Overview

This comprehensive collection of carefully edited documents—speeches, treaties, statements, and articles—traces the rise and fall of the Cold War. The sources follow the Cold War from its roots in East–West tensions at the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Set in historical context by the editors’ concise introductions and followed by thoughtful discussion questions, the documents are arranged in chronological order, starting with the Yalta Conference and ending with Gorbachev’s resignation speech. Drawing on selections from a variety of countries and leaders involved in this prolonged global struggle, the editors treat the entire Cold War as an era in world history, not just U.S. history. Their judicious selection makes the great events of the time come alive through the words and phrases of those who were actively involved.

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9781538109267

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Reviews

This newly expanded collection of historical documents is intelligently chosen, balanced, and genuinely global in its reach. Students of the Cold War will find ample opportunities to develop their skills in close reading and analysis, thereby deepening their engagement with a conflict that shaped the world we inhabit today. -- Benjamin Nathans, University of Pennsylvania An invaluable resource for teaching undergraduates. The reader offers an excellent selection of the most significant primary sources for studying the major periods and events of the Cold War. Instructors will especially appreciate the dual chronological and thematic organization of the documents, the broader global context, the lucid introductions that provide insightful context, and discussion questions that help students master the content while also encouraging them to apply their understanding of the source to larger Cold War interpretative and comparative inquiries. This volume includes classic documents such as the Truman Doctrine, Eisenhower Doctrine, and the Iron Curtain speech, as well as translations of sources that illuminate policies and perspectives of Soviet, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other non-Western state leaders at key moments in the Cold War. -- Elaine MacKinnon, University of West Georgia This superb collection of documents covers the entire period of the Cold War, from the closing months of World War II in 1945 to the disintegration of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991. The book is a truly international survey covering all aspects of the Cold War, not just the U.S.-Soviet standoff. The editors have chosen their sources extremely well and have provided valuable, even-handed prefatory comments for each topic. Highly recommended as a text for classes on twentieth-century history, international relations, and the history of the Cold War. -- Mark Kramer, Director of Cold War Studies, Harvard University

Author Information

Edward H. Judge and John W. Langdon are professors of history at Le Moyne College. Their books include Connections: A World History, and A Hard and Bitter Peace: A Global History of the Cold War.

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