The Cold War,
explained for a
16-year-old. Why
the US and USSR
never fought directly.
Three near-hot moments.

Explain the Cold War Like I'm 16

Decades of tension, in one sitting.

Prompt

Explain the Cold War to a 16-year-old — what it actually was, why the US and USSR never fought directly, and three events that nearly turned it hot. Keep it under 400 words and skip the dates unless they matter.