Why was the cold war considered a war?

Answer 1

It wasn't. The term "war" was to signify hostile attitude, as in, for example, the U.S.-Japanese trade wars in 1980s...

Answer 2

The cold war was a war of words. It was basically psychological warfare because each side threatened to use its weapons and that kept each on its toes. Wars don't have to be physically fought. A person can be at war with a friend without actually whacking them upside the head. Its the conflict that makes it a war.

Answer 3

There was constant tension and both sides took aggressive actions that were "warlike". For those who lived in the US during the 50s, 60s, and early 70s, there was a constant sense that any misstep would lead to shooting. And, this type of shooting was not simply invading another country, but shooting ICBMs with nuclear warheads that would annihilate whole cities. The prospect of war was viewed as the prospect of Armageddon. If actual shooting consituted the end of the world, then everything leading up to it was war.

Answer 4

Whereas a "Hot" war has been defined as:

"War is merely the continuation of policy by other means". - Karl von Clauswitz, On War, 1832.

A "Cold" war is the continuation of violence by other means.

Either implies hostility and some kind of conflict. It just depends if the means of carrying out the conflict involves the use of noticeable amounts of deadly force.

Answer 5

Because of the clearly aggressive tactics of both sides.

Answer 6

cos they know they are pointing their nuclear missiles at each other cities

Answer 7

BECAUSE IT WASNT ACTIVE (HENCE THE TERM COLD), JUST A RAT RACE FOR DOMINANCE IN POWER.