The Cold War

Watch The Cold War

  • 2000
  • 1 Season

The Cold War from HISTORY Vault is an insightful and comprehensive series that explores the rivalry of two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, from the end of World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The show provides viewers with an in-depth look at the political, diplomatic, military, and social aspects of the Cold War, which defined the latter half of the 20th century. The series is divided into six episodes, each of which covers a specific period in the Cold War timeline. Episode one, titled "Origins," examines the aftermath of World War II, the rise of communism, and the nuclear arms race. The episode delves into the tension and mistrust between the US and the Soviet Union, and the impact of the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis on the relationship between the two countries. Episode two, "Dangerous Games," looks at the proxy wars that were fought between the US and the Soviet Union, such as the Vietnam War and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The episode also explores the role of espionage and intelligence gathering during the Cold War era. Episode three, "Brinkmanship," examines the height of the Cold War, when the world was on the brink of nuclear war. The episode discusses the arms race, the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, which nearly led to a devastating conflict. Episode four, "Divided States," focuses on the impact of the Cold War on American society, such as the rise of anti-communist hysteria, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War protests. The episode also looks at the Soviet Union's crackdown on dissidents and the pressure that the Cold War put on other countries, particularly those in the developing world. Episode five, "Thaw," explores the period of détente that emerged in the 1970s, when the US and the Soviet Union sought to ease tensions and reduce the risk of nuclear war. The episode discusses the arms control agreements that were made, including the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT), and the impact of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan on the relationship between the two superpowers. The final episode, "Endgame," focuses on the events that led to the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. The episode discusses the economic challenges that the Soviet Union faced, the role of Mikhail Gorbachev in attempting to reform the country, and the impact of the arms race on the Soviet economy. The episode also looks at the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, which marked the end of the Cold War. Throughout the series, viewers are provided with insightful commentary from leading historians, experts, and Cold War veterans, who provide unique perspectives on the events and issues that shaped the era. The show also features a wealth of archival footage, including news clips, speeches, and propaganda films, which help to bring the era to life. In summary, The Cold War from HISTORY Vault is a gripping and informative series that provides viewers with a comprehensive look at one of the most significant periods in modern history. The show explores the political, military, social, and cultural aspects of the Cold War, and provides valuable insights into the events and issues that defined the era. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this transformative period, The Cold War from HISTORY Vault is a must-watch series.

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Seasons
OSS
12. OSS
November 18, 2000
Take a look inside America's Office of Strategic Services, the famous U.S. World War II intelligence and sabotage agency (and precursor of the CIA) established by William J. Donovan.
The CIA
11. The CIA
August 10, 2000
Created by President Harry Truman, the CIA became a global agency for collecting and evaluating intelligence through covert action. Learn its fascinating Cold War story and its changing role in the post-Cold War world.
The Downing Of Gary Powers
10. The Downing Of Gary Powers
July 13, 2004
Take a closer look at the many technologies needed for the United States' U-2 spy plane and the Soviets' SA-2 surface-to-air missile to meet on May Day 1960.
Stalin's Purges/The Coup Against Gorbachev
9. Stalin's Purges/The Coup Against Gorbachev
November 14, 1992
By the mid-1930s, Soviet Armed Forces ranked with the world's most modern - but a purge of senior officers would have disastrous consequences. Then, a look at the failed 1991 coup against Mikhail Gorbachev.
The Shooting Down Of Kal 007
8. The Shooting Down Of Kal 007
January 23, 2002
Review the shooting down of South Korean commercial airliner KAL 007 by Soviet fighters after Moscow claimed it had strayed into their airspace.
Secret Soviet Bases
7. Secret Soviet Bases
May 5, 2008
Deep within the former Soviet Union lays a classified subterranean world of Cold War secrets. Join host Don Wildman as he ventures behind the Iron Curtain to reveal how the Soviets really prepared for a nuclear war.
Spy Who Saved The World/Dictator's Daughter
6. Spy Who Saved The World/Dictator's Daughter
October 4, 2000
A disillusioned Soviet colonel volunteers his services to the CIA and discovers the trump card in a deadly game of nuclear politics; a CIA officer sneaks Stalin's only daughter out of Soviet-friendly India.
Desert One/The Bay Of Pigs
5. Desert One/The Bay Of Pigs
March 30, 1999
Take a look back at two colossal miscalculations: the attempt by U.S. Special Forces to rescue hostages in the U.S. Embassy during the Iranian Revolution in 1980, and the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion against Castro.
The KGB
4. The KGB
October 7, 2000
Learn about the history and reach of the Komitet Gosudarstvennoe Bezopasnosti (Committee for State Security), the agency of the former Soviet Union responsible for state security from 1954 to 1991.
The Cambridge Spies
3. The Cambridge Spies
December 9, 2000
One of the former Soviet Union's greatest espionage operations ended in 1951 when two young English diplomats at the British Foreign Office were revealed to have spent a decade funneling secrets to the KGB.
Declassified: Rise And Fall Of The Wall
2. Declassified: Rise And Fall Of The Wall
November 8, 2004
Mine formerly guarded vaults and archives around the world to reveal untold stories about the brutal life and catastrophic death of the Berlin Wall, a central symbol of the 20th century's longest and deadliest war.
Atom Spies
1. Atom Spies
July 13, 2000
In WWII, the U.S. stayed ahead of the Soviet Union in the race for atomic bombs, but the Soviets' genius for espionage allowed them to acquire atomic secrets of their own.
Description

The Cold War from HISTORY Vault is an insightful and comprehensive series that explores the rivalry of two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, from the end of World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The show provides viewers with an in-depth look at the political, diplomatic, military, and social aspects of the Cold War, which defined the latter half of the 20th century.

The series is divided into six episodes, each of which covers a specific period in the Cold War timeline. Episode one, titled "Origins," examines the aftermath of World War II, the rise of communism, and the nuclear arms race. The episode delves into the tension and mistrust between the US and the Soviet Union, and the impact of the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis on the relationship between the two countries.

Episode two, "Dangerous Games," looks at the proxy wars that were fought between the US and the Soviet Union, such as the Vietnam War and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The episode also explores the role of espionage and intelligence gathering during the Cold War era.

Episode three, "Brinkmanship," examines the height of the Cold War, when the world was on the brink of nuclear war. The episode discusses the arms race, the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, which nearly led to a devastating conflict.

Episode four, "Divided States," focuses on the impact of the Cold War on American society, such as the rise of anti-communist hysteria, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War protests. The episode also looks at the Soviet Union's crackdown on dissidents and the pressure that the Cold War put on other countries, particularly those in the developing world.

Episode five, "Thaw," explores the period of détente that emerged in the 1970s, when the US and the Soviet Union sought to ease tensions and reduce the risk of nuclear war. The episode discusses the arms control agreements that were made, including the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT), and the impact of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan on the relationship between the two superpowers.

The final episode, "Endgame," focuses on the events that led to the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. The episode discusses the economic challenges that the Soviet Union faced, the role of Mikhail Gorbachev in attempting to reform the country, and the impact of the arms race on the Soviet economy. The episode also looks at the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, which marked the end of the Cold War.

Throughout the series, viewers are provided with insightful commentary from leading historians, experts, and Cold War veterans, who provide unique perspectives on the events and issues that shaped the era. The show also features a wealth of archival footage, including news clips, speeches, and propaganda films, which help to bring the era to life.

In summary, The Cold War from HISTORY Vault is a gripping and informative series that provides viewers with a comprehensive look at one of the most significant periods in modern history. The show explores the political, military, social, and cultural aspects of the Cold War, and provides valuable insights into the events and issues that defined the era. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this transformative period, The Cold War from HISTORY Vault is a must-watch series.

  • Premiere Date
    July 13, 2000