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The Cold War: The Best One-Hour History
The Cold War was the dominant global conflict of the Twentieth Century. This volume begins with a discussion of the War’s roots, both deep and recent. It analyzes the early years of the War, immediately following World War II. It looks at the major events of the War and considers some of the themes that defined it as a military, economic, and cultural phenomenon. It closes with an examination of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and a detailed timeline of the War.
- GenresHistory
58 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2014
3 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Robert Freeman
9 books12 followersRobert Freeman teaches the Modern European History AP course at Los Altos High School in Los Altos, California. His classes are among the highest performing in the nation on the annual College Board Advanced Placement Examination in Modern European History.
He is formerly Vice President of International Marketing at Sybase and the founder of the national non-profit, One Dollar For Life. He holds a B.S. Degree in Economics from Santa Clara University and an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
He is formerly Vice President of International Marketing at Sybase and the founder of the national non-profit, One Dollar For Life. He holds a B.S. Degree in Economics from Santa Clara University and an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 12, 2014
In a very succinct 58 pages Robert Freeman has produced an extremely complete and readable overview of the beginning, middle and end of one of the longest, and potentially most disastrous, struggles in human history. The book is THE COLD WAR, the latest in the BEST ONE-HOUR HISTORY series.
As with his other books, Mr. Freeman offers the background leading up to the subject matter as well as the most salient points from throughout the period he is analyzing.
Here he starts with the Napoleonic invasion of Russia, thereby setting the stage for the years to follow wherein the Russian, and later the Soviet, view of the West is one of severe distrust. The Russian Revolution and the West’s reaction to it, including some events that I had heretofore been without knowledge of, are dissected.
But this isn’t just about Russia by itself; it is WWII and all the ensuing wars from Korea, Vietnam and especially all the action in Afghanistan, as well as the economic policies and practices of both countries.
Of course, the author delves into American politics throughout this time span; bringing back into the spotlight and shedding additional illumination upon actions America took both within and outside of its borders.
This book can well be used as introduction to the major themes and actions of both sides during this long, perilous process.
THE COLD WAR is another well thought-out, researched and written winner within the catalog of Best One-Hour Histories.
I won this book though Goodreads.
As with his other books, Mr. Freeman offers the background leading up to the subject matter as well as the most salient points from throughout the period he is analyzing.
Here he starts with the Napoleonic invasion of Russia, thereby setting the stage for the years to follow wherein the Russian, and later the Soviet, view of the West is one of severe distrust. The Russian Revolution and the West’s reaction to it, including some events that I had heretofore been without knowledge of, are dissected.
But this isn’t just about Russia by itself; it is WWII and all the ensuing wars from Korea, Vietnam and especially all the action in Afghanistan, as well as the economic policies and practices of both countries.
Of course, the author delves into American politics throughout this time span; bringing back into the spotlight and shedding additional illumination upon actions America took both within and outside of its borders.
This book can well be used as introduction to the major themes and actions of both sides during this long, perilous process.
THE COLD WAR is another well thought-out, researched and written winner within the catalog of Best One-Hour Histories.
I won this book though Goodreads.
August 10, 2014
I didn't rate this book 4 stars because of its intrinsic quality, compared to other books I've given the same rating to. This book doesn't aspire to be like those other books at all. This book is a quick-and-dirty introduction to the Cold War, and for that purpose, it does its job well.
There are places where events are oversimplified, but that's to be expected from a book like this. It's difficult to treat a subject as complex as the Cold War in just 54 pages. This book does that, albeit not without that occasional oversimplification.
There are places where events are oversimplified, but that's to be expected from a book like this. It's difficult to treat a subject as complex as the Cold War in just 54 pages. This book does that, albeit not without that occasional oversimplification.
August 13, 2014
This is an One-Hour History book in series of several others. I felt that this is a great way to get a good overview of The Cold War. I can almost call it a "cliff-notes" type of book. I also learned a lot of information I never knew and was completely surprised at the cost and loss of people during this time period. so many countries were involved as well as a long history leading up to this event. The book offers a timeline and details of what was happening around the world while the war was in progress. The book is great for history lovers. P.S. Nice book cover.
June 25, 2015
Good, with different perspectives
Usually in american cold war books we read about how communism is so bad that it rotates society to its core, or that everything with that capitalist bloc was neatly achieved. This book doesn't. This book portraits both good and bad things of both sides. My only but is that sometimes it becomes slow and without an involving narrative. If you can live with that is a marvellous quick insight of the cold war. If you cannot live with that, read it anyways and decide for yourself.
Usually in american cold war books we read about how communism is so bad that it rotates society to its core, or that everything with that capitalist bloc was neatly achieved. This book doesn't. This book portraits both good and bad things of both sides. My only but is that sometimes it becomes slow and without an involving narrative. If you can live with that is a marvellous quick insight of the cold war. If you cannot live with that, read it anyways and decide for yourself.
August 11, 2014
This is the book I would give to someone if they asked, "Why did the Cold War happen". It is a straightforward read and provides just enough information to give a good footing. As an 8th grade teacher, I am happy to have this both as a reference and as a recommended reading.
I would say, the cover could get a better design.
I look forward to reading the rest in the series.
I would say, the cover could get a better design.
I look forward to reading the rest in the series.
October 10, 2014
A good basic reference tool about the Cold War. If you are looking for an overview or starting point, this book is very informative.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews