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Iron Curtain

Definition

The term "Iron Curtain" refers to the metaphorical division between Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War. It symbolizes the ideological, political, and physical separation created by the Soviet Union to isolate communist countries from non-communist countries.

Analogy

Imagine two rooms in a house separated by a thick iron curtain. One room represents Eastern Europe under Soviet influence, while the other represents Western Europe. The iron curtain prevents people from freely moving between these rooms, just as it restricted communication and interaction between Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War.

Related terms

Containment Doctrine: This was a U.S. foreign policy strategy during the Cold War that aimed to prevent the spread of communism beyond its existing boundaries.

Truman Doctrine: It was President Harry Truman's policy that provided economic aid to Greece and Turkey to resist communist influence, marking a shift towards an active American role in global affairs.

Berlin Wall: A physical barrier built by East Germany in 1961 to separate West Berlin (controlled by democratic forces) from East Berlin (under Soviet control), effectively dividing East and West Germany.