Events of the Cold War

End of World War II

Sep 2, 1945

Formal surrender documents were signed aboard the USS Missouri , designating the day as the official victory over Japan.

Western Powers Combine Zones

1948

At the end of WWII , Germany was divide into four zones , with the United States, Britain,France, and the Soviet Union each controlling one of the sectors. in 1948 the three Western Powers announced that they would combine their zones. The Soviet Union then cut off road and rail supply routes to the city.

Creation of NATO

Apr 4, 1949

NATO started with Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom, United States

Soviet Union Blockade Lifted

May 12, 1949

Prior to this, the United States and Britain delivered supplies by airplane. in May, the Soviet Union lifted its blockade.

Soviets Explodes First Atomic Warhead

Aug 29, 1949

The Soviets successfully tested their first nuclear device called RDS-1 or aka the First Lighting

Chinese Communists Come to Power

Oct 1, 1949

Chinese Communists leader Mao Zedong Declared the creation of the People's Republic of China.

The Korea War

Jun 25, 1950

North Korea, supplied and advised by the Soviet Union, invaded the US-supported South Korea, It lasted until 1953.

The Death of Joseph Stalin

Mar 5, 1953

He was a dictator for a quarter of a century, when he died, Cold War tensions relaxed somewhat.

The Berlin Wall

Aug 13, 1961

Many people in East Berlin moved to West Berlin to escape the Soviet Union's control. In 1961, they tried to stop this by building the wall.

Cuban Missile Crisis

Oct 16, 1962

in 1959 Communists led by Fidel Castro had taken control of Cuba. The Soviet Union promised to defend Cuba with Soviet weapons, The weapons could reach the US