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February 8: The Yalta Conference occurs, deciding the post-war status of Germany. The Allies of World War II (the USA, the USSR, Great Britain and France) divide Germany into four occupation zones. The Allied nations agree that free elections are to be held in all countries occupied by Nazi Germany. In addition, the new United Nations are to replace the failed League of Nations
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First East European Communist government set up in Albania
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Communists seize power in Poland, Truman Doctrine announced.
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Red Army crushes the Hungarian Revolution.
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Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba.East Germany builds Berlin Wall.
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China explodes its first atomic bomb.
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U.S. sends troops to the Dominican Republic.
U.S. commits combat troops to South Vietnam. -
U.S. supported coup overthrows Chilean government.
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U.S. and China establish diplomatic relations.
Soviet Red Army invades Afghanistan -
Led by university students, over one million Chinese in Tiananmen Square demand reforms by the Chinese Communist government.Solidarity forms the first post-war non-Communist government in Poland.Hungary declares a non-Communist government.East Germany allows unrestricted migration to West Germany.Berlin Wall is demolished.