Why did the Cold War end quickly?

The Cold War was a war that nobody could win. The Soviet Union didn't collapse because of external pressures. Nor did the Cold War end with the collapse of the Soviet Union. It ended because of a negotiated settlement that was potentially to the benefit of both sides. Communist rule ended because Mikhail Gorbachev maneuvered it out of exclusive power.

Conflicts in the Cold War

There were no direct conflicts between the main enemies during the two world wars. Instead, it was a prolonged conflict between the US and the USSR, along with their respective allies.

End of the Cold War

Gradually, the Cold War came to an end. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Soviet Union and China broke apart, causing the communist bloc to lose its unity. In the meantime, Japan and some Western nations were growing economically independent.

Winners of the Cold War

In reality, there were several winners. The one-party communist system was successfully replaced by democracy in both Soviet satellite states as well as in the USSR member states. Transnational corporations benefitted from having billions more customers after the collapse of the USSR, and the free market also triumphed.

Why did the Cold War end so quickly?

The Cold War ended relatively quickly due to a combination of factors. The Soviet Union and China breaking apart, economic growth in Japan and some Western nations, and a shift towards democracy all contributed to the end of the conflict. Additionally, a negotiated settlement and changes in power within the Soviet Union played a significant role in bringing an end to the Cold War.