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Period: to
Cold War
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U.S. drop first atomic bomb
Under United States President, Harry S. Truman, the world's first atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. Its purpose was to bring the only remaining front of the World War II to a close. -
U.S. drop second atomic bomb
The United States drop the world's second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, also under the permission of United States President Harry S. Truman. The bombing led to the surrender of Japan, ending World War II. This bombing was also the last millitary use of the atomic bomb. -
Founding of Unitied Nations
The United Nations was founded to replace the League of Nations, which was ineffective. It was organized after World War II and 51 countries joined at its founding. Their goals are to maintain international peace and safety, as well as promote human rights. -
NATO is founded
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is founded. The first countries to join are Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Their pupose was to band together to resist communist expansioin. -
Stalin Dies
Joseph Stalin Dies. His death creates a power struggle to take over his position. -
Khrushchev becomes new leader
After Stalins death, Nikita Khrushchev takes over his place, becoming the new leader of the Soviet Communist Party. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
JFK sets up a plan with Cuban refugees for a revolt against Castro. Ending in failure, it lasted only three days. As a result of its failure it later causes the Cuban missile crisis. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Soviets have placed nuclear weapons on Cuba. In response, President John F. Kennedy orders a naval blockade of Cuba. At the brink of nuclear war, the United States and the USSR eventually reach a compromise. -
JFK Assassination
U.S. President John F. Kennedy is shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas. Lyndon B. Johnson, Kennedy's vice-president, becomes President in his place. -
U.S. involvment in Vietnam
The Gulf of Tonkin incident between North Vietnam and the United State result in the United States joining the Vietnam War assisting the Southeast Asia countries who where threatened with communism. -
First Moon Landing
The United States successfully accomplished the first moon landing with the Apollo 11 manned by Neil Armstrong, "Buzz" Aldrin, and Michael Collins. This was significant to the Cold War becasue the U.S. and the USSR were in an arms race for space exploration and technological innovation. -
Vietnam War Ends
North Vietnam wins the war in South Vietnam which resulted in both countries becoming reunited under a communist government. -
Reagan Becomes President
Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as the 40th President of the United States of America. Reagan would go on to prove to be instrumental in the efforts to end the Cold War. -
The INF treaty is signed
President Ronald Reagan and the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev both sign The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in Washington, D.C. Some people claim that the signing of this treaty officially marks the end of the Cold War. -
End of the Cold War
While delivering a speech on Christmas Day, President George H. W. Bush acknowledges the end of the Cold War. That same day Mikhail Gorbachev, President of the USSR, resigns and the following day the Soviet Union dissolves.
