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Period: to
cold war
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Truman doctrine is announced
President Harry S. Truman declared U.S. support for countries resisting communism, marking the start of the U.S. policy of containment. -
marshall plan is announced
Secretary of State George Marshall proposed economic aid to rebuild European economies, aiming to prevent the spread of communism. -
the conform is established
The Communist Information Bureau was created to coordinate actions between Communist parties under Soviet direction. -
Czechoslovak Coup d'état
Communist Party seized control in Czechoslovakia, consolidating Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. -
marshall plan enacted
President Truman signed the Economic Recovery Act, officially launching the Marshall Plan. -
the berlin blockade begins
The Soviet Union blocked Western Allies' access to West Berlin, leading to the Berlin Airlift. -
nato forms
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was established as a collective defense pact among Western nations. -
Soviet atomic bomb test
The USSR successfully tested its first atomic bomb, ending the U.S. monopoly on nuclear weapons. -
People's Republic of China Established
Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the PRC, aligning China with the Soviet bloc. -
Korean war begins
North Korean forces invaded South Korea, prompting U.S. and UN intervention. This marked the first armed conflict of the Cold War, setting a precedent for U.S. involvement in containing communism. -
UN Forces Land at Inchon
General MacArthur led a successful amphibious assault at Inchon, turning the tide in favor of UN forces during the Korean War. -
china enter the Korean war
Description: Chinese troops crossed the Yalu River to assist North Korea, escalating the conflict and intensifying Cold War tensions. -
McArthur dismissed
Description: President Truman relieved General MacArthur of his command in Korea due to disagreements over war policy, emphasizing civilian control over the military. -
Japanese treaty signed
The Treaty of San Francisco officially ended World War II with Japan, reestablishing Japan's sovereignty and positioning it as a U.S. ally in Asia. -
Mutual Security Act Signed
Description: President Truman signed the Mutual Security Act, providing military and economic aid to allies to combat the spread of communism. -
US test first hydrogen bomb
The United States detonated its first hydrogen bomb, significantly advancing its nuclear capabilities and intensifying the arms race. -
NSA established
The National Security Agency was created to coordinate intelligence efforts, reflecting the growing importance of information in Cold War strategy. -
USA elects Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected President, bringing a strong anti-communist stance and a focus on nuclear deterrence to U.S. foreign policy. -
stalin dies
Joseph Stalin's death led to a power struggle in the USSR and a temporary thaw in Cold War tensions. -
Korean armistice is signed
An armistice ended active combat in the Korean War, establishing the Demilitarized Zone but not a formal peace treaty. -
atoms for peace speech
President Eisenhower proposed sharing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, aiming to reduce nuclear tensions. -
the CIA over throws the Guatemalan gov
The CIA orchestrated a coup in Guatemala, reflecting U.S. efforts to counter perceived communist threats in Latin America. -
geneva accords signed
The Geneva Accords temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel, setting the stage for future conflict in the region. -
SEATO is formed
The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization was established to prevent communism from gaining ground in the region. -
Warsaw pact is established
The Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries formed a military alliance in response to NATO, solidifying the division of Europe. -
Austria Gains Independence
The Austrian State Treaty ended occupation and declared Austria neutral, serving as a model for Cold War diplomacy. -
the Geneva summit
Leaders from the U.S., USSR, UK, and France met to discuss Cold War tensions, marking a brief period of improved relations. -
Khrushchev's Secret Speech
Nikita Khrushchev denounced Stalin's cult of personality, initiating a period of de-Stalinization and impacting global communist movements. -
the Hungarian revolution
Description: A nationwide revolt against Soviet-imposed policies was brutally suppressed, highlighting the USSR's grip on Eastern Europe. -
Suez crisis
Egypt's nationalization of the Suez Canal led to a military intervention by the UK, France, and Israel, with the U.S. and USSR opposing the action, showcasing Cold War complexities. -
Eisenhower doctrine is announced
President Eisenhower pledged U.S. support to Middle Eastern countries resisting communism, extending containment policy. -
the launch of sputnik
The USSR launched the first artificial satellite, igniting the space race and demonstrating Soviet technological prowess. -
the lebanse crisis
The U.S. deployed troops to Lebanon to support the pro-Western government amid fears of a communist takeover, exemplifying the Eisenhower Doctrine's application in the Middle East. -
NASA is established
The U.S. created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in response to the Soviet Union's advancements in space, marking a significant escalation in the space race. -
second Berlin crisis
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev issued an ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of Western forces from West Berlin, escalating tensions and leading to a protracted crisis over the city's status. -
cuban revolution
Fidel Castro's forces overthrew Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, leading to the establishment of a communist government allied with the Soviet Union, significantly impacting U.S.-Cuba relations. -
camp century is constructed in Greenland
The U.S. built Camp Century, a nuclear-powered research facility beneath Greenland's ice, which was later revealed to be part of a secret project to deploy nuclear missiles close to the Soviet Union. -
Khrushchev's Visit to the U.S.
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev toured the United States, including a summit with President Eisenhower, aiming to ease Cold War tensions through personal diplomacy. -
France tests their first nuke
France conducted its first successful nuclear test in the Sahara Desert, becoming the fourth country to possess nuclear weapons and altering the balance of power within NAT -
U-2 incident
An American U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down over Soviet airspace, leading to a major diplomatic crisis and the cancellation of a planned summit between the U.S. and USSR. -
Sino-Soviet Split Becomes Public
Ideological and political differences between China and the Soviet Union became public, fracturing the communist bloc and altering global Cold War dynamics. -
bay of pigs invasion
A failed U.S.-backed invasion by Cuban exiles aimed to overthrow Fidel Castro's government, strengthening Castro's position and pushing Cuba closer to the Soviet Union. -
The Vienna summit
President John F. Kennedy met with Premier Khrushchev in Vienna to discuss various issues, including Berlin and nuclear arms, but the talks heightened tensions rather than easing them. -
the berlin wall is constructed
East Germany, supported by the Soviet Union, erected the Berlin Wall to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the West, becoming a powerful symbol of Cold War division. -
us support to south vietnam
The United States escalated its military and economic support to South Vietnam, marking a significant step toward deeper involvement in the Vietnam War. -
Establishment of the Hotline
In response to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the U.S. and USSR agreed to establish a direct communication link, known as the "Hotline," to prevent future crises. -
cuban missile crisis
Description: The discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba led to a tense 13-day standoff, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war before a negotiated withdrawal of the missiles. -
Soviet-American Cultural Exchange Agreement
The U.S. and USSR agreed to expand cultural exchanges, including exhibitions and performances, as a means to improve mutual understanding during the Cold War. -
Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Signed
The U.S., USSR, and UK signed a treaty banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater, aiming to reduce radioactive fallout and ease tensions. -
Assassination of President Kennedy
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas shocked the world and led to concerns about the continuity of U.S. Cold War policies under new leadership. -
nelson mandella is sentenced to life
South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for life after the Rivonia Trial. He spent 27 years in prison. -
ivil Rights Act Passed
The U.S. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark law that banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Alleged attacks on U.S. naval vessels by North Vietnamese forces led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting President Johnson authority to escalate U.S. involvement in Vietnam. -
bloody Sunday
Civil rights activists marching from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama were violently attacked by police. Led to the Voting Rights Act. -
Vietnam War Escalation
This marked the beginning of major U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War, leading to years of conflict and domestic protest in the U.S. -
Indo-Pakistani War
India and Pakistan fought their second war over Kashmir. Ended in a UN-backed ceasefire but tension remained.