Where to find sources on the Cold War

Two large military bombs with tail fins lie on dusty ground inside a bunker-like pit. The metal casings appear aged and dirty, suggesting stored or displayed wartime aerial explosives.
Two large aerial bombs with stabilising fins rest on dusty ground in a bunker. © History Skills

Primary Sources

American National Archives

A massive collection of resources from American history.

American Library of Congress

This is the largest library in the world and contains documents that prove very useful for modern historians.

Trove Newspapers Online

A collection of Australian newspapers from the past.

Korean War Sources

A selection of historical sources about the causes, key events, and consequences of the war on the Korean peninsula.

ANZUS and SEATO Sources

The following sources explore how two alliances formed, why governments created them, and how they influenced international relations in the Cold War.

Japanese Economic Miracle

These sources trace that change from the desperate early years of the American occupation to the policy shift of the “reverse course”,  and the economic lift provided by Korean War procurement.

 

Space Race Sources

The following sources trace the international diplomacy combined to create what became known as the Space Race.

 

End of the Cold War Sources

The sources here examine several key moments in the process of ending the Cold War.

 


Secondary Sources

JSTOR

An online academic database used by universities worldwide that is a superb resource for History students. To view full articles, you will require membership.

Google Scholar

This searches internet sites for academic articles and books. It often only provides one or two pages, but it is often enough to find quotes and bibliographical details.

JURN Search Engine

Search millions of free academic articles, chapters, and theses.