Events Leading to the Cold War

Truman Doctrine

Mar 31, 1947

President Harry Truman announces the primary foreign policy doctrine will be one of containing radical ideologies. This promised a

Soviets occupied Eastern Europe

May 31, 1947

Soviets wanted to use eastern Europe as a buffer zone. This was their rationalization for aggressive foreign policy. Americans wonder if it is going to start there. People were nervous that the communism would move into locations closer to American Allies.

1947 Soviet Union emerges as super power after WW2

May 31, 1947

Although 20 million citizens were killed, and there was much damage to the country, Soviets were portrayed as a strong power. They were partners with America during WW2, however they started to move to a more communist mind set.

Germany Divided

Jun 30, 1947

In attempt to root out hidden Nazis, Germany was divided up by the four major super powers. France, Britain, the United States and Soviets. Berlin was divided 4 ways as well. The soviets had a different vision for Germany.

Berlin Blockade

Jun 29, 1948

Soviet Union blocks off all access to Berlin through Soviet territory in Germany. This prevented food, materials and supplies from entering into western Berlin.

Berlin Airlift

Jun 30, 1948

The response to the Berlin Blockade, where materials, food and necessities were air lifted in to the western parts of Berlin, from the United States, France and Britain.

Formation of NATO

Apr 30, 1949

The United States and 11 other countries from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in attempt to ban nationally together to combat communism.

Mao Zedong became leader of China

Oct 31, 1949

Communists win china in 1949 and Mao Zedong becomes the communist leader of China

Second Red Scare (McCarthyism)

May 31, 1950

A paranoia in America of Communism. Media became involved, and politics, press and momentum generated for anticommunism.

Korean War

Jun 25, 1950

Focus of Cold War moves into Asia. The Japanese’s had given over power of Korea to the US and Soviet Union. Northern Korea is set up as a communist country, while Southern Korea was set up as with anti-communist powers. North Korean troops attacked South Korea. This was a key moment for Harry Truman to use the Truman Policy. US troops were involved in the war.

Space Race

Oct 4, 1957

Launching of first Sputnik satellites. Soviets shocked the world by launching two satellites into orbits powered by rockets, which Americans feared could potentially carry missiles one day. Potential that men could be put into spaces as well. Soviets took the lead, and Jack Kennidy promised to take over the lead to be the first nation to put men on the moon.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

Apr 28, 1962

Fidel Castro overthrew an anticommunist country close to US foreign policy, with a communist and anti-American movement. President Kennedy issued a failed operation to invade Cuba.

Cuban Missile Crisis

Oct 31, 1962

Soviets planned to install nuclear missiles in Cuba by working with Fidel Castro. However Americans found out during construction, and President Kennedy announced to the world what the Soviets were doing, and quarantined the island of Cuba. This event was closest that the world has come to a nuclear war.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

Aug 31, 1964

American ship the USS Maddox was attacked by North Vietnamese torpedoes, prompting America to enter into the fight.

First Moon Landing

Jul 20, 1969

American’s take the lead in the space race by being the first nation to put a man on the moon.