Cold War Timeline

By wjepsen

  • UN formed

    Established to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.

  • Truman Doctrine

    U.S. policy to support countries resisting communism, beginning with Greece and Turkey.

  • Marshall Plan

    U.S. initiative providing over $12 billion in aid to Western Europe for reconstruction.

  • NATO Formed

    Military alliance of 12 countries pledging mutual defense against aggression.

  • Hollywood Ten

    Group of screenwriters and directors cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to testify about alleged communist ties.

  • Korean War

    Conflict between North Korea (with Chinese and Soviet support) and South Korea (with UN and U.S. support).

  • Space Race

    Soviet Union launches Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, initiating the Space Race.

  • Bay of Pigs Invasion

    Failed U.S.-backed invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles aiming to overthrow Castro.

  • Berlin Wall goes up

    East Germany erects a barrier dividing East and West Berlin to prevent emigration.

  • US Enters Vietnam War

    U.S. sends combat troops to South Vietnam following the Gulf of Tonkin Incident.