On one hand, the Cold War threatened the world with total nuclear annihilation. On the other, citizens in both the United States and USSR went about their daily lives largely unimpeded. So how serious was it, really?
Here are 20 Cold War photos proving that silliness abounds, even during the world's riskiest conflict.
1
Soviet Defector Igor Gouzenko
With pillow case over head while promoting his book in Ottawa, Ontario, 1954.
2
Soviet Spy Dimitri Razgovorov
Running away from capture in New Zealand, 1974.
3
Individual Tanning Pods
Getting some sun in Soviet Russia.
4
Christmas
The height of the Cold War.
5
Student Construction Team
Happy after being congratulated by leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, G.A. Zyuganov.
6
Komsomol Members
Laughing at the Synthetic Rubber Plant in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, 1961.
7
F4 Doing a Barrel Roll
Pilots developed relationships, and Soviet pilots often requested stunts from the maneuverable American fighters.
8
F4 Stunts
A Phantom shows off to a Russian bomber.
9
Valentin Filatov’s Bear Circus
In a side car, 1970s.
10
Postal Snowmobiles
In Khabarovsk Krai, Circa 1983.
11
Civil Defense Training Meeting
Lt. Col. W. Arthur Croteau points to a model of Ottawa, Canada, no longer in existence.
12
Filming the Red Square
Getting footage in the 1970s.
13
American Ship USS Ponaganset
After randomly breaking in half for no reason, late 1940s.
14
Soviet Villager
After finishing off a bottle. Photo taken by Moldovan amateur photographer Zaharia Cusnir.
15
Costume Party
Villagers in fancy dress during a New Year’s carnival.
16
Accordion and Flowers
Relaxing in a Moldovan park.
17
Drinking Wine
Soviet villagers having a drink.
18
Duck and Cover Drill
Like that’s going to help. California, 1950s.
19
American F-4 Phantom
Intercepting a Soviet Tu-95 "Bear" bomber over the Pacific in 1979.
20
Soda Machine
Drinking the good stuff in the USSR.
