The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Explanations for the onset of the Cold War must begin with World War II..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Cold War, Soviet Union (more...)

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Product Description

The massive disorder and economic ruin following the Second World War inevitably predetermined the scope and intensity of the Cold War. But why did it last so long? And what impact did it have on the United States, the Soviet Union, Europe, and the Third World? Finally, how did it affect the broader history of the second half of the twentieth century--what were the human and financial costs? This Very Short Introduction provides a clear and stimulating interpretive overview of the Cold War, one that will both invite debate and encourage deeper investigation.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192801783
• ISBN-13: 978-0192801784
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,121 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ideal introduction to the Cold War, July 10, 2003

By A Customer

McMahon presents this survey of the Cold War with authority, insight, and balance. He takes us from the events of WWII that set the scene, to the US and Soviet disagreement over the disposition of Germany after the war, to the competing ideologies that led to a global competition, to the detente of the 70's, and to the end of the Cold War. He puts the key events and players in their correct Cold War perspective, and he doesn't shrink from making moral judgements along the way. I came away with a much firmer grasp on this important episode in our history.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written., March 4, 2005

By	Frank Gregg (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm a Political Science/History major at the University of Pittsburgh, and this was one of the books in a ps class I took. It's very well written, and very informative. McMahon gives a brief rundown of the history and policy of the United States and the Soviet Union during this era in a way that's not at all hard on the reader. It was actually a very fun read, and is quite helpful if you don't know much about the Cold War. It's also short enough that it can easily be read in one sitting in a couple of hours. Great read, and a good book to pick up.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to the Cold War., May 20, 2005

By	Ms. H. Sinton "dragondrums" (Ingleby Barwick. U.K.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a pocket sized book with a title that implies it offers a brief overview of the Cold War but make no mistake, there is nothing lacking in this little gem. Starting with World War II and the destruction of the old Eurocentric world order, the book progresses to the origins of the Cold War, through developing problems in South East Asia, the rise of the Superpowers and finally ends with the fall of Communism in the former USSR.
There are many illustrations and some useful maps along with a very useful chapter pointing to further reading for anyone wishing to extend their knowledge of the subject. This book contains more than enough information to give a good grounding in the subject, not only for the casual reader but also for the student. It may be a `very short introduction' but it is an extremely thorough one.