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Period: to
Cold War 1947 - 1966
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Truman Doctrine
A U.S. foreign policy established in 1947 by President Truman, aimed at containing the spread of communism. It pledged political, military, and economic support to countries resisting communist influence, starting with aid to Greece and Turkey. This marked the beginning of the Cold War-era policy of containment. -
Marshall Plan
A U.S. initiative launched to provide economic aid to Western European countries after World War II. Its goal was to help rebuild war-torn economies, prevent the spread of communism, and promote political stability. Over four years, the U.S. gave more than $12 billion in assistance. -
Rio Pact
Also known as the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, was signed in 1947 by the United States and many Latin American countries. It established a mutual defense agreement, stating that an attack against one member would be considered an attack against all. The pact aimed to strengthen regional security during the early Cold War period. -
Communist takeover in Czechoslovakia
The Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, backed by the Soviet Union, seized full control of the government in a coup. Non-communist ministers were forced to resign, and President Edvard Beneš reluctantly accepted a new, communist-led government. This marked the complete establishment of a Soviet-style regime and tightened Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. -
Truman's Loyalty Program
Launched in 1947, aimed to root out suspected communists from the U.S. federal government. It required background checks on government employees and allowed investigations into their political beliefs and associations. The program reflected growing Cold War fears of communist infiltration in American institutions. -
Berlin Blockade begins
When the Soviet Union blocked all rail, road, and canal access to West Berlin in an attempt to force the Allies out of the city. It was a response to the introduction of a new currency in West Berlin, which the Soviets saw as a threat to their control. This marked one of the first major crises of the Cold War. -
NATO ratified
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was ratified in as a military alliance between the U.S., Canada, and several Western European nations. Its purpose was to provide collective defense against the threat of Soviet expansion. The U.S. Senate approved the treaty, marking a significant shift from isolationism to active involvement in European security. -
Russia tested its first atomic bomb
The Soviet Union successfully tested its first atomic bomb, known as "First Lightning" or "Joe-1" by the U.S. This surprise development ended the United States' monopoly on nuclear weapons and escalated Cold War tensions. The test marked the beginning of the nuclear arms race between the two superpowers. -
Mao Zedong takes control of China
In 1949, Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party defeated the Nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek after years of civil war. On October 1, Mao declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China, establishing a communist government. The Nationalists retreated to Taiwan, marking a major shift in the global balance of power during the Cold War. -
Truman approved H-bomb development
Truman approved the development of the hydrogen bomb in response to the Soviet Union’s successful atomic bomb test. The H-bomb was more powerful than earlier nuclear weapons, marking a new and more dangerous phase in the arms race. Truman’s decision reflected rising Cold War tensions and a desire to maintain U.S. military superiority. -
Joe McCarthy begins Communist witch hunt and loyalty tests
Senator McCarthy began a campaign claiming that communists had infiltrated the U.S. government, sparking a nationwide Red Scare. He conducted aggressive investigations and hearings, accusing many without solid evidence. This period, known as McCarthyism, led to widespread fear, blacklisting, and loyalty tests across government and private sectors. -
Korean War begins
When North Korean forces, backed by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea. In response, the United Nations, led by the United States, intervened to support South Korea. The conflict quickly escalated into a major Cold War battle between communist and non-communist forces in Asia. -
Chinese capture Seoul
Chinese forces, having entered the Korean War in support of North Korea, captured Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Their intervention pushed United Nations and South Korean troops southward in a major setback. This marked the second time Seoul fell to communist forces during the war, intensifying the conflict. -
Truman fires MacArthur
Truman fired General Douglas MacArthur for insubordination after MacArthur publicly criticized Truman's policies on the Korean War. MacArthur had pushed for expanding the war into China, which Truman opposed to avoid a larger conflict. The decision sparked controversy but reinforced civilian control over the military in the United States. -
UN forces advance several miles north of 38th parallel
After recapturing Seoul, United Nations forces advanced several miles north of the 38th parallel into North Korea. Their goal was to reunify Korea under a non-communist government and defeat North Korean forces. However, this advance triggered Chinese intervention, which soon reversed many of the UN's gains. -
Truman relieves Eisenhower of NATO command so he can run for President.
Truman relieved General Dwight D. Eisenhower of his NATO command so Eisenhower could return to the United States and campaign for the presidency. Eisenhower had been serving as the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO forces in Europe. His resignation marked the beginning of a successful presidential run as the Republican nominee. -
Washington authorizes bombing of Korean power plants on the Yalu River.
Washington authorized the bombing of hydroelectric power plants along the Yalu River, which bordered North Korea and China. These attacks aimed to disrupt North Korea's power supply and war production, and to pressure both North Korea and China. The bombings marked an escalation in U.S. air strategy, targeting infrastructure critical to the enemy's war effort. -
A-bombs developed by Britain
During Operation Hurricane, off the coast of Australia. This made the United Kingdom the third country, after the United States and the Soviet Union, to possess nuclear weapons. The test demonstrated Britain's determination to remain a major global power and maintain independence in defense policy during the Cold War. -
Nuclear Arms Race atomic test series of 11 explosions at Nevada Test Site
the United States conducted a series of 11 atomic tests at the newly established Nevada Test Site, marking a key moment in the escalating nuclear arms race. Known as Operation Ranger, these tests were the first conducted on U.S. soil and aimed to improve bomb designs and military effectiveness. They reflected rising Cold War tensions and the U.S. commitment to maintaining nuclear superiority. -
Korean War ends
The Korean War ended with the signing of an armistice agreement at Panmunjom. The agreement established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) near the 38th parallel, effectively maintaining the division between North and South Korea. Although fighting ceased, no formal peace treaty was signed, meaning the two Korea's technically remain at war. -
Ike's Atoms for Peace speech
President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his "Atoms for Peace" speech to the United Nations General Assembly. He proposed sharing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, such as energy production, to reduce the threat of nuclear war and promote international cooperation. The speech marked a shift toward using atomic power for constructive, civilian applications during the Cold War. -
Castle Bravo H-bomb Test
The United States conducted the Castle Bravo hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll, the most powerful nuclear device ever detonated by the U.S. at the time. The explosion was much larger than expected, causing widespread radioactive fallout and international concern over nuclear testing. -
KGB Established
The Soviet Union officially established the KGB (Committee for State Security) in March 1954 as its main security and intelligence agency. It was responsible for both domestic surveillance and foreign espionage during the Cold War, becoming a powerful tool of Soviet control. -
Vietnam Split at 17th Parallel
At the Geneva Conference in July 1954, Vietnam was temporarily divided at the 17th parallel into communist North Vietnam and anti-communist South Vietnam. This division set the stage for increased U.S. involvement and the Vietnam War. -
US Congress authorises president Dwight Eisenhower to use force to defend Taiwan
U.S. Congress passed the Formosa Resolution, authorizing President Dwight D. Eisenhower to use military force to defend Taiwan and the Pescadores Islands from communist Chinese attacks. This move came during rising tensions between Communist China and Nationalist forces based in Taiwan. The resolution strengthened U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s defense during the Cold War. -
Warsaw Pact formed
Formed as a military alliance between the Soviet Union and seven Eastern Bloc countries in response to the integration of West Germany into NATO. The pact formalized the Eastern bloc's military cooperation under Soviet leadership. It symbolized the deepening division of Europe during the Cold War. -
An American U-2 spy plane makes its first flight over Soviet territory.
An American U-2 spy plane conducted its first flight over Soviet territory, gathering high-altitude reconnaissance on Soviet military installations. The mission was part of a secret CIA program to monitor Soviet capabilities during the Cold War. These flights heightened tensions and eventually led to a major diplomatic crisis in 1960 when a U-2 was shot down. -
USSR sent tanks into Poznan, Poland
The Soviet Union sent tanks and troops into Poznań, Poland, to crush a workers' uprising demanding better working conditions, political freedom, and economic reforms. The violent suppression resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. The event exposed growing unrest in Eastern Bloc countries under Soviet control. -
USSR sent military aid to Afghanistan
The Soviet Union began sending military aid to Afghanistan as part of its strategy to expand influence in the region during the Cold War. This aid included weapons, military advisors, and training to support Afghanistan’s army. It marked the start of deeper Soviet involvement that would escalate in the following decades, leading to the full-scale invasion in 1979. -
Suez Crisis began with Israeli attack led by Moshe Dayan against Egyptian forces in the Sinai Egypt took control of Suez Canal
The Suez Crisis began when Israeli forces, led by General Moshe Dayan, launched a surprise attack against Egyptian troops in the Sinai Peninsula. The invasion was coordinated with Britain and France, who aimed to regain control of the Suez Canal, which Egypt had nationalized in July. The conflict escalated into an international crisis, drawing in Cold War powers and leading to a UN-brokered ceasefire. -
Vostok rocket launched 1st ICBM
The Soviet Union successfully launched the R-7 Semyorka, the world’s first intercontinental ballistic missile, using a Vostok rocket. This marked a major technological breakthrough, proving the USSR could deliver nuclear warheads across continents. The achievement intensified Cold War tensions and triggered a new phase in the arms race between the U.S. and the USSR. -
Sputnik launched into orbit
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, into Earth’s orbit. This historic event marked the beginning of the Space Age and shocked the world, especially the United States, by demonstrating Soviet advances in rocket technology. Sputnik’s launch intensified the Cold War space race between the superpowers. -
Sputnik II launched - Laika died in space
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik II, carrying Laika, the first living creature to orbit Earth. Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, survived only a few hours due to overheating, though Soviet officials initially claimed she lived longer. The mission demonstrated the possibility of sending living beings into space, but it also sparked international concern over animal welfare. -
Explorer I launched
The United States launched Explorer I, its first successful satellite, marking America's entry into the Space Race. The mission, led by scientist James Van Allen, discovered the Van Allen radiation belts surrounding Earth. Explorer I was a direct response to the Soviet Union's earlier Sputnik launches and helped boost U.S. efforts in space exploration. -
NASA began Mercury project using Atlas rocket
In 1958, NASA began the Mercury Project, its first human spaceflight program, aimed at putting an American astronaut into orbit. The Atlas rocket was chosen as the launch vehicle for orbital missions due to its power and range. The project laid the foundation for later space programs like Gemini and Apollo. -
Khrushchev demands withdrawal of troops from Berlin
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev issued an ultimatum demanding that Western powers withdraw their troops from West Berlin within six months. He proposed turning Berlin into a “free city,” threatening to transfer control of access routes to East Germany if the demand wasn’t met. This marked the beginning of the Berlin Crisis, intensifying Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the USSR. -
Cuba taken over by Fidel Castro
Fidel Castro and his revolutionary forces overthrew Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, taking control of the island. Castro’s rise to power marked the beginning of a communist government in Cuba, which would lead to closer ties with the Soviet Union and tensions with the United States during the Cold War. The revolution was a pivotal moment in Latin American politics. -
Nikita Khrushchev begins a controversial fortnight-long visit to the US.
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev began a controversial, fortnight-long visit to the United States, marking the first time a Soviet leader had traveled to the U.S. The visit included meetings with President Dwight D. Eisenhower and was aimed at easing Cold War tensions, but it was also met with skepticism from many Americans. Khrushchev’s impromptu actions, like a visit to a farm in Iowa and a public spat over a kitchen debate, sparked controversy during his stay. -
Khrushchev meets with Chinese leader Mao Zedong in Beijing.
Nikita Khrushchev met with Chinese leader Mao Zedong in Beijing to discuss the growing tensions between the Soviet Union and China within the Communist bloc. The meeting aimed to strengthen Sino-Soviet ties, but underlying ideological differences and competing national interests began to emerge. These differences eventually led to the Sino-Soviet split, which deepened the division between the two major communist powers. -
Soviet Union reveals that U.S. spy plane was shot down over Soviet territory
The Soviet Union publicly revealed that a U.S. U-2 spy plane, piloted by Francis Gary Powers, had been shot down while flying over Soviet territory. The plane was conducting reconnaissance missions, and its downing exposed U.S. espionage activities, embarrassing the U.S. government. The incident led to a major diplomatic crisis, especially as the U.S. initially tried to cover up the mission's details. -
John F. Kennedy elected President of USA
John F. Kennedy was elected the 35th President of the United States, defeating incumbent Vice President Richard Nixon in a tightly contested race. Kennedy's victory marked a shift toward a younger, more dynamic leadership, with his campaign emphasizing issues like the Cold War, civil rights, and economic growth. His inauguration in January 1961 would mark the beginning of a new era in U.S. politics. -
Cuba openly aligns itself with the Soviet Union and their policies
Cuba under Fidel Castro officially aligned itself with the Soviet Union, embracing communist ideology and policies. This alliance deepened Cold War tensions, as Cuba became a key Soviet ally just 90 miles from U.S. shores. The move alarmed the United States and set the stage for future confrontations, including the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. -
Bay of Pigs invasion
The Bay of Pigs invasion began when U.S.-backed Cuban exiles landed on Cuba’s southern coast in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro. The operation, planned by the CIA, quickly failed as Cuban forces defeated the invaders within three days. The failed invasion embarrassed the U.S. and heightened Cold War tensions, pushing Cuba closer to the Soviet Union and contributing to the events that led to the Cuban Missile Crisis. -
Berlin border is closed
The East German government, backed by the Soviet Union, suddenly closed the border between East and West Berlin to stop the mass exodus of East Germans to the West. Barbed wire and roadblocks were quickly put in place, soon followed by the construction of the Berlin Wall. This action became one of the most visible symbols of Cold War division in Europe. -
Construction of Berlin Wall begins
Construction of the Berlin Wall began as East Germany, with Soviet support, erected barriers to prevent its citizens from fleeing to West Berlin. Initially made of barbed wire and cinder blocks, the wall soon evolved into a heavily fortified concrete structure. The Berlin Wall became a powerful symbol of the Cold War, representing the division between communist East and democratic West. -
Cuba and the Soviet Union sign a trade agreement.
Cuba and the Soviet Union strengthened their trade relationship by expanding earlier agreements to include more economic and military support. The Soviet Union increased shipments of oil, machinery, and military equipment to Cuba, while continuing to buy large quantities of Cuban sugar. These closer ties set the stage for the Cuban Missile Crisis, as the USSR began secretly installing nuclear missiles on the island. -
John F. Kennedy appears on television and addresses the American people.
President John F. Kennedy appeared on national television to inform the American people that the Soviet Union had placed nuclear missiles in Cuba. He announced the imposition of a naval “quarantine” around the island to prevent further delivery of military equipment. Kennedy made it clear that the U.S. would demand the removal of the missiles and was prepared to take military action if necessary, marking the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis. -
Kennedy suspends the American naval blockade of Cuba.
President Kennedy officially suspended the U.S. naval blockade of Cuba after confirming that the Soviet Union had removed its nuclear missiles from the island. The suspension followed intense negotiations and aerial verification that the missile sites were being dismantled. This marked the peaceful resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the most dangerous confrontations of the Cold War. -
Cuban leader Fidel Castro begins a visit to the Soviet Union.
Castro began a month-long visit to the Soviet Union, his first official trip there since coming to power. The visit was aimed at strengthening political and economic ties following the Cuban Missile Crisis, and included meetings with Nikita Khrushchev and tours of Soviet farms, factories, and military facilities. Castro’s trip reaffirmed the alliance between Cuba and the USSR amid ongoing tensions with the United States. -
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty ratified
The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was officially ratified by the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom. The treaty prohibited nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater, though it allowed underground testing to continue. It was a major step in easing Cold War tensions and marked the first significant arms control agreement of the era. -
President Kennedy assassinated in Dallas, Texas
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade through Dallas, Texas. He was fatally shot by a sniper, later identified as Lee Harvey Oswald, as crowds lined the streets. Kennedy’s death shocked the nation and the world, leading to Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in as president later that day. -
A coup in Brazil, possibly supported by the CIA, overthrows president Joao Goulart.
A military coup in Brazil overthrew left-wing President João Goulart, who was accused of pushing the country toward communism. The coup led to a U.S.-backed military dictatorship that lasted for over two decades. While direct U.S. involvement is debated, evidence suggests the CIA supported anti-Goulart forces during the crisis. -
The Gulf of Tonkin incident
The incident occurred when U.S. Navy ships reportedly came under attack by North Vietnamese patrol boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. Though the details remain disputed, the incident led Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Lyndon B. Johnson broad authority to escalate U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. This marked a major turning point in the Vietnam War. -
Leonid Brezhnev replaces Khrushchev as Soviet leader.
Leonid Brezhnev replaced Nikita Khrushchev as the leader of the Soviet Union following a peaceful internal power struggle. Khrushchev was removed by party officials due to his perceived erratic leadership and policy failures, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. Brezhnev’s rise marked the beginning of a more conservative and stable era in Soviet politics, known for increased military buildup and political repression. -
The death of former British prime minister Winston Churchill.
Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, died at the age of 90. He was widely honored for his leadership during World War II, especially his role in rallying Britain during its darkest hours. Churchill received a state funeral, attended by world leaders, marking the end of an era in British and global history. -
US president Lyndon Johnson announces that another 50,000 combat troops will be sent to Vietnam
U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the deployment of an additional 50,000 combat troops to Vietnam, significantly escalating American involvement in the war. This brought the total number of U.S. troops in Vietnam to over 125,000. Johnson framed the decision as necessary to stop the spread of communism, but it deepened public concern and protest at home. -
The US and Cuban government agree to allow Cubans to resettle in the United States if they wish.
The U.S. and Cuban governments reached an agreement allowing Cubans who wished to leave the island to resettle in the United States. This marked the beginning of the Freedom Flights, a series of airlifts that brought over 260,000 Cuban refugees to the U.S. over the following years. The agreement reflected growing tensions between the Cuban government and its citizens under Fidel Castro's rule. -
The Soviets launch Luna 10, the first man-made probe to orbit the Moon
The Soviet Union launched Luna 10, the first man-made spacecraft to successfully orbit the Moon. It transmitted data back to Earth about the Moon’s surface and gravitational field, marking a major milestone in the space race. Luna 10's success showcased Soviet technological achievements during a critical phase of Cold War competition with the United States. -
French president Charles de Gaulle begins a visit to the Soviet Union.
French President Charles de Gaulle began a historic visit to the Soviet Union, aiming to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between France and the USSR. His trip marked a move toward greater independence in French foreign policy, especially from U.S. influence during the Cold War. De Gaulle emphasized peaceful coexistence and dialogue between East and West. -
A Warsaw Pact conference promises support to North Vietnam.
A Warsaw Pact conference convened in Bucharest, Romania, where member nations pledged full support to North Vietnam in its struggle against U.S. forces. The pact members condemned American aggression and expressed solidarity with the Vietnamese people. This declaration reinforced the Cold War divide and the Soviet bloc’s commitment to backing communist allies in Southeast Asia.