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Berlin Blockade
1948-1949
Berlin, Germany was located on Russian controlled ground, but the Allies owned West Berlin. Russia felt that this went against their agreement, so they started a blockade to stop the allies from sending supplies. The Allies retaliated by airlifting West Berlin food. After a year Russia gave up the blockade.
I believe that this event is the 7th most important. -
Korean War
1950-1953
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) invaded the Republic of Korea (South Korea) with the supplies of the Soviet Union. The United Nations started supplying the South, which in turn incentivized China to give aid to North Korea. The north and south are still divided today.
I believe that this event is the 5th most important. -
Space Race
1950-1970
Both countries wanted to prove their superiority over the other, so they would create better technologies to try and make theirs better than the others. This led to the creation of NASA by the US. Soon both countries would successfully get people into orbit. By landing people on the moon the USA effectively "won" the space race. Although the US won, Russia had many firsts over the US.
I believe that this event is the least important. -
Vietnam War
1954-1975
After defeating the French, North Vietnam wanted to unify the whole country under one communist regime. The south fought this idea and wanted a government more closely related to the US government. China and the Soviet Union poured supplies into the north, while the US gave their supplies to the south. North vietnam won the war but at the costs of 3.1 million deaths total.
I believe that this event is the most important. -
Suez Canal Crisis
Oct. 29 - July 26, 1956
After being nationalized by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Suez Canal was under attack by Israeli forces. Eventually, French and British troops met up with the Israeli forces and tried to take the canal. The French and British helped because they feared that Egypt would stop supplying petroleum to them. Egypt eventually won the battle and took the canal over.
I believe that this event is the 9th most important. -
U-2 Incident
May 5 - May 14, 1960
It was a confrontation between the US and the soviet union. The US sent a reconnaissance plane to gather information on Russia. Russia shot down this plane and captured the pilot. This pilot told the Russians everything about his mission. This was used by the Russians to make the US stop sending recon missions over Russia. The US pilot was brought home after a trade for a Russia spy.
I believe that this event is the 4th most important. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
1962
This event resulted in the leaders of the soviets and of the US facing off. After a revolution in Cuba that led to a communist government, Russia was allowed to build weapon bases. This angered JFK and led to the threat that the US would use force to get Russia missiles off Cuba. Eventually Nikita agreed but only in exchange for US missiles to leave Turkey and that the US cannot invade Cuba.
I believe that this event is the 3rd most important. -
Yom Kippur War
Oct. - Nov. 1973
Israel was simultaneously attacked by Egypt and Syria on two fronts. This badly hurt Israel, so they asked the US for help. The US was reluctant to help until they found out that the Soviet Union was helping Egypt and Syria. The US's help turned the tide and Israel easily started pushing back. To end the war the UN had to call for a cease-fire three times. All in all, Egypt gained lost land, and every country lost many men.
I believe that this event is the 8th most important. -
Soviet War in Afghanistan
Dec. 1979
Soviets gave troops and supplies to the Afghan communist government to help them fight the anti-communist Muslim guerrillas. 30,000 men were sent to aid them. The US got involved in giving supplies to the rebels. All of this led to many Afghans fleeing to nearby countries.
I believe that this event is the 10th most important. -
Soviets Downed Korean Airline Flight 007
Sep. 1, 1983
Near Sakhalin Island, Russia a Korean flight was shot down. 269 people died as a result. The plane strayed 200 miles off-course into Russian airspace. The US used this as a ploy to stir anti-communist ideas. Russia tried to claim that it was on an american spy mission because it left Anchorage, Alaska.
I believe that this event is the 6th most important. -
"Able Archer" Military Exercise
Nov. 1983
This was a NATO war game that led to a misunderstanding between Russia and the US. This program was more realistic than the others performed. The russians feared that it was real and calling it an exercise was a coverup. This led to the Soviet Union getting ready to make a quick counter-attack. All in all, a real war almost broke out.
I believe that this event is the 2nd most important.