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Berlin Blockade
One of the first major international crises of the Cold War. It was an attempt by the Soviet Union to limit the ability of the United States, Great Britain, and France to travel to their respective sectors of the city of Berlin. Once the Soviet Union discovered this plan they blocked all railroads and canal access, which prevented 2.5 million people from having access to food, medicine, fuel, electricity and other goods. In level of importance I think this specific event is a 2. -
Korean War
Began when North Korea invaded South Korea. At least 2.5 million people lost their lives. The war reached international proportions in June 1950 when North Korea supplied and advised by the Soviet Union, invaded the South. The United Nations joined on the side of the South Koreans; the people's Republic of China came to North Korea's aid. After more than a million combat casualties has been suffered on both sides, fighting ended with Korea still divided. In rank of importance this would be a 5 -
Space Race
A 20th century competition between two cold war rivals, the United States and the Soviet Union. To achieve superior spaceflight compatibility. The moon landing united the country with a sense of insurmountable pride. The United States had won the Space Race, a competition more significant than any earthy battle. In terms of importance I would give this specific event a 3. -
Vietnam War
The conflict intensified by the ongoing cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union. More than 3 million people (including over 58,000 americans) were killed in the war, and more than half of the dead were Vietnamese civilians. Communist forces ended the war by seizing control of the South Vietnam in 1975, and the country was unified as the socialist Republic of Vietnam the following year. Ranking in importance I would rate this a 4. -
Suez Canal Crisis
Also considered the Second Arab-Israeli War. In July of that year, Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the canal. The Israelis were joined by French and Britain forces which damaged their relationships with the United States. In the end, Egypt emerged victorious, and the British, French, and Israeli governments withdrew their troops in late 1956 and early 1957. The event was a pivotal event among Cold War superpowers. This event personally ranked on importance I would rate it a 6. -
U-2 Incident
A United States U-2 spy plane was shot down by the Soviet Air Defence forces while conducting photographic aerial reconnaissance deep inside of Soviet Union territory. In level of importance I think this specific event is an 11. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
Major confrontation that brought the United States and the Soviet Union close to war over the presence of Soviet nuclear - armed missiles in Cuba. After carefully considering the alternatives of an immediate U.S. invasion of Cuba, a blockade of the island, or further diplomatic climax of a cutely antagonist period in U.S. Soviet relations. In importance this event is a 1. -
Yom Kippur War
The conflict was fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab States led by Egypt and Syria. The war, which eventually drew both the United States and the Soviet Union into indirect confrontation in defense of their respective allies was launched with the diplomatic aim of persuading a chastened- if still undefeated - Israel to negotiate on terms more favorable to the arab countries. In terms of importance this specific event would be a 7. -
Soviet War in Afghanistan
A protracted armed conflict fought in the Soviet - controlled Democratic Republic of Afghanistan from 1979-1989. The Soviet Union intervened in support of the Afghan communist Muslim guerrillas during the Afghan War and remained in Afghanistan until mid- February 1989. In ways of importance this specific event is an 8. -
Soviets downing Korean Air Lines Flight 007
FLight of a passenger jet that was shot down by Soviet air - to air missiles on September 1, 1983 near Sakhalin Island, Russia, killing all 269 passengers on board. Soviet authorities claimed that the plane was on an intelligence - gathering mission for the U.S. though no evidence supported the allegation. In importance this specific event is an 10 -
"Able Archer" Military Exercise
In November 1983, NATO conducted Able Archer 83 a war game that realistically modeled a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. At a moment of heightened cold tensions following the drowning of Korean Air Lines Flight 007, this exercise raised the risk of an accidental nuclear war. In importance this specific event is a 9.