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World War II Ends
World War II ending led to the relative division between Western Bloc and Eastern Bloc of Europe and Asia. Allies that had combined forces to defeat their common foes before now began to drift apart based on idealogical differences in beliefs and forms of government. -
Division of Germany
The Division of Germany between, Soviet Union, France, England, and United States. Sets the stage for border issues that will arise and add to further tensions amoung United States and Soviet Union. -
Western Bloc v. Eastern Bloc
After World War II, the United States and Soviet Union are considered the World's Superpowers. Philosophically different, the two countries would begin an unspoken war, commonly known as The Cold War; named thusly because neither country would openly proclaim war on the other but rivalries will form, and furthermore, both countries will take increasingly direct and indirect steps to lessen the others global power and influence. -
Communism Growing Strong
In addition to the Soviet buffer left in Europe after World War II, Communism from Soviet Union and China asserts itself as a threat to the more Democratic beliefs of Western Europe and the United States. Formation of NATO and conversely the Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe and Chinese military victories increases tensions globally. -
Berlin Blockade
Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union, decides to blockade Western Powers (i.e. England, France, U.S.) to bring in supplies to Berlin, the divided captial of the now fractured Germany. This action then gives rise to airlifts and airdrops, again creating further tension and tumult between the countries. -
Korean War
Korean War fully solidifies the battle against Democracy and Communism. With North Korea invading South Korea, Truman's containment docturine is violated. The newly created NATO and it's forces were sent to South Korea to fight back North Korean forces. In their retreat, North Koreans forces were joined by unoffical Chinese forces. All actions eventually lead to armistice. -
Vietnam War
Cold War-era proxy war that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia that ended in the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war was fought between North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union, China and other communist allies, and South Vietnam, aided and supported by the United States, the Philippines, and other anti-communist allies. -
Space Race
After years of rocket and missle development on both sides, Russia launches satellites into space. With development of nuclear weapons, the thought that potential enemies might have the ability to bomb from space motivatives each country to be the first to claim space travel as their own. -
Cuban Missle Crisis
After a CIA plan to train Cuban refugees to overthrow an anti-American Fidel Castro, failed in the Bay of Pigs. A confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba. The closest the Cold War came to escalating into a full-scale nuclear war. -
First Men on the Moon
While Russia was first in Space and had the first man in Space, United States becomes the first nation to set foot on non-Earth soil. U.S. asserts itself over Russia as the more prolific power in Space. -
Charlie Wilson's War
After their own interference, Soviet troops were deployed to stabilize Afghanistan, as a result the Soviets were now directly involved in what had been a domestic war in Afghanistan. Along with a rising economy for the U.S., an influx of turmoil in the Middle East, and the cost of fighting for the Soviet, America is able to captialize on the struggle. Events that will eventually give way to the crumbling of the Soviet Union. -
The Fall of the Wall
The Cold War began to thaw across Eastern Europe. A change in relations with the West. Perhaps the most symbolic visual of the end of The Cold War. Strained relations remain between Russia and U.S., allowing some to believe The Cold War has not really ceased, but become even colder.
