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Cairo Conference
The Cairo conference was between Roosevelt Churchill and Chiang Kai-sheck to discuss the outcome of the war in Japan. Encompassed the future of Asia, and identified China as a major power post-war. China would be responsible for keeping peace in Asia. US wanted to limit Soviet and UK influence in Asia. Significance is that some of these decisions were not followed through upon, and Asian countries would be areas for proxy wars. -
Percentages Agreement
October 1943:
The Percentage Agreement was a meeting between UK leader Churchill and Soviet leader Stalin discussing the outcome of influence of Eastern European counties. The soviets wanted control of their neighbouring countries, and wanted to maintain a sphere of influence in Eastern Europe, splitting influence with the UK and other western countries. Significance is the opposition to Roosevelt’s ideals, as these conversations and agreements were help in private. -
Percentage Agreement Written by Stalin and Churchill
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Creation of the United Nations
The creation of the United Nations occurred as a result of the failed League of Nations. The UN would be made of differing subsections including the General Assembly, Security council, International Court of Justice and Economic and Social Council. It was ratified in San Francisco on October 24, 1945 and the organization opened un New York when the UN charter was ratified. Significance is that the UN became both a peacekeeping and military's force involved in major conflicts. -
Yalta Conference
February 1945:
The Yalta conference was a meeting between Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin discussing the division of Germany if they were defeated, and the restoration of non-German territories. Germany was to be divided into four sectors (France, UK, US and USSR). USSR agreed they would join war against Japan after Germany surrendered in exchange for gaining some territory in Japan. Significant because it was a long term cause for many CW crisis such as the Berlin Wall and Blockade. -
Potsdam Conference
October 1945: Final wartime meeting, this time between Truman, Atlee, and Stalin following the death of Roosevelt. Truman had no knowledge of the Manhattan Project, and it was told to both Stalin and Truman at this conference. Stain downplayed the importance of the atomic bomb, and the discussion between the new leaders demonstrate stain of wartime alliances. Significant because it was the start of breaking wartime alliances and increased suspicion of other superpower countries. -
From left to right: Atlee (UK), Truman (US) and Stalin (USSR
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Dropping of Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan was potentially a strategy of the US to gain full control of Japan before the Soviets invaded, and they would have to uphold their agreements made at Yalta. The surrender was not immediate, therefore the society invaded. Japan surrendered after the second bomb was dropped on Aug 9 and Japan surrendered shortly after. Significant because it demonstrated the nuclear power of the US, laying groundwork for the arms races during the CW. -
Philippines Granted Independence
The United States granted the Philippines full independence in 1946, as to fufill its good neighbour policy because it had such a presence in Japan. This was alarming to Churchill because of the fear of Soviet expansion into Asia without a strong western presence. Significance was the US presence reduced in Asia and fear and aggression over influence. -
Iron Curtain Speech
Speech made by Churchill in Missouri, attacking the Soviet Union in March, 1946. This attack included accusations of spreading will over eastern bloc countries and the division of Europe into free and totalitarian. The speech also stated it was the duty of free countries to prevent the spread of communism. Significance was the accusation of communism and direct villainization of the USSR and its ideals. -
Stalin's Pravda Interview
Increased tensions because it was Stalin's response to the Iron Curtain Speech. Stalin accused Britain and the English-speaking world of being in a position of dominance and comparing them to Nazism. Stated Americans have desire for world domination. Gave way to the policy of containment outlined by the Clifford Elsey report purpose in response to the Pravda interview. -
Indo-China War Starts
Indo-China War Starts, 1946: The French had controlled Vietnam since the colonialism era, WWII gave an opportunity to gain independence. When France was annexed by Nazi Germany, Japan took over occupation of Japan. When Japan was occupied in 1945 by the US, the French attempted to return. North Viet Minh clashed with the French forces, starting the first Indo-China War. Significance is the US support of Vietnam pre war, and support of French during war. -
Truman Doctrine
March 1947 doctrine in response to fear of USSR gaining access to the Middle East and Mediterranean. The doctrine promised economic and military assistance to Greece and Turkey to prevent the spread of communism. Truman's speech stated other countries may fall to communism if Greece and Turkey did, mainly basing this off fear and aggression. Significance was the fear created by US in communist countries, and US maintained influence in Europe. -
Marshall Plan
June 1947 plan promising assistance to recovering European countries, including USSR and its satellite countries. The soviets refused aid and encouraged other European countries to refuse as well. US would also opposite any state in opposition to the European recover plan. Marshall plan was a problem for Stalin as US was not withdrawing from Europe. Again, significance is US maintaining influence in Europe to control communism. -
Berlin Blockade
1948-1949: The Berlin Blockade was a result of the annexing of land into Bizonia by the UK, France and USSR. Because Berlin was in the soviet block, they allowed no transport in or out of the west controlled part of the city. This violated both agreements made at Yalta and Potsdam. Significance was first real cold war crisis that would precede many additional. -
Berlin Airlift
In response to lack of resources in West Berlin, US, and UK began airlift of 13,000 tons a day f supplies over 323 days of the airlift. Also, included building new airstrips in West Berlin in order to support needed supplies. The US was unwilling to use nuclear weapons, but flew in 13,000 tons of coal in 1,383 flights on April 15, 1949. Marked division of Europe into two blocks because of the blockades' failure. -
Creation of COMECON
Soviet response to Marshall Plan involving USSR, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary. The objective was to provide economic stability to east European countries and create mutually beneficial economies. All policies dictated by USSR as they had most money and most control. Significance was further division in spheres of influence and conflict in ideologies in regards to this influence. -
Creation of Federal Republic of Germany
Merging of all western power sectors of Germany, which eventually led to the creation of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). The chancellor was elected after the constitution was written. West Germany was hopeful to reunify with East Germany, and was admitted into the European recovery program, but stipulated the Americans. Significance was no successor to Nazi Germany, and unification of US, UK and French sectors (west vs. east). -
Creation of German Democratic Republic
October 1949 counteraction to the creation of FRG was the creation of German Democratic Republic (GDR), established as a socialist state. Marxist-Leninist's ideologies embedded into education system, media, arts, and economy. East Germany had secret police to monitor citizens, and people began to emigrate. Significance was no successor to Nazi Germany, and alienation of Soviet sector (west vs. east with the exception of Berlin. -
Creation of NATO
March 1948 - April 1949: Treaty of Brussels, signed to prevent communism, expanded in September to include a mutual defence system. Truman's administration was involved in creating bipartisan support for US-European defence agreements. NATO created and signed North Atlantic Treaty in April 1949 by 12 countries, leading to mutual defence agreements. Significance is the potential aggressive threat NATO posed to the USSR. -
Chinese Civil War Ends
Chinese Civil War Ends 1949: Chinese civil war between CCP (Chinese Communist Party) and NCP (National Chinese Party), took pause to work together against Japan during WWII. US supported nationalists, USSR was in support of CCP. After the war, NCP was denied a place in UN. Significance was tensions between the US and China and Soviet Chinese relations due to communist governments. -
People of Berlin Watch Aircraft Bring Supplies during Blockade
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Federal Republic of Germany and German Democratic Republic on a Map
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First Soviet Successful Detonation of Bomb
The soviets set off the first atomic bomb in August in Kazakhstan. US surveyed and discovered evidence of destination with spy plane, fear over no longer having nuclear monopoly. Caused the policy of nuclear weaponry to be reconsidered because of this change in weapons development, fear of Red Army superiority. This signified the US was not the only one with nuclear monopoly, caused fear and aggression. -
Jacobo Arbenz Presidential Portrait
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North Korea Invades South Korea
Kim Il-sung was determined to have a united Korea, north troops invaded past 38th parallel into South Korea in 1950. South Korea also responsible due to similar aspirations of united Korea, differing in ideologies. South Korea needed US assistance, North Korea needed USSR assistance, turned into proxy war between US and USSR over ideological influence. By June 27, 1950 North Korean troops controlled most of the peninsula, surprising US, UN, and South Korea. -
Jacob Arbenz is elected to power
Arbenz won the election in Guatemala with 65% of the vote. He wanted to increase living standards and improve economy, establish a modern capitalist state. Removed all UFCO land not being used and distributed to population. Significance is the demonstration of US agenda in Latin America, and their economic interests over human rights ideals. -
UN Forces Progress Over 38th Parallel
UN Forces cause Chinese forces to retreat in Korean War, January 1951.Approval of UN forces involvement approved due to USSR boycott of UN over preceding meetings. Douglas MacArthur led UN forces, debate over containment of communism versus limited involvement of pushing UN troops back to the 38th parallel, not moving past it into North Korea. US stated it was not the goal to invade mainland China. Significant because if demonstrated potential overstepping of UN forces. -
Death of Stalin
Stalin Dies March 1953. The chain of events sparked by Stalin’s death led to the Hungarian uprising of 1953. Additionally, it created conflict over Khrushchev’s accusations of Stalin's personality cult. Led to temporary instability over finding new leadership and maintaining soviet goals and ideologies. Significance was the change in USSR policies and nature of leadership with increased quality of foreign relations, less of a personality cult. -
End of Korean War
UN, North Korea and Chinese forces signed a ceasefire, South Korea refused to sign. New US President Eisenhower and USSR after the death of Stalin did not consider Korea to be a considerable interest. Pre-war borders restored across the 38th parallel. The US stood in its policy of containment, North and South Korea remained hostile to each other. Demonstrated proxy nature of war, and the argument of the UN role in overstepping peacekeeping missions. -
Overthrow of Jacobo Arbenz
Overthrow of Jacobo Arbenz in 1954. Guatemala was a test case for US policy of Domino Theory; if Arbenz succeeded, all South America could fall to communism. The CIA organized an army to invade Guatemala, forcing Arbenz into resignation and exile, considered a success of rollback policy for the US. Caused Guatemalan Civil War. Demonstrated US imperity to follow domino theory, and their sole dislike of communist even if a dictatorship took over. -
First Indo-China War ends
Communist China supported the Viet Minh. The French base was taken over by Viet Minh on May 7, 1954 and the French surrendered. Geneva accords divided the country across the 17th parallel and the south would have a pro western regime and the north would be under Ho Chi Minh’s control. Significance is the long term cause of the Vietnam War with the US, and the power of Viet Minh and Ho Chi Minh to have a successful army. -
Warsaw Pact
In response to the creation of NATO, consolidated the two blocs in Europe (East and West). Another collective security agreement with the Soviet Union and its countries of influence. This is significant because it was the counter to the formation of NATO and would cause conflict over involvement and leaving of the pact. -
Khrushchev Elected
Came to power in 1956, Khrushchev was highly critical of the current communist system and attacked Stalin's idea of a personality cult. This was a threat to Mao, and strained Sino-Soviet relations. Khrushchev strengthened the East German regime and increased collectivization in order to fix the economy from old communist ideals. Khrushchev was revolutionary for the USSR and his election holds significance because of the era of change he would bring. -
Khrushchev’s Secret Speech
Khrushchev’s Secret Speech, February 1966:
References to De-Stalinization goals, because of damage to personality cult. Mao accused Khrushchev of revisionism (redefining Marxism). Some leaders were threatened by speech, others encouraged. Confirmed Tito's position as communist outside the Warsaw pact, encouraged others to be communist but not be involved in the pact. Significance is uprising against speech, and US propaganda against Stalin due to the speech. -
Hungarian Uprising
Hungarian students began protesting after seeing Polish success, to demand the return of Nagy, a reform communist expelled from the party. USA Radio Free Europe was accessible by Hungarians, giving the illusion the US would help break free, causing Hungarian resurgence against soviets. The UN voted to not send troops to Hungary, but for soviets to remove their troops. US action inconsistent with policy of rollback, justified by Hungary being in the soviet sphere of influence. -
Suez Crisis
Result of Egyptians nationalizing Suez Canal with decolonizing movements. Nasser led the movement, and was a nationalist since younger, desiring the expulsion of the British from Egypt. The UN implemented a ceasefire in order to minimize the scale of conflict. Changed role of the UN, determined interest of superpowers as not in East Europe, Britain, and France resize their influence had weakened. -
Polish 1956 Uprising
Polish city of Poznań experienced riots after citizens died protesting wages and working conditions. Poland had been occupied by Nazi Germany, Italy and the USSR, rejecting collectivization of agriculture and upset from weakened economy. With the threat of conflict with the USSR, the Polish Communist party would stay in the Warsaw pact and maintain socialism, meaning they would remain a buffer state. This pacified society and allowed Poland more internal freedom to improve their country. -
Second Taiwan Strait Crisis
Test of US defense of Taiwan in aerial bombardment. Exacerbated Sino-Soviet relations became USSR involvement with China. The Sino-Soviet split led to Mao's support for Marxism and Leninism with no revision. U2 spy plane shot down over China, increasing tensions between China and US. -
Vietnam War Begins
War included Guerilla warfare, US bombing campaigns and use of defoliant agents such as Agent Orange. US supported the south Vietnamese army in fighting the VietCong and the north Vietnamese army. The Tet Offensive was the turning point for US with a surprise attack. By March 1973 all US troops were out of Vietnam. The south was abandoned, left with inflation, food shortages and corruption from the war. Significant because US was fighting on domino theory and containment, enforcing CW ideals. -
Congo Crisis
Demonstrated effect of colonial powers on new states after WWII. Congo, given independence in June 1960, the first government lasted two weeks. Belgium sent paratroopers to Congo to protect 100,000 Europeans residing there. UN, US, and USSR interviewed. The UN sent a peacekeeping force to Congo. US supported involvement. The USSR sent $500,000 in financial backing to Ghana's leadership. -
Soldiers in Congo During Congo Crisis (Congo Civil War)
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Election of JF Kennedy
Responsible for “success” in the Cuban Missile Crisis and containing Eisenhower's plans to overthrow the Cuban regime. Assassinated in 1963 succeeded by Johnson (VP). Significant because Kennedy was an important factor in the Cuban Missile Crisis and in handling the threat of Cuba and communism near the US. -
Berlin Wall with Barbed Wire on top and Concrete Divider
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Creation of Berlin Wall
Soviets fear of increasing western presence in East Germany. Berlin was an open city, creating a problem because of currency differences and available work, goods, and services. Khrushchev and Albright put up a wall to stop emigration from east to west Berlin, leading to division of sides of Berlin, separation of families and stand-off of US and USSR powers (brinkmanship). Significance was the divide of the two powers that would be long standing and significant in dissolution of the cold war. -
Image of Cuba and Missile Sites Detected from Spy Planes
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Cuban Missile Crisis
Castro, elected in 1959, in goals to oppose US imperialism. Kennedy and his administration took a picture of a nuclear weapon in Cuba from the USSR. The policy of brinkmanship tested, naval blockade ensured to stop ships from coming into Cuba, but no invasion. Khrushchev and Kennedy made an agreement to remove ballistic missile sites, while the US would remove ICBM's from Turkey. Significance is realizations of Mutually Assured Destruction and brink of nuclear war threat -
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
Due to the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis in response to Mutually Assured Destruction under Nixon. US and USSR would cease underwater, space and atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons. This did not include any other countries such as the UK, PRC or France. Significance is the first effort in limiting nuclear and missile power. -
Non-Proliferation Treaty
Signed in the midst of conflicts in Vietnam, Congo and Latin America. Agreed to keep nuclear warfare technology between countries that already had it. Signed by the US, USSR, and the USA. Significance is fear of spreading nuclear technology and dealing with more nuclear crises. -
Nixon Elected President of US
Nixon is best known for Mutually Assured Destruction and Détente. He was the president at the end of the American involvement in Vietnam. He furthered rapprochement and fueled fear of US aggression in Socialist countries. Nixon is significant because he promised an end to Vietnam, but also fueled aggression and was responsible for the Watergate scandal. Also improved American diplomacy with China. -
US - Chinese Rapprochement
The Table Tennis (Ping pong) tournament brought the two countries together because it signified improvement of public relations. Following this, Kissinger visited China, with Nixon finally traveling to China in 1972. China sent two pandas to America as a symbol of friendship, and the US sent two musk oxen in exchange, signifying an alliance and friendship between the two countries. -
Panda Diplomacy Panda "Chi Chi" signifying US-Chinese Rapprochement
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Signing of SALT I
The USA and USSR would freeze the number of IBM launchers and allow use of SLBMs (submarine long range ballistic missiles) as ICMBs. SLMBs would be removed. SALT I would also limit the number of Anti-Ballistic Missile systems per country (ABM treaty). Significance is the only treaty signed since NPT. Considered a breakthrough in nuclear arms negotiations. -
Overthrow of Allende in Chile
Allende was Marxist in his government style and wanted nationalization of companies, leading to collapse of revenue streams. The US cut off economic assistance to Chile and blocked them from receiving anything from the World Bank or Inter-American World Bank. The CIA helped truck drivers organize a strike in 1973. The US supported the Pinochet regime. Significance is another representation of the US involvement to contain communism within their sphere of influence. -
End of Vietnam War
The fall of Saigon in South Korea to the North Vietnamese marked the end of the war. The north enforced communist policies on the entire country, named Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Vietnam joined COMECON to attempt to boost the economy, but did not succeed until 1990-1997, when foreign investments grew. Signified the “fall” of Vietnam to communism, and the hardships following the shift in leadership and government. -
Prague Spring Uprising (Czechoslovakia)
Dubcek came to power of Czech communist party after Novonty. He was considered a revisionist communist and promoted the concept of socialism with a human face. Goal to provide freedom of press and speech. Significance is the traditional communism not tolerating moderate or revisionist communism and the challenges with introduction of new ideals in eastern bloc countries. -
Chernobyl Explosion and Disaster
Meltdown of the Soviet controlled nuclear power plant in Ukraine. The reactor exploded during the test, and the explosion was kept secret, leading to radiation spilling across the area and throughout different countries. It was a result of human error, and the USSR was criticized for internalizing the accident from the international community. Significance is the responsibility of the USSR in nuclear technologies. -
Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster Explosion of Reactor 6
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SALT II Agreement
Never an official treaty in US because it was not ratified by congress, but both countries followed this until 1986. Reduced number of ICBM to 2,250 per country and banned creation of new weapons. This was not regulated by either government. Regan withdrew in 1986 when he believed the Soviets were violating the pact. Significance is that both countries adhered to this agreement without being contracted to it for almost 10 years. Demonstrated efforts at détente. -
Polish Uprising and Solidarity Movement
(July 1980) Inspired by Pope John Paul II, Polish workers began to go on strike and protest communist control in addition to income problems. The success of this protest led to the solidarity movement, which was a national labor union. Solidarity was forced into disband with the crackdown of this movement by the prime minister general. Significance was the oppression of solidarity by the USSR communist movement. -
Regan Introduces Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars)
Around the time of Able Archer, Regan wanted a defense system against the nuclear war threats of the USSR. Suspicions rose around Able Archer 83 increasing need for defense. It led to challenges initiating summit diplomacy. The significance of this was how the policies changed with Gorbachev in office, and Regan's hatred of communist countries in rallying the US people together. Also signifies Regan's convincing ability through TV and media experience to advertise and increase popularity. -
Able Archer 83 Training Solders with Gas Masks and Tank
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Able Archer 83
NATO training exercise targeted the Nuclear War, soviets believed NATO was preparing for some nuclear attack on the USSR, promoting soviet plans to send submarines to US coast. The USA sent an envoy to Moscow to assure them it was just a training exercise rather than a strike. Significance is that it increased suspicions and stagnation in the USSR ensued. Some breakdown of Détente. -
Glasnost and Perestroika
Introduced in 1986 by USSR leader Gorbachev. Perestroika was a policy of economic reformation, which eventually also led to political changes. Glasnost was a policy of openness and dissemination of information in the USSR. Gorbachev wanted to improve the USSR in an effort to reduce alcoholism and increase productivity of the country. The significance of these two policies were a change in communist government ideals and general improvement of the country under a more modern communist leader. -
Revolutions of Eastern Bloc Countries
Initiated by Gorbachev and the Gorbachev Doctrine, needed economic reforms in Eastern Bloc countries. These revolutions were another example of the domino effect, where one country followed the other. Also, a result of Gorbachev rejecting the Brezhnev doctrine. None were violent revolutions, signifying their desire for peace and freedom rather than war and oppression. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall - citizens stand on top of wall and around celebrating freedom to move about city and rejoin with family and friends
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Fall of the Berlin Wall
Signaled the end of communist regimes in East Bloc countries. Berlin was unified in a “revolution” of sorts. Gorbachev encouraged the reunification of Berlin, and the wall fell on November 9th, 1989. East Germany was incorporated into the FRG in October 1990. Significant the end of the cold war in east bloc countries due to the following revolutions in surrounding areas. -
START Treaty Finalized
Discussions started in signing the INF (Inter Range Forces Treaty), the START treaty discussions would be finalized in 1991. This reduced the stockpiles of missiles. The US was reduced by 15% and the USSR was reduced by 25%. Significado an additional movement towards detente, and the efforts made to start disarmament. -
End of USSR
Gorbachev lost power to Yeltsin after the dissolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. Warsaw pact countries increased autonomy and USSR lost influence. Gorbachev was kidnapped in 1991 by communist hardliners, and the coup collapsed without military support. Signified the true end to the cold war due to the more capitalist economy under Yeltsin, and change in government structure.