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Formation Of The United Nations
The formation of the United Nations was a significant historical event after WW2. It was established in 1945 to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. It replaced the faulty League Of Nations. The United Nations is still standing today and continues to play a vital role in promoting peace, international relations, and security. The most recent number of members was standing at 193, including nearly every recognized independent state. -
Truman Doctrine
President Harry S. Truman announced the Truman Doctrine in 1947. This was a key policy of the United States during the Cold War. It aimed to contain the spread of communism. It provided military and economic assistance to countries threatened by communism. This policy led the U.S. to become more actively involved in global affairs to remove the influence of the Soviet Union. -
The Hollywood Ten
The Hollywood Ten were a group of screenwriters, directors, and producers who were blacklisted for their involvement in the Communist Party. They refused to share their political affiliations with the House Un-American Activities Committee. Causing them to be prevented from finding work in Hollywood leading to the end of their careers. -
The Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan was a program initiated by the United States to aid Western Europe after WW2. The goal was to provide economic assistance and prevent the spread of communism. The plan involved financial aid, food, machinery, and other resources given to European countries. Eventually, they had successfully been rebuilt and managed to be a huge factor in stopping the spread of communism. -
Forming NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was a huge step in ensuring the security of Western Europe after WW2. It was developed in 1949 as a collective defense alliance between North America and Europe. The treaty holds an alliance of 32 member states, 30 European and 2 North American. -
The Korean War
The Korean War began in 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union and China wanted to unify Korea under communist rule. While South Korea backed by the United States wanted to keep its independence and democracy. It led to many armed conflicts for three years until an armistice was signed in 1953. -
Sputniks Space Race
The Space Race was a competition during the Cold War for space exploration. Sputnik the first satellite was launched in 1957 by the Soviet Union. Pressuring the United States to intensify its efforts in space. This led to the U.S. launching the Apollo which soon became the first to touch the moon. -
Bay Of Pigs
The Bay Of Pigs was an unsuccessful invasion of Cuba. A group of Cuban exiles who were against Castro's revolutionary government got money and support from the United States. The 1,400 people involved were trained by the CIA. They attempted to invade but failed due to Castro's knowledge of the plan. Cuba captured many but they were later released by the U.S. who traded them for food and resources. By April 20th the invasion was over and created major embarrassment for the U.S. government. -
Building The Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was made by the East Germans in 1961. Their goal was to keep the people in the East from defecting into the West seeing as people were rushing over there in hopes of a better economy. The construction began in August 1961 and was finished later that year. It became a symbol of the Cold War division. -
The U.S. Official Enters The Vietnam War
The United States officially entered the Vietnam War in the early 1960's . North Vietnam was reported to have attacked U.S. naval vessels leading to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This resulted in President Lyndon B. Jhonson having the authority to use military forces on Vietnam. The U.S. became increasingly involved in supporting the south Vietnamese government against the communist forces. -
Soviet Invasion Of Afghanistan
In 1979 the Soviet Union intervened in Afghanistan in support of the communist government. They deployed military forces into the country in December. Their main goal was to empower the PDPA and gain control over the country. This led to a decade-long conflict. Until February 15th, 1989 when the Soviet Union withdrew. -
The Fall Of The Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was put up to barricade West Berlin from surrounding areas. It lasted from 1961-1989. The fall was unexpected when a miscommunication led to a press conference where East Berin announced that citizens would be allowed to cross the wall. Huge crowds surrounded the wall and the guards, overwhelmed eventually let them through. Both sides celebrated the progress. Soon they would become reunified on October 3rd, 1990.