John Green introduces the Cold War, explaining its 'cold' nature and the indirect conflicts it entailed.

• The Cold War is termed 'cold' because it didn't escalate into a full-scale war.
• It involved actual wars as the U.S. and USSR competed for global influence.
• Cold War's cultural impact included spy novels, films, and a heightened sense of existential threat.

The U.S. adopts containment policy to prevent communism from spreading beyond its existing borders.

• America's goal was to support a free-market Europe and Asia to create markets for U.S. goods.
• The USSR aimed to protect itself from Germany by setting up communist governments in Eastern Europe.
• Containment policy led to U.S. involvement in wars in Korea and Vietnam.

The Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan were key strategies in the U.S. policy of containment.

• The Truman Doctrine pledged support against communist threats, leading to aid for Greece and Turkey.
• The Marshall Plan provided aid to Europe for economic recovery to combat communism.
• Post-WWII rebuilding of Japan and Germany set the stage for the Cold War's political geography.

The U.S. expanded its security apparatus and military to contain communism globally.

• Truman's administration established the National Security Council, CIA, and Atomic Energy Commission.
• Military build-up and arms race became a prominent feature of the Cold War.
• NSC-68 outlined the U.S. strategy to build up strength and induce the USSR to adjust to the free world.

Anti-communist sentiment in the U.S. led to the Red Scare, McCarthyism, and domestic policy shifts.

• The U.S. government actively promoted anti-communist culture and propaganda.
• The Red Scare led by Senator Joseph McCarthy targeted alleged communists within the government.
• Domestic policies, such as Truman's Fair Deal, were impeded by anti-communist fears.