Period 8

Introduction

The Cold War in the late twentieth century was not a traditional war fought with direct battles between the United States and the Soviet Union, but a prolonged global struggle between two competing superpowers. As historian John Green humorously notes, the Cold War was unlike conflicts such as the “War on Christmas” or the “War on Drugs” because it was fought against another nation rather than an abstract idea. This unit examines major developments connected to this rivalry, including proxy wars such as the Vietnam War and the Korean War, the expansion of the military-industrial complex, and the domestic tensions of the Red Scare. At the same time, the period witnessed significant social and cultural changes, including rising consumerism, the Counterculture movement, and the modern Civil Rights Movement. Period 8 represents approximately 10–17% of the AP U.S. History exam, bringing us to about 95% of the course content so far, so careful attention to these themes is essential.