The Cold War: A History Through Documents

This comprehensive collection of over 130 carefully edited documents (speeches, treaties, statements, and articles) traces the rise and fall of the Cold War -- from its roots at Yalta and Potsdam in 1945 through the collapse of the Soviet state in 1991 -- making the great events of era come alive through the words and phrases of those who were actively involved. Set in historical context by brief introductions, the documents are arranged in chronological order, grouped into six major periods of the Cold War. KEY TOPICS: Covers The Origins of the Cold War; The Nuclear Arms Race; The U-2 Affair; The Berlin Wall; The Cuban Missile Crisis; The Korean and Vietnam Wars; The Sino-Soviet Split; The End of the Cold War. Draws selections from a variety of countries and leaders on both sides of the Iron Curtain and treats the entire Cold War as an era in world history, not just U.S. history. Precedes each document and event with a concise but thorough introduction that explains its background and significance, places it in its proper historical context, and conveys the flavor and fervor of the developments that surrounded it. For anyone interested in the history of the Cold War.