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Formation of the Eastern Bloc
Following WW2, the Soviets established communist governments in numerous Eastern European countries. This area of Communist influence came to be known as the Eastern Bloc. The formation resulted from agreements at the Yalta and Potsdam conferences where the Soviet Union was given a sphere of influence over Eastern Europe. This division in Europe marked the beginning of the Cold War. -
Postwar Occupation and Division of Germany
Following WW2 and the fall of Germany, Germany was divided into four occupation zones. These four occupation zones were controlled by the Allied powers of the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France. The differing ideologies of the nations proved to be consequential in the future, so the division of Germany was between western and eastern Germany. The Soviet Union controlled eastern Germany and the remaining Allied powers controlled the west. -
Greek Civil War
This civil war was a conflict between the Greek government and the Democratic Army of Greece. The war was a result of differing ideologies of a Communist and anti-Communist system. After years of fighting, the Greek government army which was supported by the United States and the United Kingdom was victorious. The result was the establishment of a conservative regime. -
Enactment of Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan was enacted by the United States to help rebuild Western Europe and prevent Communism from spreading. The Marshall Plan was designed to provide aid to a war-torn Europe, promoting stability, recovery, and favorable relations with democracy. The plan was strategic in a way to deflect the influence of the Soviet Union on western European countries. -
Berlin Blockade and Airlift
After the Soviets blocked land and water routes to West Berlin, the Western Allies countered this with an airlift. An airlift above West Berlin was organized which gave way for necessities to be flown in. This effort by the Western Allies proved their commitment to support democracy and uphold freedom. -
Chinese Communist Revolution
The Chinese Communist Revolution which was led by the Communist Party of China aimed to overthrow the ruling of the Nationalist government. The Communists were able to gain support quickly through their promises. After a chaotic and violent revolution, the Communists emerged victorious. -
Korean War
The Korean War began when North Korea which was supported by China invaded South Korea which was backed by the United States. After almost being pushed out of South Korea, the South Korean army was able to push back the North Koreans to China. The two armies went back and forth until they settled on the 38th parallel and signed an armistice. -
Cuban Revolution
The Cuban Revolution which was led by Fidel Castro, aimed to overthrow the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. After utilizing brutal tactics such as hit-and-run, Fidel and his army emerged victorious. This new political and military change from Fidel's ideology had an enormous impact on the relationship between Cuba and the United States. -
Overthrow of the Guatemalan Government
The overthrow of the Guatemalan government was organized by the CIA, utilizing a coup against the leader of Guatemala, Jacobo Arbenz. The United States feared an increasing Communist influence, so the coup was used to destroy the Guatemalan government. The coup led to several instabilities in the Guatemalan government which led to it being overthrown. -
Vietnam War
The Vietnam was a conflict between the Communists of North Vietnam and the democratic forces of South Vietnam. The war lasted numerous years and was essentially a proxy war against the United States and the Soviet Union during the ongoing Cold War. Depending on the viewpoint taken, the victors of this war are varied. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
The Bay of Pigs Invasion was an offensive attack launched by the United States into Cuba. The United States aimed to overthrow the newly implemented Cuban government led by Fidel Castro. The invasion was a failure, resulting in a humiliating loss for the United States. -
Building the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was constructed to prevent East Germans from fleeing to Western Berlin. The Western influence of Berlin was seen as more free and rich with opportunity, so there resulted in a mass emigration to the West from the East. To counter the emigration, East Germany constructed the wall to stop people from being able to freely cross the border between East and West Berlin. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a standoff between the Soviet Union and the United States. American spy planes that flew over Cuba photographed missiles being placed in Cuba which was a severe threat to the United States. In response, the United States situated a blockade around Cuba to deter any Soviet Ships coming to Cuba. After some time, the crisis was resolved when the Soviet Union agreed to remove the missiles if the United States removed theirs from Turkey. -
Prague Spring
During the Prague Spring, Czechoslovakia was able to experience a period of political liberalization. There was a presence of mass protests that aimed to grant additional rights to citizens. This event challenged the hold that the Soviet Union had on the countries in the Eastern Bloc, highlighting the tension between them. -
Soviet War in Afghanistan
To support the Communist government in Afghanistan against anti-Communist rebels, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. The Soviet Union was quite unsuccessful in their effort and the war led to a drain on Soviet resources and a mass destruction of Afghanistan. As a result of the failing invasion, the Soviet Union withdrew its men, and the anti-Communists known as the Mujahideen came out victorious. -
Solidarity Movement in Poland
The Solidarity movement in Poland was a significant political and social movement aimed at anti-authoritarian dissolution. The movement resulted in the spread of anti-Communist ideologies throughout the Eastern Bloc which weakened the Communist influence. Many countries in the Eastern Bloc were inspired by these movements and they would also carry out movements against Communism in the future. -
Tiananmen Square Massacre
The Tiananmen Square Massacre was the result of the Chinese government's effort to get rid of protestors and demonstrators in Tiananmen Square. To do so, the Chinese government used excessive force and arms which resulted in the brutal loss of numerous people. The bravery of the protestors demonstrates their determination to reform civil rights in the Chinese government. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The fall of the Berlin Wall was the moment that marked the reunification of Germany as one nation. On November 9, 1989, thousands of people swarmed the wall, and equipped with picks and hammers, they tore at the wall until it fell. Once it did fall, those from East Berlin were warmly welcomed to the West. -
Fall of the Soviet Union
Due to strong reforms in the Soviet Union that included many aspects of democratic nations, the influence of Communism on the Soviet Union weakened tremendously. This aspect along with others such as an economic disaster slowly contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union. The result of the collapse was the emergence of several independent states that transformed the political nature of Eastern Europe. -
9/11 Attacks
The attacks of 9/11 were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out in the United States by Al-Qaeda. The attacks consisted of hijacked commercial planes that were flown into the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan, the Pentagon, and a field in southwest Pennsylvania. This attack was the most deadly on American soil and resulted in roughly three thousand casualties.