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The Communist Information Bureau is created by Stalin to coordinate communist parties across Europe in response to Western initiatives like the Marshall Plan. -
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President Harry Truman pledges support for countries resisting communism, particularly Greece and Turkey. This marks the start of the U.S. policy of containment. -
Secretary of State George Marshall outlines a massive economic aid package to rebuild war-torn Europe, aiming to stabilize economies and prevent the spread of communism. -
The Communist Party, with Soviet backing, seizes full control of Czechoslovakia, eliminating democratic elements and alarming the West. -
The U.S. begins distributing over $12 billion in aid to European countries, solidifying the Western economic bloc.
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is established by the U.S., Canada, and Western European countries as a mutual defense pact against Soviet aggression. -
After nearly a year of supplying West Berlin by air, the Soviet Union lifts the blockade, and the Allies emerge successful. -
The USSR blocks rail, road, and canal access to West Berlin in an attempt to force the Allies out; it marks one of the first major crises of the Cold War. -
(August 29): The successful detonation of a Soviet nuclear weapon ends U.S. nuclear monopoly and intensifies the arms race. -
A key U.S. strategy document advocating large-scale military buildup and a global stance against communism. -
(October): After UN forces approach the Yalu River, China sends troops into Korea, prolonging the war and challenging U.S. dominance in Asia. -
North Korea invades South Korea with Soviet and Chinese support; the U.S. and UN intervene to support the South, escalating Cold War tensions. -
President Truman fires General Douglas MacArthur over insubordination and disagreements on Korean War strategy, reinforcing civilian control over the military. -
The U.S., Australia, and New Zealand sign a treaty committing to mutual defense in the Pacific region against communist threats. -
: Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are found guilty of espionage for passing atomic secrets to the Soviets, fueling anti-communist sentiment. -
A campaign alleging Jewish doctors were plotting to poison Soviet leaders, reflecting Stalin's increasing paranoia -
Anti-colonial movement perceived by Britain as influenced by communism, showcasing Cold War links to decolonization. -
: The detonation of "Ivy Mike" marks a new, more destructive phase in the nuclear arms race. -
Eisenhower proposes sharing peaceful nuclear technology through the UN, promoting non-military uses of atomic energy. -
): His death leads to a power struggle and eventual rise of Nikita Khrushchev, opening the door to limited reform. -
(July 27): An armistice ends active fighting, though no peace treaty is signed; Korea remains divided. -
The U.S. helps overthrow President Arbenz, fearing communist influence, leading to decades of instability. -
Agreement to divide Vietnam at the 17th parallel, setting the stage for U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia. -
Development of bomber fleets and airbases as part of a deterrent nuclear strategy. -
First post-Stalin meeting between superpowers; discussions promote the idea of "peaceful coexistence." -
Austria regains sovereignty and agrees to neutrality, leading to withdrawal of occupying troops. -
: A Soviet-led military alliance in response to West Germany joining NATO, solidifying the Eastern bloc. -
Soviet tanks invade Hungary to suppress a popular uprising, showcasing the USSR's unwillingness to tolerate dissent. -
Denounces Stalin's crimes, initiating de-Stalinization and unsettling the Eastern bloc. -
British, French, and Israeli forces invade Egypt after nationalization of the Suez Canal, but face U.S. and Soviet opposition. -
Władysław Gomułka returns to power with some independence from Moscow, reflecting tensions within the Eastern bloc. -
U.S. promises military and economic aid to Middle Eastern countries resisting communism. -
: First man-made satellite; triggers U.S. fears of Soviet technological superiority and leads to space race. -
Khrushchev demands withdrawal of Western troops from Berlin, setting off a prolonged confrontation. -
Mao's campaign to rapidly industrialize China worsens Sino-Soviet relations due to its radicalism. -
U.S. civilian space agency established in response to Sputnik, central to Cold War space competition. -
The first Soviet leader to visit the U.S., meeting with Eisenhower and touring American cities. -
Informal summit between Eisenhower and Khrushchev aimed at reducing Cold War tensions. -
: Fidel Castro overthrows Batista; U.S.-Cuba relations deteriorate as Castro aligns with USSR. -
U-2 incident derails high-level talks between U.S. and USSR, worsening tensions. -
After independence, the Congo descends into chaos; Cold War powers back rival factions. -
American spy plane shot down over USSR; pilot Gary Powers captured, embarrassing the U.S. -
: U.S.-backed Cuban exiles fail to overthrow Castro, embarrassing the Kennedy administration. -
A Kennedy initiative to send American volunteers abroad, part of a soft power Cold War strategy. -
East Germany, with Soviet support, erects a wall to prevent emigration to the West. -
A secret part of the resolution to the Cuban crisis, showing superpower bargaining. -
Border conflict between China and India; exposes China’s break from both USSR and U.S.-led blocs. -
: U.S. discovers Soviet missiles in Cuba; a tense standoff ends with Soviet withdrawal. -
JFK expresses solidarity with West Berlin during a visit, symbolizing U.S. commitment. -
Direct phone link between Washington and Moscow reduces risk of accidental nuclear war. -
U.S., USSR, and UK agree to ban nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. -
Replaced by Leonid Brezhnev and Alexei Kosygin, signaling a shift to more collective Soviet leadership. -
Alleged attacks on U.S. ships lead to congressional resolution giving LBJ broad war powers. -
Joins the nuclear club, increasing Cold War complexity and ending Soviet nuclear monopoly in Asia. -
Marks the escalation of the Vietnam War and full U.S. military involvement. -
Following a failed coup, mass killings of communists occur with tacit U.S. support. -
: Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov becomes first human to walk in space, maintaining Soviet prestige. -
Mao launches radical social movement in China, worsening relations with USSR. -
President de Gaulle asserts French independence from U.S. influence. -
Escalation of the air war reflects deepening U.S. commitment to Vietnam.