Via Afrika History Grade 12 Learner’s Book

The end of the Second World War left two remaining global superpowers: the USA and the Soviet Union. These two countries soon became opposing forces in what became known as the Cold War. The name arose because the USA and the Soviet Union, both nuclear powers, never fought directly against each another, instead supporting other countries who shared their respective outlooks. This year, you’ll study many aspects of this conflict, such as nuclear stockpiling, the Space Race, and the rise of communist China or the Vietnam War. You’ll also revisit other significant developments of the time, including those that occurred in our own country and ultimately resulted in Nelson Mandela’s presidential inauguration in 1994. All these fascinating topics prove the value of historical knowledge: that it helps us understand the world we live in today, and gives us our best view of the world we can expect tomorrow.