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Churchill forecasts the coming Cold War in which the world will be divided into two spheres of influence. -
Ten Hollywood actors and actresses are tried by the House Unamerican Activities Commission (HUAC) on various charges of sympathizing with communism. -
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an alliance between the United States, Canada, and 11 European countries created to protect against Russian aggression. -
The Soviet Union becomes the first to put an artificial satellite into space. Their success ignites a space race that will further fuel American-Russian competition. -
President Eisenhower warns against the excesses of a military industrial complex in which defense spending would run rampant. -
Tensions spike as the USSR begins building nuclear missile sites in Cuba. -
The first agreement between the USA and USSR to limit their nuclear arsenals. -
With American troops withdrawing, Vietcong forces capture the capital and establish a communist regime in Vietnam. -
President Mikhail Gorbachev begins a process of greater openness and economic reform in Russia. -
The wall restricting movement of people out of communist controlled Berlin is neutralized.