The purpose of this web site is to inform you, the reader, about the rivalry between the United States and Russia throughout one of the most trying times in the history of both countries, the Cold War. Imagine living in a world of nationalistic fervor, where to hold ideology is meant to imagine one’s homeland as superior. Within this world of competition, American and Soviet nationalism was played out on an Olympic stage. As such, envision players, not as individuals, but rather as ideological icons, chessmen on an international board of political strategists. Living in this reality, envisage the delusive rivalry of the two nations to be focused on this potentially inclusive yet international combative event. Viewing this event, imagine these nations competing in this worldwide forum for not only complete victory but for the Soviet or American ideology. This event, the center of focus of these two countries during a time of a worldwide fear of the “Red Button” of utter destruction, was used as a stage to demonstrate power through athletics. The opportunity of these nations to display their strength and prowess on an Olympic stage was used by the international media to glorify the actual events that took place. As such, see a besieged event that was exaggerated to a point where nothing else mattered but a victory for the U.S. and the Soviets, so the weight of their countries’ angst would be lifted off their shoulders, during this decade of irresolvable war. Discern two countries at an arms race that meet with athletes, manipulated by the ideologistic views of their native countries, on a playing field. The nationalistic rivalry driven by the ideology of two nations in opposition, during a time when many people’s thoughts and fears were concerned with a nuclear holocaust, dramatically set up a historically beleaguered competition between two internationally influential nations.

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