Cold War Timeline Glossary Archive Return to the exhibitions menu
Did the Cold War really start in the period 1919-39?
  You probably already know that the Cold War was complicated. One of the problems is that historians cannot all agree why it started. There are even arguments about when it started!

Most historians say the Cold War began soon after the end of World War 2 in 1945. However, relations between the USSR and Britain and the USA were often strained before that date. This Gallery and the next one look at this issue.

We have 3 case studies of incidents in this period which will help you to develop your own views on the Big Question. Look at the Big Question section to see exact details of what you have to do. When you are clear in your own mind, click on the case studies to begin your investigation.

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Case Studies *
* The Russian Civil War * *
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* The Munich Agreement and after 1938-9 * *
* The Zinoviev Letter * *
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The Big Question