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Chinese Civil War
Fought between the nationalist loyalists and the communist rebels, the Chinese Civil War was a struggle that pitted freedom against communism. In the end, the communists were in control of mainland China, while the nationalists were forced back into Taiwan. Both governments call themselves the rightful rulers of China to this day, but the PRC (communists) has the most land and influence, making the Chinese Civil War count as a communist victory. -
Berlin Blockade
In June of 1948, the USSR blockaded Western Berlin from all Allied powers, effectively cutting it off from the outside world. This was in response to the introduction of the Deutschmark. a new currency that was intended to wrest control of Berlin's economy from the Soviets. -
Berlin Airlift
In response to the Soviet blockade of Berlin, Allies troops began airlifitng supplies into the city. At the height of the campaign, planes were landing at a rate of one every three seconds. This campaign ultimately saved West Berlin from Soviet domination. -
Formation of NATO
In April of 1949, the Allies formed NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), a military and economic alliance. NATO, which originally included Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, France, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Luxembourg, and America, was designed to have a network of support among the free nations. An attack one one was considered an attack on all, and they supported each other's economies, strengthening the fight against Russia. -
NSC-68
Released on April 14, 1950, NSC-68 was a report that suggested the United States should stockipile its weaponry, both nuclear and conventional. This report largely shaped U.S. foreign policy during the time, and led to an arms race between the U.S. and USSR. -
The Korean War
Instigated by a North Korean invasion of South Korea, the Korean War was fought between communist North Korea, with the backing of communist China, and democratic South Korea, with the backing of the UN. The war was a series of back-and-forths as to what nation was winning, and eventually ended with both sides stalemated at the 38th parallel, the original border of the Koreas. -
Truman Fires MacArthur
General MacArthur, the top general in the U.S. military, was fired by President Truman on April 11th, 1951, due to the conflicting views of the two on Korea. After the intervention by the PRC, MacArthur advocated for the bombing and invasion of communist China. Truman, who aimed to limit the war and prevent Soviet retaliation, got rid of MacArthur. -
Formation of the Warsaw Pact
Essentially the counter to NATO, the Warsaw Pact consisted of Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the GDR, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the USSR. It was a military and economic alliance between the communist states of Eastern and Central Europe. -
Launching of Sputnik
Sputnik, created and launched by the Soviets, was the first artificial satellite in the world. Not only was it a major advance in aeuronautics and space engineering, it sparked fears across the free world. America, and many other nations, had deep worries that the Soviets would send nuclear warheads into space, where they would be capable of hitting any nation in the world. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
Lasting sixteen days, the Cuban Missile Crisis was an attempt by the USSR to place nuclear weapons in Cuba capable of going over a thousand miles. It was the closest time in world history we have ever come to full scale nuclear war. The crisis ended when President Kennedy negotiated a deal with the Soviets, publicly stating the United States would launch no unprovoked invasion of Cuba, but secretly called for the dismantling of American missiles in Italy and Turkey capable of striking Moscow.
