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The Truman Doctrine
President Harry Truman requests $400 million in aid from congress to battle communism in Greece and Turkey. He also promises that the US will provide assistance to any country or nation who want to resist communism. This is significant in the Cold War because it was a "first step" into getting involved in t issues overseas post World War 2. -
The Marshall Plan
Secretary of State, George C, Marshall proposed that the US provide aid to the European nations in interest to promote a healthy global economic and political stability. Many nations in Western Europe accepted and their economies flourished. The plan was significant to the Cold War because it showed that the US was willing to help rebuild Europe and to just help them in general. -
Creation of NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO was created to form an alliance between countries such as the US, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal. The alliance meant that if one of the members are attacked, it would be seen as an attack on all and would resist with force if necessary. This is significant because it showed that the Allies once again would remain united and were willing to be this way. -
Korean War
North Korea sent troops to invade South Korea to try to enforce communism in the country. The US sent naval and air support to the South Koreans. This "Forgotten War" is significant to the Cold War because it made President Truman decide to place support for the South along with many other nations against communism. -
Rosenberg Spy Case
Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were executed on this date for handing over classified military information to the Soviet Union. Clearly, they were found guilty and at first were sentenced to prison, but then the court sentenced them to death. It became the most controversial espionage case of the Cold War, which is what made it so significant. -
Vietnam War
Lasting from about 1955 to 1975, the US and South Vietnam didn't like the Communist view of the North. The US at the time was trying to contain communism in fear of its spreading. This became significant because since the US and South lost, it was a setback of the containment and it also was very controversial in the US at the time. -
Creation of the Warsaw Pact
The Soviet Union and its alliances formed this treaty to create a mutual defense between all of the countries. This treaty was significant to the Cold War because the Soviet Union used it as more of a threat to the US and NATO, since it showed the dominance that Communists had. It was also used by the Soviets to keep an eye on the allying countries. -
Soviet Union Launches Sputnik
Sputnik, the world's artificial first satellite was launched into space by the Soviets. The launch became significant in the Cold War because it showed the type of developments the Soviet Union was making technologically, and so the US wanted to show that they were just as advanced, creating the "Space Race" and many other competitions. -
Bay of Pigs
Eishenhower gave the CIA permission to train Cuban exiles in Florida to be ready for an invasion of Cuba. This invasion was originally hoped to start a mass uprising against Castro and would be able to overthrow him. Kennedy became elected after and approved, so then on this date, the Bay of Pigs invasion began. This is significant because it allowed the Soviets to aid them and build the nuclear bases there. -
The Berlin Wall Goes Up
The Berlin Wall was created to separate East and West Berlin to tighten the border. People in the West were not allowed into the East and the Eastern Berliners weren't allowed to cross to the West. Many families were separated and rights were taken away from the people of Berlin. This is significant to the Cold War because it shows how serious Communism was becoming, especially in Germany. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Soviet Union installed nuclear missiles in Cuba and JFK found out about them. It then became evident that the Soviets were secretly buliding the missile bases on Cuba ready to launch. The US Navy then became prepared to stop the Soviet ships. Khrushchev would remove the missiles if America pledged not to invade Cuba. It was significant because it showed how unfearful and risky the Soviets are willing to go in this "war." -
The Six Day War
Tensions were high enough between Israel and Egypt, Jordan and Syria to create war. The US became allies with Israel and the Soviets with the Arab Nations. Israel attacked Egypt on their land and much of Egypt's aircraft was destroyed. The Arab Nations were surprised that the nation they thought was inferior to them made that great of an attack. The Soviets lost this "war" to the US showing that the US weapons could defeat them, which was why it was significant. -
Nixon Visits China
President Richard Nixon was one of the first presidents ever to travel to China. They agreed to expand cultural contacts between the countries with a policy of trade. This event was significant because it showed how the US wanted to seek improvement in their relations with China, despite their communistic views. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The borders became open between East and West Berlin and it allowed many to relocate into better homes to reunite with their families in Germany. Eventually with time, the wall was chipped away into small pieces and giant slabs. This event was significant to the Cold War because it showed that the Communist regime was beginning to weaken in Europe. -
Collapse of the Soviet Union
Up until this time, there was a lot of political unrest in the people of the Soviet Union. Many of the nations they controlled gained independence and seceded from them. The collapse is significant because the Communist regime in Europe diminished even more than before.
