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Period: to
Timespan of Cold War
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Soviet Union Begins to occupy Eastern Europe
In the aftermath of World War II, The Soviet Union takes control of Eastern European countries to create a "buffer zone against possible future German invasion." This action in turn creates tension with the USA. -
USA Food Deliveries to Berlin
USA and Britain begin air lifting food to Soviet occupied Berlin, providing starving citizens with sustenance. -
NATO is Formed
The United States and Britain form NATO in an act to collectively stand against Soviet Union -
Communism Spreads to China
China adopts a communistic government, headed by Mao Zedong. -
McCarthyism
U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy warns of "card carrying communists" within the United States. His claims would mostly prove to be greatly exaggerated. -
Korean War
In accord with his anti-communism stance, president Truman enters the conflict between pro-democratic South Korea and communist North Korea. -
End of Korean War
After China becomes involved, Truman signs a mutual cease fire with Korea. Ending the war in a stalemate. -
Russia Goes to Space
The Soviet Union launches a satelite named Sputnik into space. The race to put a man on the moon begins with the USA. -
Bay of Pigs
As Cuba begins aligning themselves with the Soviet Union, president Kennedy launches a counter revolution. The USA arms a group of anti-communist Cuban refugees and launches an invasion. The results are disasterous, further increasing tension with Soviet Union. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
Soviets construct a nuclear launching site in Cuba. Once the U.S. gets word, president Kennedy quarantines Cuba. Kennedy later negotiates with the Soviets and the missiles are removed. -
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident and Vietnam
Growing conflict between pro-communist North Vietnam and nominally pro-democracy South Vietnam leads to increased U.S. intervention. Culminating in the Gulf of Tonkin incident which sees a U.S. destroyer "attacked" by South Vietnamese forces albeit no actual damage. President Lyndon B. Johnson then decides to militarily enter Vietnam. -
First Man on the Moon
NASA sends first space station to the moon. Effectively ending the Space Race with Russia. -
Nixon Diplomacy
Richard Nixon begins diplomacy with communist China and the Soviet Union. The Strategic Arms Treaty is signed to prohibit the manufacturing of nuclear warheads by both the U.S.A. and the Soviet Union. (history.com) -
U.S. Formally Withdraws From Vietnam
The Paris Peace Accords are signed, effectively ending U.S. involvement in Vietnam. (history.com) -
South Vietnam Falls to Communism
With the fall of Saigon, South Vietnam comes under communist control. (history.com) -
Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
The Soviet Union takes control of Afghanistan. President Carter responds with economic sanction and trade embargos. (history.state.gov) -
Reagan Era Diplomacy
President Reagan begins aiding anti=communist forces in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He also announces the Strategic Defense Initiative which words to defend against possible Soviet nuclear strikes, further escalating the Cold War. (history.com) -
Grenada Invasion
Reagan orders invasion of Grenada after Marxist revolution occurs. (history.com) -
INF Treaty
President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev sign treaty banning intermediate-range nuclear missiles. (FAS.org) (history.com) -
Beginning of The End for The Soviet Union
The Soviet Union begins to disintegrate with communist states being replaced with non-communist governments. In November, the Berlin Wall is destroyed. (history.com) -
The Soviet Union Officially Falls
The Soviet Union officially dissolves, ending the Cold War. (history.com)
