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Stalin
Russian dictator during WW2 and Cold War. Was harsh and was responsible for many deaths of both his own people and opposition. Redefined the role of a dictator along with Hitler -
Yeltsin
Russian politican and first president of Russian Federation. Started as a supporter of Gorbachev, but eventually became one of his strongest political opponents. One of few to support and then not support Gorbachev -
Los Angeles Olympics
Held during Great Depression, major world-wide athletic event. Showed olymics still mattered even in rough economic period -
United Nations
A peaceful organization where each country has a vote in General Assembly. Aimed to stop war efforts and play mediator role. Came as a better version of League of Nations, learned from their mistakes -
Iron Curtain
Political and military barrier erected by Soviets to avoid and protect from surrounding countries. The falling of it represented fall of communism -
Truman Doctrine
International policy, stated that U.S. would support Greece as well as Turkey with both military and economic help. Many say it was start of Cold War, or one of main causes -
Marshall Plan
European recovery program that sought to rebuild each country and avoid spread of communism. -
Berlin Airlift
Countered the previously made Berlin Blockade by Soviets, Made to successfully transport planes and goods and avoid Soviets.
Showed that the Allies would not give in to Russian desires. -
NATO
Military alliance between U.S., Canada, and ten other countries. Led to Warsaw Pact -
People's Republic of China
Republic with national capital being Bejing. Carried out a "people's democratic dictatorship". Led to many countries recognizing and respecting it -
Korean War
North Korean army crossed 38th parallel, starting a war that many other countries would soon be involved in. Brought superpowers from around the world into yet another big war. -
Putin
Officer in KGB, rose to rank of Liutenant Colonel before entered politics. Rose up in KGB and is strong political influence today. -
First hydrogen bomb explosion
U.S. tested hydrogen bomb for first time, further advancing technology. Made nuclear war even more dangerous. -
Khrushchev
Became leader in 1953 after Stalin's death. Maintained communism but took "peaceful coexistence" approach. Changed dynamic to more peaceful following Staling -
KGB
Main security agency for Soviet Union from 1954 until 1991. Led to other agencies like it in late 90's -
Vietnam
Struggle for Vietnam between North and South. Americans supported South. Showed just how important concept of communism was to Soviets and Americans -
Geneva Accords
Conference that settled a number of agreements regarding Vietnam. Recognized Vietnam as independent. Shifted world's attention to Vietnam. -
Warsaw Pact
Soviet response to NATO -- military alliance. Cemented division of Europe to Eastern and Western -
Suez Canal/Nasser
Diplomatic and military confrontation between Egypt and Britain/France/Israel. United Nations, U.S. and Soviets played huge role as mediators. Was a chance for United Nations to earn their stripes -
Sputnik
World's first official satellite done by Russia. Orbitted Earth on its elliptical path. Led to "space race" that U.S. and many others were involved in -
Berlin Wall Made
A barrier constructed by German Democratic Republic. Kept citizens from fleeing the West.
Showed that Germany was not done with governmental control. -
European Economic Cooperation
Established in 1948 to run the Marshall Plan. Encouraged co-operation and reconstruction. Gained support of many countries around the world and on a global stage. -
Ho Chi Minh
A nationalist and communist leader who fought Japanese in Vietnam war. Led guerilla forces. One of the more unlikely sources of success at the time -
Cuban Missle Crisis
13-day confrontation that brough multiple countries to the verge of war. -
Tet Offensive
North Vietnamese soldiers came out of the jungles and attacked South and American soldiers. Was a turning point in U.S. public opinion regarding war -
Brezhnev Doctrine
Sought to justify Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. Originally announced at given date, but later reiterated in a speech months later.
Showed that Soviets were trying to justify actions and led to making more possible enemies. -
Helsinki Accords
Major diplomatic agreement signed in Helsinki, Finland. Aimed to reduce tension between Soviets and Western Blocs. One of few true efforts to make peace at the time -
Iranian Hostage Crisis
Iranian students seized embassy and held them captive. Dominated headlines and news broadcasts -
Russian Invasion of Afghanistan
Russian winter invasion of Afghanistan, killed Amin (leader). Hit world headlines. Caused further turmoil in Afghanistan -
Moscow Olympics
Major world-wide competition. U.S. and 65 countries boycotted games because of war with Afghanistan. Prompted Soviet-led boycott of 1984 olympics -
Lech Walesa and Solidarity Movement in Poland
Led by Lech Walesa, was a borad anti-bureaucratic social movement using methods of civil resistance. Led to Round Table Talks -
Perestroika and Glasnost
Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness) were the words of Gorbachev about Soviet renovation in 1985 -
Gorbachev
Russian leader brought up in economic crisis, made many reform efforts and tried to avoid Cold War confrontation. Came to rule in 1985 (No specific date listed). One of the few non-confrontational leaders from Soviet Union. -
Cernobyl
A disaster during systems test day at a plant near the city of Pripyat. Showed more safety precautions are needed. -
Tiananmen Square
Large city square in Bejing, China. Separates from forbidden city. Known for protests in 1989 -
Berlin Wall Destroyed
Torn down as a sign of freedom.
Signified increased power of citizens and freedom. -
End of USSR
Happened as result of leadership change and revolutions. Showed no superpower was invincible.
