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The Berlin Airlift
In June 1948, the U.S. and Britain wanted to establish a new currency, the Deutschmark, into West Berlin. This immediately put the Soviets on edge, and they decided to cut off all road, rail and canal links between West Germany and West Berlin in what is now called the Berlin Blockade. In response to this, the US and Great Britain established the Berlin Airlift, supplying West Berlin with products from the air. This made the US look like heroes, giving them more Allies in the Cold War. -
Korean War
After the end of WWII, Korea was divided by the U.S. to the south and Russia/China to the North. When China tried to invade the south, the US jumped up to support the south. The Soviets backed the north, and the fight was on. The south, backed by the US, over-powered the Soviet north, and both sides ended the war with an armstice. This was a great win for the US, and important to the Cold War. -
The Vietnam War
When Vietnam broke away from France, it was broke into two sides, the communist north and the democratic south. When the north wanted to overtake the south, the US offered support to the south. The Soviets backed the north. This was a way that the US and Soviets could fight each other, but indirectly. The war ended with both sides agreeing to a treaty. -
Sputnik Crisis
This started with the successful launch of a Soviet Satellite into space. People started to think that the Soviets were more technologically advanced than us. This worried most people because technology is everything when it comes to nuclear warfare. It made Americans focus on advancement and achievement. It was the start of a great series of leaps in space technology. This event not only changed the Cold War but also how we live every day. -
U-2 Incident
May 1, 1960 the Soviets shot down a US aircraft that was collecting intelligence about the Soviet Union, and held the pilot prisoner. The US was outraged by this, and tensions grew. This is important to the Cold War because it was one of the few times the Soviets did physical damage to an American. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
On October 11, 1962, a US spy plane discovered that Cuba had nuclear missiles under construction, capable of reaching the United States.The US went on guard, readying for a potential nuclear war with the Soviets. Finally on October 28, the Soviets announced that they were withdrawing the missiles from Cuba. Had this not been resolved, the world's most devastating war may have broke out. Both sides had large amounts of Nuclear power. -
Soviet Afghan War
Soviet-led Afghan troops fought against the US-supported Rebel troops. AFter thousands of people were killed, the Soviets pulled out of the war, disolving conflict there. This is another example of how the US and Soviets fought indirectly, while still opposing eachother. -
Perestroika and Glasnost
When Mikhail S. Gorbachev became general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in March 1985, he launched his nation on a dramatic new course. His dual program of perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness) introduced huge changes in economic practice, internal affairs and international relations. Within five years, Gorbachev's revolutionary program swept communist governments throughout Eastern Europe from power and brought an end to the Cold War (1945-91). -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a symbol throughout the whole Cold War representing the war itself and communism. As the Soviet Union began to crumble, so did the wall. The falling of the wall symbolized the end of the cold war and the end of the Iron Curtains dominance. This was important to the Cold War because it signaled the end. After this, the Soviet Union officially collapsed. The U.S. could finally exist in peace without fear. -
Non-Proliferation Treaty
This is an international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of Nuclear technology and promote peaceful uses. This was huge for both countries because it eliminated the constant fear of being nuked at any time. This was not only very good back in Cold War times but even today it is a very important treaty. It has still held its value because nuclear weaponry is still an issue. It is one of those important events of the Cold War that leaves a lasting effect on our modern world.
