Unit 6: Modern World History

Lesson A: 20th Century Global Politics - The Cold War

Opening: Capitalism and Communism

After the defeat of Japan and Germany in World War II, two major powers emerged. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) or Soviet Union was one of the major powers. The United States was the other major power. The United States, a democratic and capitalist country, competed with the Soviet Union, a communist country, for control over much of the world. This continuing state of tension — the Cold War—between these super powers was seen in military coalitions, aid to countries, espionage, propaganda, arms races, technological competitions, and even sports rivalry at the Olympics.

Directions: Use what you have learned about capitalism and communism to complete the following activity. Read each description and then drag it to the correct column. Use the buttons provided to check the latest move or, when you are done, check the whole question.

Use your ideas from this activity as you learn more about events in China that led to the creation of the world's largest communist population.