Cold War Timeline 1947-1966

By charleerodriguezz
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    Cold War 1947-1966

  • Truman Doctrine

    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.

  • Marshall Plan Proposed

    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.

  • Cominform Established

    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.

  • Czechoslovak Coup

    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.

  • Berlin Blockade Begins

    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.

  • NATO Founded

    Twelve Western nations formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for collective defense against the Soviet threat. It formalized a military alliance against communism.

  • Berlin Blockade Ends

    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.

  • Soviet Atomic Bomb Tested

    The USSR successfully tested its first atomic bomb, ending the U.S. monopoly on nuclear weapons. This intensified the arms race.

  • Korean War Begins

    North Korea invaded South Korea, prompting U.S.-led UN intervention. The war became a critical front in the fight against communism.

  • China Enters Korean War

    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.

  • General MacArthur Dismissed

    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.

  • U.S. Tests Hydrogen Bomb

    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.

  • Eisenhower Becomes President

    Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency began with a focus on containing communism and reducing Cold War tensions through diplomacy and deterrence.

  • Stalin Dies

    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.

  • Korean War Armistice

    An armistice was signed, ending active combat in Korea. The war ended in stalemate with Korea still divided at the 38th parallel.

  • Battle of Dien Bien Phu

    French forces were defeated by the Viet Minh in Vietnam, leading to France’s withdrawal. It signaled growing communist influence in Southeast Asia.

  • Geneva Accords on Vietnam

    Vietnam was temporarily divided at the 17th parallel pending elections. The U.S. refused to sign, fearing a communist takeover.

  • SEATO Formed

    The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization was created to block further communist gains in Southeast Asia. It extended U.S. alliances in the region.

  • Warsaw Pact Formed

    The Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies formed a mutual defense treaty. It was a direct response to West Germany joining NATO.

  • Austrian State Treaty

    Austria regained independence and neutrality, with all occupying powers withdrawing. It was a rare moment of Cold War cooperation.

  • Geneva Summit

    Leaders of the U.S., USSR, UK, and France met to discuss reducing tensions. Although no agreements were reached, it opened a dialogue.

  • Khrushchev's Secret Speech

    Nikita Khrushchev denounced Stalin's crimes in a closed Communist Party meeting. It shocked the USSR and Eastern Europe and encouraged reform movements.

  • Hungarian Uprising

    Hungarians revolted against Soviet rule, seeking democracy and independence. The USSR crushed the uprising with tanks, reaffirming its control.

  • Suez Crisis

    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.

  • Eisenhower Doctrine

    President Eisenhower promised U.S. support for Middle Eastern countries resisting communism. It extended the Cold War into a new region.

  • Sputnik Launched

    The Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, shocking the U.S. The space race began, fueling fears of Soviet technological superiority.