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Period: to
Cold War 1947-1966
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Truman Doctrine
The U.S. pledged to support countries resisting communism, starting with Greece and Turkey. This marked the start of America's containment policy. It symbolized a firm ideological divide between East and West. -
Berlin Blockade Begins
The Soviet Union blocked Allied access to West Berlin. In response, the U.S. and its allies launched the Berlin Airlift to supply the city. This crisis was one of the first direct confrontations of the Cold War. -
NATO Formed
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was established as a military alliance among Western nations. It aimed to counter Soviet military power in Europe. This institutionalized the East-West divide. -
Korean War Begins
North Korea, backed by the Soviets and China, invaded South Korea. The U.S. and UN forces intervened to stop the spread of communism. The war turned Korea into a Cold War battleground. -
Mutual Security Act Passed
The U.S. committed billions in military aid to allies. This expanded American influence and strengthened anti-communist defenses globally. It reflected Cold War priorities in foreign policy spending. -
U.S. Tests First Hydrogen Bomb
The U.S. successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb, escalating the nuclear arms race. The Soviet Union followed soon after. This intensified fears of global destruction. -
Stalin Dies
Joseph Stalin's death led to a power struggle and some thawing in East-West tensions. It created uncertainty in Soviet foreign policy. Peoples hopes briefly rose for a softening of Cold War hostility. -
Geneva Conference on Indochina
This conference divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel. It set the stage for future U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The Cold War's reach expanded into Southeast Asia. -
Warsaw Pact Formed
The Soviet Union created a military alliance with Eastern Bloc countries in response to NATO. It formalized the Eastern bloc’s military cooperation. This solidified the division of Europe. -
Hungarian Revolution
Hungarians revolted against Soviet control, but the USSR crushed the uprising. It showed the limits of U.S. support in Eastern Europe. The event highlighted Soviet dominance in its sphere. -
Sputnik Launched
The USSR launched the first artificial satellite. This shocked the U.S. and started the space race. It symbolized technological competition between the superpowers. -
Berlin Crisis Intensifies
The USSR demanded Western withdrawal from Berlin. Tensions escalated as both sides refused to budge. This deepened Cold War anxieties over Germany. -
Cuban Revolution
Fidel Castro overthrew the U.S.-backed Cuban government. He later aligned with the Soviet Union, bringing communism to the Western Hemisphere. This marked a new Cold War front. -
U-2 Incident
A U.S. spy plane was shot down over the USSR. The incident embarrassed the U.S. and collapsed a planned summit. It revealed the deep mistrust between superpowers. -
Berlin Wall Built
East Germany, backed by the USSR, built a wall dividing East and West Berlin. It became a symbol of Cold War division. The wall physically manifested the Iron Curtain. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The U.S. discovered Soviet missiles in Cuba. A tense standoff brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. It was the Cold War’s most dangerous moment.
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