Military vehicles. Fears of Americans. Palpable tensions radiating through the air.
Though the Cold War may have never led to any direct military confrontation, the anxiety was palpable around the globe — especially for those living and working in the Soviet Union and its allied countries.
From gas masks to tanks, here are 20 photos of what life looked like during the Cold War in the Soviet Union and beyond.
1
“Cold War Christmas”
“Found recently when going through new to me old photos. My Dad (L) and one of his brothers.”
2
The Invasion of Czechoslovakia
Chaos erupts during the invasion of Czechoslovakia, 1986.
3
Marshall Plan in Action
Construction continues in West Berlin as prescribed by the Marshall Plan.
4
Talking It Out
President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev discussed the ongoing situation, date unknown.
5
School’s in Session
“On September 1st, 1991 I wore Soviet school uniform for the first time.”
6
Gathering Intel
“My grandpa's FBI Academy photo. He worked as a spy recruiter during the Cold War.”
7
Soldiering On
“My grandfather was doing his military service during Cold War (1979).”
8
Rising Tensions
Military vehicles respectively belonging to Americans and the Soviets sit stationed towards each other at the peak of the Berlin Crisis, 1961.
9
Military Pals
“My dad stationed in Cuba during Cold War around the 1970s.”
10
Clean Sweep
“My dad in a frozen cold war bunker in the ‘90s.”
11
Scout’s Honor
“In 1982, my Boy Scout troop explored West Berlin.”
12
Checkpoint Charlie
A photo of what appears to be Checkpoint Charlie in 1982.
13
To Berlin
“My dad, somewhere in the North Atlantic, headed to Berlin at the beginning of the Cold War 1961.”
14
"Tear Down This Wall!"
Ronald Reagan as seen during his iconic ‘Tear Down This Wall’ speech, June 1987.
15
August Coup
Associates of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union as seen during the August Coup, Moscow, 1991.
16
Winter Days
“My grandma in the 1960s, former Soviet Union.”
17
Flower Girl
“My Mom on Her First Day of School - USSR (Russia) 1967.”
18
Soviet Schooling
“USSR, schoolchildren, Moscow region, 1980s.”
19
Poster Art
“Soviet Anti US Propaganda, Cold War.”
20
Military Presence
“Soviet tanks in front of the Brno Library and military building a block from my grandparents' apartment. (Sometime after the 20th of August 1968).”
