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In the aftermath of World War II, The Soviet Union takes control of Eastern European countries to create a "buffer zone against possible future German invasion." This action in turn creates tension with the USA.
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USA and Britain begin air lifting food to Soviet occupied Berlin, providing starving citizens with sustenance.
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The United States and Britain form NATO in an act to collectively stand against Soviet Union
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China adopts a communistic government, headed by Mao Zedong.
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U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy warns of "card carrying communists" within the United States. His claims would mostly prove to be greatly exaggerated.
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In accord with his anti-communism stance, president Truman enters the conflict between pro-democratic South Korea and communist North Korea.
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After China becomes involved, Truman signs a mutual cease fire with Korea. Ending the war in a stalemate.
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The Soviet Union launches a satelite named Sputnik into space. The race to put a man on the moon begins with the USA.
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As Cuba begins aligning themselves with the Soviet Union, president Kennedy launches a counter revolution. The USA arms a group of anti-communist Cuban refugees and launches an invasion. The results are disasterous, further increasing tension with Soviet Union.
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Soviets construct a nuclear launching site in Cuba. Once the U.S. gets word, president Kennedy quarantines Cuba. Kennedy later negotiates with the Soviets and the missiles are removed.
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Growing conflict between pro-communist North Vietnam and nominally pro-democracy South Vietnam leads to increased U.S. intervention. Culminating in the Gulf of Tonkin incident which sees a U.S. destroyer "attacked" by South Vietnamese forces albeit no actual damage. President Lyndon B. Johnson then decides to militarily enter Vietnam.
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NASA sends first space station to the moon. Effectively ending the Space Race with Russia.
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Richard Nixon begins diplomacy with communist China and the Soviet Union. The Strategic Arms Treaty is signed to prohibit the manufacturing of nuclear warheads by both the U.S.A. and the Soviet Union. (history.com)
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The Paris Peace Accords are signed, effectively ending U.S. involvement in Vietnam. (history.com)
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With the fall of Saigon, South Vietnam comes under communist control. (history.com)
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The Soviet Union takes control of Afghanistan. President Carter responds with economic sanction and trade embargos. (history.state.gov)
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President Reagan begins aiding anti=communist forces in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He also announces the Strategic Defense Initiative which words to defend against possible Soviet nuclear strikes, further escalating the Cold War. (history.com)
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Reagan orders invasion of Grenada after Marxist revolution occurs. (history.com)
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President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev sign treaty banning intermediate-range nuclear missiles. (FAS.org) (history.com)
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The Soviet Union begins to disintegrate with communist states being replaced with non-communist governments. In November, the Berlin Wall is destroyed. (history.com)
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The Soviet Union officially dissolves, ending the Cold War. (history.com)
