Reflective Essay about History of the Cold War
Student’s Name
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Professor’s Name
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, Surname
This assignment is a reflection on the history of the Cold War and the topics covered so
far. The Cold War, which lasted from 1945 to 1991, was one of the most influential and shaping
times in contemporary history.1 Not only was it a conflict involving renowned superpowers (the
United States and the Soviet Union) but also a collision between two prevalent philosophies at
the time. The Americans claimed to be fighting for freedom and democracy, whereas the Soviets
claimed to be fighting for the workers' and common people's interests.2 In theory, these ideas
appeared ethical, yet on multiple occasions, both countries' actions directly contradicted the
ideologies they represented.
It's vital to consider the perspectives and prejudices that shape my understanding of the
Cold War as I reflect on my learning this semester. This reflection will primarily focus on the
topic of McCarthyism during the cold war.
This unit's discussion board has been a critical component of my learning. It helped me realize
that the cold war included major wars such as the Korean and Vietnam wars, and dread of
communism in the United States, and a severe challenge to the country's democracy. The period
of McCarthyism, often known as the Second Red Scare, occurred during this time. Government
personnel, notable personalities in the entertainment business, academics, left-wing politicians,
and labor union activists were the major targets of McCarthyist persecution.3 Suspicions were
frequently given weight despite ambiguous and dubious evidence, and the threat represented by a
person's actual or alleged leftist affiliations and beliefs was often exaggerated. As a result of the
crackdowns on suspected communists, many people lost their jobs, their careers, and their
1 Roberts, Geoffrey. The Soviet Union in World Politics: Coexistence, Revolution and Cold War, 1945–
1991. Routledge, 2005.
2 Westad, Odd Arne. The global Cold War: Third World interventions and the making of our times.
Cambridge University Press, 2005.
3 Verdries, Ellen Chase. Teaching with the enemy: an archival and narrative analysis of McCarthyism in the
public schools. The Claremont Graduate University, 1996.
This study source was downloaded by 100000856941565 from CourseHero.com on 11-30-2022 12:24:00 GMT -
https://www.coursehero.com/file/108441187/Reflective-Essay-about-History-of-the-Cold-
Student’s Name
Course
Professor’s Name
Date
This study source was downloaded by 100000856941565 from CourseHero.com on 11-30-2022 12:24:00 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/108441187/Reflective-Essay-about-History-of-the-Cold-Wardocx/
, Surname
This assignment is a reflection on the history of the Cold War and the topics covered so
far. The Cold War, which lasted from 1945 to 1991, was one of the most influential and shaping
times in contemporary history.1 Not only was it a conflict involving renowned superpowers (the
United States and the Soviet Union) but also a collision between two prevalent philosophies at
the time. The Americans claimed to be fighting for freedom and democracy, whereas the Soviets
claimed to be fighting for the workers' and common people's interests.2 In theory, these ideas
appeared ethical, yet on multiple occasions, both countries' actions directly contradicted the
ideologies they represented.
It's vital to consider the perspectives and prejudices that shape my understanding of the
Cold War as I reflect on my learning this semester. This reflection will primarily focus on the
topic of McCarthyism during the cold war.
This unit's discussion board has been a critical component of my learning. It helped me realize
that the cold war included major wars such as the Korean and Vietnam wars, and dread of
communism in the United States, and a severe challenge to the country's democracy. The period
of McCarthyism, often known as the Second Red Scare, occurred during this time. Government
personnel, notable personalities in the entertainment business, academics, left-wing politicians,
and labor union activists were the major targets of McCarthyist persecution.3 Suspicions were
frequently given weight despite ambiguous and dubious evidence, and the threat represented by a
person's actual or alleged leftist affiliations and beliefs was often exaggerated. As a result of the
crackdowns on suspected communists, many people lost their jobs, their careers, and their
1 Roberts, Geoffrey. The Soviet Union in World Politics: Coexistence, Revolution and Cold War, 1945–
1991. Routledge, 2005.
2 Westad, Odd Arne. The global Cold War: Third World interventions and the making of our times.
Cambridge University Press, 2005.
3 Verdries, Ellen Chase. Teaching with the enemy: an archival and narrative analysis of McCarthyism in the
public schools. The Claremont Graduate University, 1996.
This study source was downloaded by 100000856941565 from CourseHero.com on 11-30-2022 12:24:00 GMT -
https://www.coursehero.com/file/108441187/Reflective-Essay-about-History-of-the-Cold-
