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Life During the Cold War — Reading Comprehension

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This world history reading passage explores life during the Cold War, focusing on the daily experiences, fear, and use of propaganda in the United States and the Soviet Union. Aligned with CA HSS 7.11 and CCSS RI.6.1, RI.7.1, RI.8.1, this passage provides students with primary source examples, examines cause-and-effect relationships, and discusses the significance of the Cold War on society. It includes a glossary of key terms, a Spanish translation, and engaging activities such as a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers. The passage helps students analyze history like historians, understand the impact of global conflict, and connect historical events to broader world history themes. Read aloud audio and Spanish translation support diverse learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Metal Civil Defense sign; Yellow & black; attachment holes in corners; adhesive strips on back; Triple-triangle civil defense (cee153dc-40fd-4090-9290-b0d526768a9f) — "Metal Civil Defense sign by National Park Service Picture – Courtesy of Hot Springs National Park Archives / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

The Cold War was a period of intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted from the late 1940s to the early 1990s. During this time, the world was divided into two major sides, each with its own allies, beliefs, and ways of life. The Cold War did not involve direct fighting between the two superpowers, but it created a climate of fear, suspicion, and competition that affected people across the globe.

One defining feature of the Cold War was the constant fear of nuclear war. The United States and the Soviet Union both built massive arsenals of nuclear weapons. People in cities such as Moscow and New York lived with the knowledge that a conflict could destroy their homes in minutes. Governments conducted air raid drills in schools, asking children to "duck and cover" under their desks. In the United States, the federal government issued pamphlets about building fallout shelters—special rooms meant to protect families from radiation after a nuclear attack. Historical photographs and official documents from the 1950s show families practicing emergency routines and stocking up on canned food and supplies.

Another key aspect was the use of propaganda to shape public opinion. Both the United States and the Soviet Union used newspapers, films, and posters to promote their own values and criticize the other side. A famous example is the U.S. government's "Duck and Cover" film, which taught children how to protect themselves in the event of a nuclear explosion. In the Soviet Union, posters celebrated the strength of the worker and warned citizens about the dangers of Western influence. These materials are examples of primary sources that historians study to understand how ordinary people thought and felt during the Cold War.

Daily life was shaped by government policies and international events. In the United States, the Red Scare led to investigations of suspected communists. Many people lost their jobs or were questioned by Congress. Citizens watched the news for updates on crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when the world came close to nuclear war. In Eastern Europe, people living under communist governments sometimes faced shortages of goods, restrictions on travel, and strict censorship. Despite these challenges, families still went to school, worked, and celebrated holidays. Letters, diaries, and artifacts from the period show how people adapted to uncertainty and tried to maintain normal routines.

The experiences of ordinary people during the Cold War show how global conflict can shape everyday life. The era demonstrates the power of governments to influence beliefs and behaviors through fear and information. By studying primary sources, we can better understand how individuals and societies responded to the challenges of living in a divided world.

This topic connects to broader themes in world history, such as the impact of conflict on society and the importance of understanding multiple perspectives.

Interesting Fact: During the Cold War, some American families built underground shelters in their backyards, hoping to survive a nuclear attack.

When did the Cold War start?

Late 1940s1920s1960sEarly 2000s

What is a fallout shelter?

A room for nuclear protectionA military baseA school gymA type of weapon

Which event nearly caused nuclear war?

Cuban Missile CrisisBerlin Wall fallWorld War IIMoon landing

How did propaganda affect people?

Shaped beliefs and opinionsBuilt new citiesIncreased travelEnded censorship

Why did people build fallout shelters?

To protect from nuclear radiationTo hide from spiesFor extra storageFor parties

What was the Red Scare?