The Cold War was a unique period in history; a period of high political tension lasting for almost 45 years whereby the world was divided into distinct categories of extremely capable countries. The term “Cold War” was coined by George Orwell in an article entitled “You and the Atomic Bomb” published in the Tribune on October 19, 1945. In addition to creating the term “Cold War”, Orwell made some very keen observations:
- The atomic bomb is an extremely destructive force that is misunderstood by the masses, yet carries a significant possibility that their life will be affected by it
- The atomic bomb was seen as a new revolution in war and was likened to the discovery of gunpowder
- Few superpowers had this significant warfare at their fingertips thus creating an imbalance in battlefield equality
- The atomic bomb has caused nations that were once thought to be unconquerable to enter a permanent state of ‘cold war’ with their neighbors thus prolonging indefinitely a ‘peace that is no peace’
Michael Melone 