Cold War Archives | Gale Blog: Library & Educator News

U.S.-Soviet Communication Link Turns 60

August 18, 2023August 30, 2023

| By J. Robert Parks | A red phone sits on a desk, surrounded by people arguing over what to do. Suddenly, one of them picks up the handset and, without dialing (because there’s nothing to dial), suddenly starts talking: “This is the president!” This scene, or something like it, is a staple of movies … Read more

Berlin Blockade Commences 75 Years Ago

June 8, 2023June 23, 2023

| By J. Robert Parks | The alliance of Britain and the United States with the Soviet Union during World War II was always one of convenience—the three Allied powers had a common enemy in Nazi Germany. So it wasn’t a surprise when that alliance quickly turned tense after the war. Although the United States … Read more

Understanding the Cold War in East German Life through Primary Sources

March 16, 2023March 21, 2023

| By Rey Yuan, Gale Ambassador at Rice University | What comes to your mind when you hear “The Cold War”? The nuclear missile crisis, the “Red Scare,” or perhaps the Iron Curtain speech? As a history major, I have long been intrigued by the incredible complexities of Cold War historiography. In particular, I have … Read more

An Intelligence Empire Gets “Excellent” Review

July 30, 2021August 4, 2021

| By Gale Staff | Twentieth-Century British Intelligence, An Intelligence Empire brings together files from the UK National Archives covering intelligence and security matters from 1905 to 2002. From the international machinery of espionage and 20th-century warfare to personal surveillance and Cold War intelligence, this uniquely broad view of the interests of the British government, her allies, … Read more

Declassified Documents Online: Twentieth-Century British Intelligence, An Intelligence Empire

March 23, 2021March 23, 2021

│By Clem Delany, Associate Acquisitions Editor, Gale Primary Sources│ The twentieth century was an era of global conflict and careful diplomacy, of the rise and fall of political extremes, of great strides in technology, and vast change in the everyday lives of people around the world. Britain began the century with an empire that straddled … Read more

Centennial of the Battle at Vimy Ridge

March 20, 2018April 24, 2017

| By Traci Cothran |

Throughout 2017, Canada is commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the WWI Battle at Vimy Ridge (France). It was a seminal event in Canadian history—a fierce battle against the German forces, which resulted in heavy casualties, including the loss of 3,598 Canadian soldiers and some 20,000 Germans, with tens of thousands more wounded. Remarkable as it was, this victory against the Germans wasn’t solely a battlefield feat; because the Canadians prevailed where French had failed many times (at an enormous loss of life) and paved the way to Allied victory, the event helped unify Canada, and solidify its independence in the international community. Commemorative events are planned throughout Canada, as well as in France.

President John F. Kennedy

June 9, 2016May 23, 2016

Posted on May 23, 2016

By Traci Cothran

The anniversary of JFK’s birth occurs on May 29, and while saying the letters “JFK” evokes vivid scenes and images in minds of adults over forty, it doesn’t mean much to kids in school today. They may know he was our 35^th President, but Camelot, Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, first Catholic President, the Cold War, Jackie O, and JFK’s assassination are likely unknown concepts.

JFK is a broad topic that encompasses many subjects, and here are a few ideas to begin with to get your students (or yourself!) better acquainted with this historic figure:

JFK’s Inauguration

“Newsreel of President John F. Kennedy’s Inauguration.” Video. Thought Equity Motion Collections. Research In Context
“JFK’s Inaugural Address.” Research In Context

Peace Corps

“Establishment of Peace Corps.” John F. Kennedy. Social Policy: Essential Primary Sources. Global Reference on the Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources (GREENR)

Introduction of the Civil Rights Bill of 1964

“History Features: Civil Rights Bill.” Video. History Features: Civil Rights Bill. Research In Context

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan: Her Life, Her Legacy

May 25, 2016March 7, 2016

Posted on March 7, 2016

By Traci Cothran

NANCY REAGAN (July 6, 1921 – March 6, 2016)

The eulogies are pouring in for former first lady Nancy Reagan – an actress, mother, and fierce supporter of her husband, Ronald Reagan. As her passing happens amidst a contentious presidential race, we are reminded of a time of greater decorum in our democracy.