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President Truman pledged U.S. support for countries resisting communism, starting with aid to Greece and Turkey, marking the start of the containment policy. -
The U.S. proposes massive economic aid to rebuild Europe and prevent the spread of communism. -
The Soviet Union forms Cominform to coordinate communist parties in Europe and counter Western influence. -
The Communist Party seizes control in Czechoslovakia, expanding Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. -
The U.S. begins distributing aid to European countries to rebuild economies and curb communism. -
The Soviet Union blocks Western Allies' access to West Berlin, leading to the Berlin Airlift. -
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is formed as a military alliance against Soviet aggression. -
West Germany is established, solidifying the division of Germany. -
West Germany is established, solidifying the division of Germany. -
The USSR successfully tests its first atomic bomb, ending the U.S. nuclear monopoly. -
Senator McCarthy begins his anti-communist crusade, leading to widespread fear and suspicion. -
North Korea invades South Korea, prompting U.S. and UN military intervention. -
Chinese forces cross into Korea, escalating the conflict. -
President Truman relieves MacArthur of command during the Korean War over policy disagreements. -
Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. form a security pact in the Pacific. -
The U.S. provides military and economic aid to allies to combat communism. -
Soviet leader Stalin sends notes proposing German reunification, which are rejected by the West. -
The United Kingdom becomes the third nation to possess nuclear weapons. -
The first successful test of a thermonuclear weapon marks a new phase in the arms race. -
Dwight D. Eisenhower takes office, promoting a strong stance against communism. -
Joseph Stalin's death leads to a power struggle and eventual policy shifts in the USSR. -
An armistice ends active combat in Korea, establishing the DMZ. -
Discussions on Korea and Indochina lead to temporary division of Vietnam. -
The U.S. orchestrates a coup to remove Prime Minister Mossadegh and strengthen the Shah's power. -
The U.S. starts providing aid to South Vietnam to counter communism. -
The Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries establish a military alliance. -
Austria regains independence and declares neutrality after the withdrawal of Allied forces. -
Leaders from the U.S., USSR, UK, and France meet to discuss Cold War tensions. -
Nikita Khrushchev denounces Stalin's cult of personality, signaling a shift in Soviet policies. -
A revolt against Soviet control is crushed by the Red Army. -
Egypt nationalizes the Suez Canal, leading to military intervention by the UK, France, and Israel.
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The U.S. pledges to defend Middle Eastern countries against communism. -
Tensions rise as the U.S. and USSR vie for influence in Syria. -
The USSR launches the first artificial satellite, igniting the Space Race. -
U.S. Marines land in Lebanon to support the government against internal opposition. -
The U.S. creates the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in response to Sputnik. -
Khrushchev demands Western withdrawal from Berlin, escalating tensions. -
Fidel Castro overthrows Batista, leading to a communist government in Cuba. -
Negotiations fail to resolve the status of Berlin, maintaining Cold War tensions. -
The Soviet leader tours the U.S., promoting peaceful coexistence. -
An American spy plane is shot down over the USSR, derailing a planned summit. -
The U-2 incident causes the collapse of talks between U.S. and Soviet leaders. -
Post-independence turmoil in the Congo becomes a Cold War proxy conflict. -
The U.S. initiates a program to promote economic development in Latin America. -
A failed U.S.-backed attempt to overthrow Castro in Cuba. -
East Germany builds a wall dividing Berlin to stop emigration to the West. -
A direct communication link between Washington and Moscow is set up to prevent future crises. -
Discussions start on limiting nuclear weapons testing. -
A confrontation over Soviet missiles in Cuba brings the world to the brink of nuclear war. -
President Kennedy expresses solidarity with West Berliners. -
The U.S., USSR, and UK agree to prohibit nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and under water. -
A coup removes South Vietnam's president, increasing U.S. involvement. -
Alleged attacks on U.S. ships lead to increased American military presence in Vietnam. -
Nikita Khrushchev is removed from power, replaced by Leonid Brezhnev. -
China becomes the fifth nuclear power with its first successful test. -
Viet Cong forces attack a U.S. military base in Pleiku, South Vietnam, killing 8 Americans and wounding over 100, prompting the U.S. to escalate its military involvement in Vietnam. -
A sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam is launched. -
American military presence in Vietnam increases dramatically. -
President Charles de Gaulle announces France's withdrawal from NATO's integrated military command, asserting national sovereignty and altering alliance dynamics. -
France and the Soviet Union sign a declaration in Moscow to enhance cooperation in foreign affairs, science, and technology, reflecting France's independent foreign policy stance. -
Indonesia and Malaysia sign the Jakarta Accord, officially ending the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation and reducing regional Cold War tensions.