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Period: to
The Cold War
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The Yalta Conference
It was the wartime meeting of the heads of government of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, represented by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin.The meeting was intended mainly to discuss the re-establishment of the nations of war-torn Europe. Within a few years, with the Cold War dividing the continent, Yalta became a subject of intense controversy. To some extent, it has remained.-----MADISON GRAY -
The establishment of the United Nations in San Francisco
In April 1945, delegates from 50 nations met in San Francisco to adopt a charter, or statement of principles, for the UN. The charter stated that members would try to settle their differences peacefully and would promote justice and cooperation in solving international problems. In addition, they would try to stop wars from starting and “take effective collective measures” to end those that did break out.----JENNA CRISCI -
The Postdam Conference
During the conference, Churchill was replaced by Clement Attlee, who had just won the British election.They continued to debate the issues that had divided them at Yalta, including the future of Germany and of Poland. Stalin renewed his demand for war payments from Germany, and Truman insisted on the promised Polish elections.At Potsdam, Truman got word that the atom bomb had been tested in New Mexico.Stalin's casual manner hid his concern over America's new strategic advantage.-----MADISON GRAY -
The Army-McCarthy Hearings
The Army-McCarthy hearings began in late April 1954. Democrats asked that the hearings be televised, hoping that the public would see McCarthy for what he was. Ever eager for publicity, the senator agreed. For weeks, Americans were riveted to their television sets. Most were horrified by McCarthy's bullying tactics and baseless allegations.-----TARA HICKEY -
The launch of the Sputnik
Sputnik was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. It was launched by the Soviets in 1957. The Americans feared this rocket could hold a hydrogen bomb. It was launching to American shores.-----TARA HICKEY -
U-2 Incident
In May 1960, the Soviet military again demonstrated its arms capabilities by using a guided missile to shoot down an American U-2 spy plane over Soviet territory. The U-2 incident shattered this confidence. It made Americans willing to expend considerable resources to catch up to and surpass the Soviet Union.-----JENNA CRISCI