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President Truman announced U.S. support for countries resisting communism, initially focusing on Greece and Turkey. This policy marked the beginning of the U.S. strategy of containment. -
The U.S. proposed massive economic aid to rebuild European economies after WWII. The plan aimed to prevent the spread of communism by stabilizing nations economically. -
The Soviet Union established the Communist Information Bureau to coordinate actions among communist parties in Europe. It signaled a tightening of Soviet control over Eastern Bloc countries. -
The communist party seized full control of Czechoslovakia in a Soviet-backed coup. This event shocked the West and accelerated U.S. aid to Europe. -
The introduction of a new West German currency by the Allies prompted Soviet outrage. This move was a direct catalyst for the Berlin Blockade. -
The Soviet Union blocked all land access to West Berlin in an attempt to force the Allies out. It marked one of the first major crises of the Cold War. -
Twelve Western nations formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for collective defense against the Soviet threat. It formalized a military alliance against communism. -
After nearly a year, the Soviet Union lifted the blockade of West Berlin. The U.S. and its allies had successfully resisted Soviet pressure with a massive airlift. -
The USSR successfully tested its first atomic bomb, ending the U.S. monopoly on nuclear weapons. This intensified the arms race. -
This U.S. policy document called for a significant military buildup to counter communism globally. It became a blueprint for Cold War military spending. -
North Korea invaded South Korea, prompting U.S.-led UN intervention. The war became a critical front in the fight against communism. -
China entered the war on the side of North Korea, pushing UN forces back. This broadened the conflict and reinforced Cold War tensions in Asia. -
President Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur for insubordination after he proposed expanding the Korean War into China. The event emphasized civilian control of the military. -
The U.S. and 47 nations signed a treaty officially ending WWII with Japan. It marked Japan’s integration into the Western alliance system. -
This act authorized military and economic aid to U.S. allies resisting communism. It institutionalized American global Cold War engagement. -
Britain successfully tested its first atomic bomb in Australia. This made it the third nuclear power and strengthened NATO's strategic position. -
The U.S. detonated its first hydrogen bomb in the Pacific. It was far more powerful than earlier atomic bombs and escalated the arms race dramatically. -
In response to growing dissent, Stalin increased repression in satellite states like East Germany and Hungary. Political purges and censorship intensified across the region. -
Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency began with a focus on containing communism and reducing Cold War tensions through diplomacy and deterrence. -
Joseph Stalin's death led to a temporary thaw in Soviet-Western relations. Power struggles in the USSR followed, with Khrushchev eventually emerging as leader. -
An armistice was signed, ending active combat in Korea. The war ended in stalemate with Korea still divided at the 38th parallel. -
French forces were defeated by the Viet Minh in Vietnam, leading to France’s withdrawal. It signaled growing communist influence in Southeast Asia. -
Vietnam was temporarily divided at the 17th parallel pending elections. The U.S. refused to sign, fearing a communist takeover. -
The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization was created to block further communist gains in Southeast Asia. It extended U.S. alliances in the region. -
The Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies formed a mutual defense treaty. It was a direct response to West Germany joining NATO. -
Austria regained independence and neutrality, with all occupying powers withdrawing. It was a rare moment of Cold War cooperation. -
Leaders of the U.S., USSR, UK, and France met to discuss reducing tensions. Although no agreements were reached, it opened a dialogue. -
Nikita Khrushchev denounced Stalin's crimes in a closed Communist Party meeting. It shocked the USSR and Eastern Europe and encouraged reform movements. -
Hungarians revolted against Soviet rule, seeking democracy and independence. The USSR crushed the uprising with tanks, reaffirming its control. -
Britain, France, and Israel invaded Egypt after Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal. The U.S. and USSR jointly pressured them to withdraw, showing Cold War complexities. -
President Eisenhower promised U.S. support for Middle Eastern countries resisting communism. It extended the Cold War into a new region. -
Six Western European nations signed the Treaty of Rome, creating the EEC. It promoted economic integration and strengthened Western unity during the Cold War. -
The Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, shocking the U.S. The space race began, fueling fears of Soviet technological superiority. -
China began a massive campaign to rapidly industrialize and collectivize agriculture. The policy led to economic disaster and millions of deaths, weakening China's standing. -
In response to Sputnik, the U.S. created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It centralized American space efforts. -
Khrushchev demanded Western withdrawal from Berlin, reigniting tensions. It led to years of negotiations over Germany’s status. -
Fidel Castro overthrew Batista and took power in Cuba. Though not initially communist, his regime soon aligned with the USSR. -
Khrushchev toured America in a goodwill visit. Despite friendly optics, fundamental ideological differences remained. -
Eisenhower and Khrushchev met at Camp David to discuss Berlin and nuclear arms. While no agreements were reached, tensions eased briefly. -
The Soviets shot down an American U-2 spy plane, capturing pilot Gary Powers. It wrecked a planned U.S.-Soviet summit. -
The ideological rift between China and the Soviet Union became public. Their rivalry fractured the communist world and shifted Cold War dynamics. -
John F. Kennedy's narrow victory signaled a generational shift. He promised to stand firm against communism. -
A CIA-backed invasion of Cuba by exiles failed disastrously. It embarrassed the U.S. and pushed Castro closer to the USSR. -
The two leaders clashed over Berlin and nuclear weapons. The summit deepened tensions, with no real agreements. -
East Germany, backed by the USSR, erected a wall dividing East and West Berlin. It became a powerful symbol of the Cold War. -
A direct phone line between Washington and Moscow was created to improve crisis communication. It was a legacy of the missile crisis. -
Algeria gained independence from France after a brutal anti-colonial war. The new nation attracted Soviet interest, shifting the balance in North Africa. -
The discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. A negotiated withdrawal averted disaster. -
The U.S., USSR, and UK signed a treaty banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, underwater, and in space. It was a step toward arms control. -
President Ngo Dinh Diem was overthrown and assassinated in a U.S.-backed coup. The event plunged South Vietnam into deeper instability. -
President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. His death shocked the world and raised Cold War uncertainties. -
North Vietnamese forces allegedly attacked U.S. ships, prompting Congress to authorize military action. It escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam. -
Leonid Brezhnev replaced Khrushchev as Soviet leader. His rule marked a shift toward more conservative and repressive policies. -
China successfully detonated its first atomic bomb, becoming the world’s fifth nuclear power. The test marked its arrival as a major Cold War player. -
A sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam began. It failed to break enemy morale and escalated the conflict. -
The first combat troops landed in Vietnam, marking full-scale American involvement. The war would dominate U.S. foreign policy. -
President Johnson justified U.S. actions in Vietnam while proposing economic aid and development for Asia. He sought to present the war as part of a broader humanitarian mission. -
The Soviet Union brokered peace between India and Pakistan after their 1965 war. It showed Moscow’s growing diplomatic influence in South Asia. -
France pulled its forces from NATO’s integrated command, asserting independence from U.S. influence. It reflected divisions among Western allies. -
Mao Zedong launched a radical campaign to reinforce communist ideology. It disrupted China's society and relations with both the West and USSR.