The Cold War was a period of tension between the capitalist United States of America and the communist Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - and their respective allies - between the period 1945 and 1991. Whilst the conflict never resulted in direct armed conflict between the two Superpowers, it did result in numerous proxy wars and a global struggle for dominance across the face of the globe. Given that both Superpowers had access to large stockpiles of nuclear weaponry, any conflict between them could have resulted in the destruction of the planet, as we know it. Fortunately, that catastrophic eventuality never occurred.

In this episode of Versus History, Elliott contends that responsibility for starting the conflict lies with America, whilst Patrick argues that the USSR should shoulder the blame.

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