-
Period: to
The Cold War
The war between democratic capitalist United States and totalitarian communist Soviet Union was fought not with warfare, but with things like the arms race and race to space. -
Creation of Peoples Republic of China
Chairman Mao Zedong created the communist Peoples Republic of China, causing the United States to sever diplomatic ties. -
Korean War
North Korean troops invade South Korea in the effort to spread communism. United States troops fight on democratic South Korea's behalf. -
Launch of Sputnik
The Soviet Union launches the world's first sattelite and begins the space race between the United States and USSR -
US Spy Plane Shot Down Over USSR
An American U2 reconnaissance plane is shot down over the Soviet Union. -
Creation of The Berlin Wall
Soviet-controlled East Berlin constructs a wall between East and West Berlin to stop Easterners from escaping to democratic West Berlin. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
Cubans and Soviets have missiles trained on the United States, Catalyst for mutually assured destruction. -
Occupation of Czechoslovokia and Hungary
Soviet Troops invade and occupy until Czechoslovakians kick them out. -
Period: to
Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
Soviet Afghani forces fight United States-funded insurgent forces in Afghanistan, causing many residents to flee.