How Containment Shaped the Cold War

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of the origins of the Cold War, focusing specifically on the breakdown of the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union following World War II. Using a "superhero vs. supervillain" analogy to explain the varying perspectives, the narrator details the ideological differences between Western capitalism and Soviet communism. The video traces how these differences led to mutual distrust, the division of Europe, and the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as rival superpowers competing for global influence. A significant portion of the video is dedicated to explaining the American foreign policy of "Containment." It breaks down key historical events and strategies implemented under this policy, including the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the Berlin Airlift, and the formation of NATO. The narrator explains the strategic reasoning behind these decisions, such as the Domino Theory and the shift from American isolationism to global interventionism. The video also touches on the domestic impacts, such as the creation of the CIA and increased military spending. For educators, this video serves as an excellent foundational resource for a unit on the Cold War or 20th-century U.S. history. Its clear definitions of complex political terms, use of comparative charts, and maps make it accessible for middle and high school students. The inclusion of guiding questions and pauses creates natural opportunities for classroom discussion and checks for understanding, helping students connect specific historical events to broader foreign policy trends.