
Cold War espionage
Cold War espionage refers to the intelligence activities between the United States and the Soviet Union during the ideological conflict from the late 1940s to the early 1990s. Both sides aimed to gather information about military capabilities, strategic plans, and technological advancements. This often involved spies, undercover operations, and surveillance. High-profile incidents, like the U-2 plane shot down over the USSR and the espionage activities of figures like Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, highlighted the tension. Espionage was crucial in shaping policies, influencing public perception, and maintaining power during this global confrontation without direct military conflict.