomers.

"As someone with no prior knowledge of the Cold War, this course was the perfect starting point."

"It breaks down complex events and ideologies into understandable chunks, ideal for beginners."

"This is truly a beginner's guide - it assumes no prior knowledge and builds understanding logically."

"Recommended for anyone wanting to get a grip on the basics of this historical period."

The instructor's narrative approach makes history come alive.

"The way the lecturer tells the story, weaving in human elements and anecdotes, makes the history incredibly engaging."

"I found the storytelling aspect really helped me connect with the material instead of just memorizing dates."

"The instructor has a knack for making potentially dry history feel like a compelling narrative."

"The personal stories mentioned really brought the events into perspective for me."

Covers many topics but may lack deep academic detail.

"While comprehensive in scope, it sometimes felt like it skimmed over certain complex topics without diving deep."

"It's a great overview, but if you're looking for scholarly analysis, you might need other sources."

"The course covers a lot of ground, which is good for a beginner, but means less detail on any single event."

"I felt like some quizzes covered material not fully elaborated on in the lectures, requiring external research."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Beginner's Guide to the Cold War with these activities:

Review World War II History

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Solidify your understanding of the historical context leading up to the Cold War. Understanding the alliances and ideological clashes of WWII provides a crucial foundation for grasping the Cold War's origins.

Browse courses on World War II

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Review key events and figures.
Study the major alliances and their goals.
Examine the aftermath of WWII and its impact on global power dynamics.

Review 'The Cold War: A New History' by John Lewis Gaddis

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Gain a deeper understanding of the Cold War's complexities. This book offers a balanced perspective and draws on newly available sources.

View After Victory: Institutions, Strategic... on Amazon

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Read the book, taking notes on key events and figures.
Reflect on the author's interpretation of the Cold War.
Compare the book's perspective with the course materials.

Create a Timeline of Key Cold War Events

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Reinforce your understanding of the Cold War's chronology. Creating a timeline helps visualize the sequence of events and their relationships.

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Identify the major events of the Cold War.
Arrange the events chronologically on a timeline.
Add brief descriptions of each event.
Share your timeline with classmates for feedback.

Three other activities

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Review 'One Minute to Midnight: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War' by Michael Dobbs

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Deepen your understanding of the Cuban Missile Crisis. This book provides a detailed account of the events from multiple perspectives.

View One Minute to Midnight: Kennedy, Khrushchev,... on Amazon

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Read the book, paying close attention to the perspectives of each leader.
Analyze the decisions made by Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro.
Reflect on the lessons learned from the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Research and Present on a Specific Cold War Proxy War

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Deepen your understanding of the Cold War's global impact. Researching a proxy war allows you to explore the conflict's manifestations beyond the US and USSR.

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Choose a Cold War proxy war (e.g., Korean War, Vietnam War, Angolan Civil War).
Research the causes, key events, and consequences of the war.
Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings.
Present your research to the class.

Write a Short Story from the Perspective of Someone Living During the Cold War

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Engage with the human stories of the Cold War. Writing a short story allows you to explore the personal impact of the conflict.

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Choose a setting and character for your story.
Research the daily life and challenges faced by people in that setting.
Write a story that reflects the anxieties and realities of the Cold War era.
Share your story with classmates for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete The Beginner's Guide to the Cold War will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

A historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past, often specializing in a specific period or region. This course, covering the Cold War, helps those interested in becoming a historian develop a strong foundational understanding of that key period. Much of a historian’s work involves careful study of primary and secondary sources. This course provides an overview of major events, figures, and turning points of the Cold War, which can help build a foundation for future research. It helps those working to become a historian with a crucial period of global history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

International Relations Specialist

An international relations specialist examines the relationships between nations, including diplomacy, conflict, and trade. This course helps build a strong basis for an international relations specialist as it focuses on a defining period of global politics focused on clashes between superpowers. This course looks at the history of this critical era, offering a useful perspective on the long-term dynamics of international relations. The course could be useful for those seeking a career in this field.

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Political Scientist

A political scientist researches political systems and behaviors, often teaching at a university and publishing their findings. This course provides a robust historical context for a political scientist, especially one interested in the Cold War, or twentieth century politics. This course deals with competing ideologies, the development of global power structures, and international conflicts. As it discusses the origins of modern political issues, it may be helpful for those seeking to become a political scientist.

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Intelligence Analyst

An intelligence analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets information to assess threats and provide security insights. The course is particularly helpful for an intelligence analyst, as the Cold War was a major period of global espionage and geopolitical maneuvering. This course covers details about the tactics and strategies employed during the Cold War. This background may help provide context for assessing many contemporary security challenges. An intelligence analyst could learn valuable information from this course.

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Political Analyst

A political analyst studies political systems, policies, and trends, often providing commentary or advice on current events. Understanding the Cold War, as this course provides, is crucial to a political analyst because it provides a historical lens through which to view current geopolitical relationships. This course helps build a foundation by examining how differing ideologies led to conflict. A political analyst may find this course valuable in understanding the legacy of the Cold War.

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Foreign Service Officer

A foreign service officer is a diplomat representing their country's interests abroad. This course enhances a foreign service officer's understanding of international relations, especially the historical context of the Cold War. The course focuses on the major political and ideological conflicts. It provides insights into global relations, which is essential for a foreign service officer. This course may be useful for those training to become a foreign service officer.

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Archivist

An archivist manages and preserves historical records and documents. The course contributes to a vital knowledge base for an archivist by providing context to the kind of materials they might encounter while working on collections related to the Cold War era. Archivists organize and safeguard many types of records. The course provides information about major events, which could help an archivist better understand how these materials relate to the past. It may be useful for an archivist to gain insight provided by this course.

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Social Studies Teacher

A social studies teacher educates students about history, civics, and other social sciences. This course provides a teacher with a strong base of knowledge of a crucial period in modern history. The course will help a social studies teacher better understand and convey the complexity of the Cold War period to their students. It would be an advantage for a teacher to learn the information contained in this course. A social studies teacher may find it particularly valuable.

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Public Policy Advisor

A public policy advisor researches and analyzes policy issues. This course may be useful in helping a public policy advisor gain deeper understanding of policy during the Cold War, as it examines competing ideologies and their impact on international relations. The course provides a historical foundation that would help give context to contemporary policies. A public policy advisor working on matters of international relations may find this course particularly valuable.

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Documentary Filmmaker

A documentary filmmaker researches and produces nonfiction films on a wide range of subjects. The course would be useful for a documentary filmmaker interested in creating content about the Cold War era. Understanding the nuances of this period, as this course provides, helps ensure that documentaries are both accurate and compelling. The course introduces the key events and figures, also focusing on human stories, which a documentary filmmaker might find helpful. A documentary filmmaker may find the course useful for understanding the period.

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Museum curator

A museum curator is responsible for the collection, care, and display of artifacts in a museum. This course may be useful for a museum curator who works with items related to the Cold War, as it provides valuable historical context. This role includes researching themes, writing exhibit descriptions and ensuring that the stories the museum tells are accurate. A curator will gain useful insights from this course. The course would be particularly helpful for a curator designing or managing an exhibit on the Cold War period.

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Journalist

A journalist researches and reports on current events for newspapers, television, or online media. For a journalist covering political or international affairs, this course covering the Cold War provides valuable historical background. The course addresses the ideological battles and key events of the era which continue to influence global affairs. A journalist will be better positioned to write with more nuance and accuracy with this knowledge. A journalist may find useful information in this course.

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Research Analyst

A research analyst gathers and interprets data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course may be useful for a research analyst, as it teaches the significance of historical context, especially in the realm of international relations. This course covers crucial events of the Cold War, which may provide a useful background when analyzing current global trends. A research analyst may find this course useful for an understanding of the forces shaping the modern world.

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Grant Writer

A grant writer prepares proposals for funding from various sources to support specific projects. This course may be helpful to a grant writer, especially if they are writing grants for historical research, archival work, or museums that deal with the Cold War era. The course provides knowledge and context about the period, which allows an effective grant writer to construct more informed and compelling proposals. A grant writer may find insights in this course.

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Lobbyist

A lobbyist advocates for specific policies or interests by influencing government officials. An understanding of international relations and power dynamics, as offered by this course, may be useful to a lobbyist working on international affairs. The course offers useful perspectives that influence current policy and legislation. The course provides insights into the impacts of global events. It may be useful for a lobbyist to understand the information in this course.

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The Beginner's Guide to the Cold War

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Accessible & engaging cold war history

Activities

Career center

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