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The Cold War starts
The Cold War begins after World War II ends in Europe. The Yalta conference occurs dividing Germany into four zones. At the Potsdam Conference, president Truman informs Soviet Union leader Stalin that the US has nuclear weapons. The US also drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and the Japanese surrender unconditionally. -
People's Republic of Albania
First communist government in Albania. Enver Hoxha, the prime minister, declares the People’s Republic of Albania. -
Truman Doctrine
President Truman announces the Truman Doctrine indirectly targeted to the USSR. USA would intervene and support any nation threatened by armed minority. -
Berlin Airlift
The Berlin Airlift begins. Germany ultimately defeats Russia’s attempts to block transportation of resources. Russia attempted to starve Berlin. -
NATO formation
Forming of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Main purpose was to safeguard the freedom and security of its members. -
Stalin dies
Stalin dies setting off a struggle to replace his position. -
Warsaw Pact
Forming of Warsaw Pact in Eastern Europe. AKA Treaty of Friendship between the Soviet Union, Albania, Poland, Romania, Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Bulgaria as members. -
Sputnik 1
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1. -
U-2 Incident
U-2 incident. American pilot Francis Gary Powers is shot down flying over the Soviet Union in his U-2 spy plane. -
Bay of Pigs
The Bay of Pigs was a failed military invasion of Cuba. -
Berlin Wall built
The Berlin Wall is built by the Soviets to control their country. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
Cuban Missile Crisis. The US and Soviet Union had a 13-day confrontation after the Soviet installed nuclear armed missiles on Cuba. -
Prague Spring
The Soviet Red Army crushes Czech Uprising. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall falls and citizens were allowed to freely cross the country’s borders. -
The Cold War ends
Dissolution of USSR. The Council of Republics recognize this and decide to dissolve itself. The war ultimately ends.
