Timeline: The Cold War

Sep 2, 1945

World War II Ends

The end of WWII was an important catalyst to the confrontaion the Soviet Union would start having with the United States, eventually leading to the Cold War. Source: Nelson, J. (2011). Automotive history: Celebrating V-J day - When cars came home from the war. Retrieved from: http://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/automotive-history-celebrating-v-j-day-when-cars-came-home-from-the-war/

Sep 20, 1945

Division of Germany

After Germany's surrender, Great Britain, France, the U.S. and the Soviet Union divided Germany amongst themselves. Once again, this demonstrated the beginnings of tensions between the US and USSR. Source: History question: How was Berlin divided in the wake of WWII? (2008). Retrieved from: http://askville.amazon.com/History-question-Berlin-divided-wake-WWII/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=10090995

Mar 5, 1946

Iron Curtain

As mentioned in the lecture, here, Europe and the broader world were dividing in to broader camps and mistrust began to brew. Source: Omri. (2009). Hike and bike your way along the cold war's most dangerous vault line. Retrieved from: http://www.jaunted.com/tag/Iron%20Curtain%20Trail

Sep 17, 1947

Communist in Poland

When communists started an invasion and war with no formal declaration in Poland, it began showing their rise to power; something the U.S. received as threatening. Source: Communist Party of Poland. (2015). Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communist_Party_of_Poland

Jun 24, 1948

Berlin Blockade

Ther Berlin Blockade is repeatedly named as one of the first major crisis from the Cold War. Here, the Soviet Union blocked any roads and trains leading to Berlin. Source: Christensen. (2015). Berlin Blockade. Retrieved from: https://strittprojects.wikispaces.com/Berlin+Blockade+-+Christensen

Jun 25, 1950

Korean War Starts

The Korean War was an event where war tensions between the US and Soviet Union were coming to head. The US assisted the South and China - whose ally was the Soviet Union - assisted the North. Source: McAllister, C. (n.d.) Mapping world history. Retrieved from: http://www.classzone.com/cz/books/amer_hist_survey/resources/htmls/chapter_maps/ah27_koreanwarm.jpg

May 14, 1955

Warsaw Pact

This was a treaty among communist states which was ideally to give the Soviet Union power over those states. Source: Warsaw Pact. (2015). Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw_Pact

Oct 4, 1957

Man-made Satelite

First man-made satelite to be launched into space by the Soviet Union and caused US to race into spacel; further demonstrating their constant competition. Source: Harding, J. (2012). Why it's best to play golf on the moon. Retrieved from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-2182840/ITS-NOT-ROCKET-SCIENCE-BY-BEN-MILLER-Why-best-play-golf-moon.html

Apr 17, 1961

Bay of Pigs

With communism seemingly threatening the U.S., the U.S. felt strongly about overthrowing the leaders. However, it was a failed mission. Source: Baker, C. (2015). Expedition details. Retrieved from: http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/expeditions/cuba-cultural-tour/detail

Aug 17, 1961

Berlin Wall begins

Soviet Union tried to starve allies so they could leave. Source: Schoeder, K. (2011). Watching the wall go up: West Berliners felt abandoned and powerless. Retrieved from: http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/watching-the-wall-go-up-west-berliners-felt-abandoned-and-powerless-a-778167.html

Oct 14, 1962

Cuban Missle Crisis

US and Soviet Union tension becomes intense but they reach an agreement to dismantle missiles. Source: Bates, D. (2012). "Go in there and frig around..." Retrieved from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2207946/Revealed-JFKs-stabbing-generals-mocked-President-battled-avoid-regarded-trigger-happy-Americans-lost-Berlin.html

Feb 23, 1976

Soviet and Cuba Communism

What was once a strong relationship, deterriorated overtime. Source: Cuban Missiles Crisis Countdown: Photos. (2012). Retrieved from: http://news.discovery.com/history/cuban-missile-crisis-anniversary-121023.htm

Oct 11, 1986

Reagan and Gorbachev

Relationship between Reagan and Gorbachev show a more peaceful relationship in the future. Source: Ebersole, P. (2011). Ronald Reagan the peacemaker. Retrieved from: https://philebersole.wordpress.com/2011/02/14/ronald-reagan-the-peacemaker/

Nov 23, 1989

Berlin Wall goes down

Both literal and symbolic border finally was torn down demonstrating political change on the horizon. Source: ABC News. (2014). Berlin Wall came down 25 years ago. Retrieved from: http://abcnews.go.com/International/berlin-wall-25-years-ago/story?id=26714577