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The Nazis are unable to hold off the Allied troops any longer. Germany surrenders unconditionally on May 7, 1945, and Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) is declared on May 8, 1945. Even though the Soviet Union and the U.S. fought together against Germany, the after-war resolutions begin to strain the relationship between the countries. Source:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2187071/Times-Square-Sailor-nurse-kissing-iconic-WWII-photograph-reunited.html -
Harry Truman, president of the U.S., speaks before Congress and urges them to combat communism in several nations. Some consider this the offical declaration of the Cold War. Sources:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/truman-doctrine-is-announced
http://www.kingsacademy.com/mhodges/07_Special-Documents/Historical-Documents/1947_Truman-Doctrine.html -
The Soviet Union is upset with the U.S. and British who refuse to cooperate with their ecomomic plans. The Soviet Union blockades road and train routes into West Berlin. The Soviets want to provide this Allied controlled part of the city with food and neccessities in order to take control of the entire city. Sources:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/berlin-airlift-begins
http://legacy.history.co.uk/shows/rise-and-fall-berlin-wall/gallery.html -
Since the Soviet Union shut down access into West Berlin, the U.S. and England begin to send airplanes with supplies. They drop the packages into West Berlin as they fly over. This airlift will last over a year. Sources:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/berlin-airlift-begins
http://jdayhistory.weebly.com/the-berlin-blockadeairlift-1948.html -
The Communist party took over the country of China, creating a system similar to Stalin's Soviet Union. This event created more tension between democratic countries like the U.S. and the growing Communist party. Source:
http://redroom.com/member/steven-robert-travers/blog/asia-and-the-communist-menace-0 -
Communist North Korea attacks democratic South Korea. The UN decided to assist South Korea to push North Korea back in order to combat communism. Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War -
In the so-called "space race" between the U.S. and Russia, this event put Russia in the lead. These countries wanted to show their technological advancements to each other and the world. As Russia put the first man-made satellite into space, many Americans worried Russians would send missiles in the satellites and attack the U.S. Source:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/picture-galleries/9141431/The-Soviet-and-Russian-space-programmes-in-pictures.html -
Fidel Castro becomes the prime minister of Cuba and establishes communism in the country. The U.S. is very nervous about having communism so close to the mainland, especially when Castro begins to negotiate with the Soviet Union. Source:
http://dalje.com/en-world/fidel-castro-becomes-cuban-premier-in-1959/234566 -
In order to combat the growing communism in Cuba, the U.S. CIA and President Kennedy decide to train Cuban exiles in military manuveurs. After training, these men were sent back into Cuba to try to overtake the communists and establish a new governmental system. This plan fails horribly, and Kennedy is caught in his lies about not interferring with Cuba. Source:
http://personal.ashland.edu/~jmoser1/eikenberryinvasion.html -
In the middle of the night, workers built a long wall separating West Germany from East Germany. Conditions had worsened in East Germany as the Soviet Union was exploiting the area, and masses of people had been fleeing the area. To keep its citizens in, the Soviet's built a wall. Sources:
http://history1900s.about.com/od/coldwa1/a/berlinwall.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wall -
Fidel Castro was not happy that the U.S. tried to overthrow him in the Bay of Pigs invasion. As he intensifirf his weapons and negotiated with the Soviet Union, the U.S. became very nervous. As rumors spread of Cuba putting missiles on the island, the U.S. tries to negotiate. Eventually the leaders come to an agreement, and this event remains the closest the world has ever been to a nuclear war. Sources:
http://www.learnersonline.com/lol/learners-online/the-cuban-missile-crisis/ -
Due to the death of the previous Soviet leader, Gobachev becomes General Secretary of the Soviet Union. He begins to make massive reforms, allowing the people freedom of speech and travel. His reforms were a big step in ending the Cold War. Sources:
http://history1900s.about.com/od/people/p/gorbachev.htm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8194995/Mikhail-Gorbachev-profile-of-Russias-last-Soviet-leader.html -
Communism in many areas of the world is falling apart. Suddenly on November 8, 1989, the East German government announces that people are able to go between the borders of the cities. First tentatively, then excitedly, people begin to leave the city. People on both sides begin to tear down the wall. Sources:
http://history1900s.about.com/od/coldwa1/a/berlinwall_2.htm
http://apwh.pbworks.com/w/page/7624374/Berlin Wall -
As Gorbachev made reforms in the Soviet Union, the system began to fall apart. He decides to implement a president and remove the monopoly the Communist Party has over the country. A group of dedicated communists attempt a coup, but are unsuccessful. This event allowed the Soviet Union to approach its end. Sources:
http://history1900s.about.com/od/people/p/gorbachev.htm
http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2011/aug/16/russia#/?picture=377950874&index=2 -
Due to much pressure, Gorbachev resigns from his position. This allows for a president to take over. The day after Gorbachev resigned, the Soviet Union officially dissolved. This ended the Cold War. Sources:
http://history1900s.about.com/od/people/p/gorbachev.htm
http://jolietlibrary.org/local-history/joliet-remembers-1990s-soviet-union
