The Cold War was characterized by mutual distrust, suspicion, and
misunderstandings by both the United States and the Soviet Union, and their allies. At
times, these conditions increased the likelihood of a third world war. The United States
accused the Soviet Union of seeking to expand Communism throughout the world. The
Soviets, meanwhile, charged the United States with practicing imperialism and with
attempting to stop revolutionary activity in other countries. Though the Cold War did not
begin until the end of World War II, in 1945, relations between the United States and the
Soviet Union had been strained since 1917. In that year, a revolution in Russia
established a Communist dictatorship there. In 1941, during World War II, Germany
attacked the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union then joined the Western Allies in fighting
Germany. For a time early in 1945, it seemed possible that a lasting friendship might
develop between the United......
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