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The Yalta Conference occurs, deciding the post-war status of Germany. The Allies of World War II the USA, the USSR, Great Britain and France divide Germany into four zones. The Allied nations agree that free elections are to be held in all countries occupied by Nazi Germany. In addition, the new United Nations are to replace the failed League of Nations.
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US President Truman gives permission for the world's first military use of an atomic weapon against the Japanese city of Hiroshima in an attempt to bring the only remaining theatre of war from the Second World War in the Pacific to a swift closure.
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US President Truman gives permission for the world's second and last military use of an atomic weapon against the Japanese city of Nagasaki in order to try to secure a swift Japanese unconditional surrender in the end of the Second World War.
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The Japanese surrender
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Winston Churchill warns of the descent of an Iron Curtain across Europe.
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: North Korea invades South Korea, beginning the Korean War.
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Seoul, the capital of South Korea, falls to North Korean forces.
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The United Nations votes to send forces to Korea to aid South Korea.
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United Nations forces engage North Korean forces for the first time, in Osan
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United Nations forces cross the 38th parallel, into North Korea.
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China invades Korea with 300,000 soldiers, catching the United Nations by surprise. However, they withdraw after initial engagements.
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United Nations forces approach the Yalu River. In response, China invades Korea again, but with a 500,000 strong army. This offensive forces the United Nations back towards South Korea
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By the end of March, they have reached the 38th Parallel, and formed a defensive line across the Korean peninsula
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The Geneva Accords calls for free elections to unite Vietnam, but none of the major Western powers wish this to occur in the likely case that the Viet Minh (nationalist Communists) would win.
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Communist insurgency begins in South Vietnam, sponsored by North Vietnam
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South Vietnamese Prime Minister Diem is assassinated in coup,
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US military build up to defend South Vietnam. North Vietnam has also committed its forces in the war. US begins sustained bombing of North Vietnam.
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Battle of Ia Drang, the first major engagement between US Troops and regular Vietnamese forces.
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Tet Offensive in South Vietnam begins.
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Johnson suspends bombings over North Vietnam and announces he is not running for reelection
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"Vietnamization" begins with U.S. troop withdrawals from Vietnam and the burden of combat being placed on the South Vietnamese.
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North Vietnam wins the war in South Vietnam. The South Vietnam regime falls with the surrender of Saigon and the two countries are united under a Communist government.