-
Period: to
Cold War 1947-1946
-
Truman Doctrine Announced
President Truman pledged to support countries resisting communism, especially Greece and Turkey. This marked the start of America’s containment policy. -
Marshall Plan Proposed
Secretary of State George Marshall introduced a plan to provide economic aid to rebuild European countries. It aimed to prevent the spread of communism by stabilizing economies. -
Cominform Established by the USSR
The Soviet Union created the Communist Information Bureau to coordinate communist parties across Europe. This showed Stalin’s intent to tighten control over Eastern Bloc nations. -
Czechoslovak Coup
Communists seized control of the Czechoslovak government, ending democratic rule. This shocked the West and increased tensions. -
Marshall Plan Enacted
President Truman signed the Economic Recovery Act, officially launching the Marshall Plan. It was a massive effort to rebuild Western Europe and prevent communist influence. -
Berlin Blockade Begins
The USSR blocked all ground routes to West Berlin, hoping to force the Allies out. This led to the Western Allies organizing the Berlin Airlift. -
NATO Formed
Twelve nations, including the U.S., Canada, and Western European countries, formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for collective defense against the Soviet threat. It formalized the division between East and West.