During World War II, Europe, the United States, and Russia were allies. However, the relationship between the three allies changed drastically at the end of World War II. The origins and history of the Cold War are discussed as well as how the capitalistic and communist nations were engaged in constant strategic maneuvers. Includes the Potsdam Conference, the Marshall Plan, the Berlin airlift, China and Mao Tse-tung, the Korean War, Joseph McCarthy, and the Hungarian revolution. Mentions the Berlin wall, Cuban missile crisis, Vietnam War, detente, Afghanistan, and lessened East-West tensions. The reunification of Germany symbolized the end of the Cold War. Uses vintage footage.