The Cold War: 1945-1991 By ilovetarantino_ Aug 6, 1945 Atomic bomb is dropped on Japan Mar 12, 1947 The Truman Doctrine Period: Jun 24, 1948 to May 12, 1949 Berlin Blockade by USSR begins > Berlin Blockade ends Period: Jun 1, 1950 to Jul 1, 1953 Korean War begins > Korean War ends Oct 1, 1956 October – November: Rebellion put down in Communist Hungary. Egypt took control of Suez Canal; U.S. refused to help take it back. Period: Jan 1, 1957 to Dec 31, 1975 Space race ensues between The United States and the Soviet Union Jan 6, 1959 Cuba taken over by Fidel Castro Apr 1, 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion Period: Jan 1, 1962 to Dec 31, 1962 US involvement in Vietnam increases Apr 1, 1970 President Nixon extends Vietnam War to Cambodia Jan 27, 1973 Cease fire in Vietnam between North Vietnam and United States Nov 1, 1989 Berlin Wall falls Aug 1, 1991 End of Soviet Union