The Cold War: When nuclear weapons kept the entire world on the edge of M.A.D. – Mutually Assured Destruction. As Russia, China and the USA flex their military muscles on the global stage today, ‘M.A.D. World’ takes a close look at the last time we were threatened by the might of world superpowers: The Cold War.

In this episode:

- The USSR holds Berlin to ransom by blocking all land routes into the city. Berlin is
saved by a continuous stream of aircraft flying in from the West bringing food, fuel and
other supplies.

- The small countries of Western Europe form a military alliance with the USA to protect
themselves from the enormous military might of the Soviet Union. The NATO agreement
states that if one member is attacked, then all signatories will defend that nation.

- The West is terrified to learn that the Russians have successfully tested their first
atomic bomb. Both sides now have the most terrifying weapons ever created; but no-one
wants to use them. The nuclear stalemate begins.

- South Korea is invaded by the communist North starting a 3 year war that will kill 10%
of the Korean people. United Nations forces are used in action for the first time to
defend South Korea and President Truman makes preparations to use atomic bombs if necessary to win the war.

- An atomic bomb a thousand times more powerful than Hiroshima creates horror and awe
when it is tested in the Pacific. The world now has a weapon that can wipe out almost
all life on the planet.

- As the frostiness of the Cold War sets in, both east and west are scared of losing military and government secrets to the other. A network of spies and defectors develops and
causes paranoia on both sides leading to show trials, imprisonment and assassinations.

📺 It's like Netflix for history... Sign up to History Hit, the world's best history documentary service and get 50% off using the code 'TIMELINE' http://bit.ly/3a7ambu

You can find more from us on:

  / timelinewh  

  / timelineworldhistory  

  / timelinewh  

This channel is part of the History Hit Network. Any queries, please contact [email protected]