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United Nations Formed
Following World War II, the United Nations was established to promote world peace and cooperation. It aimed to prevent future conflicts and provide a platform for dialogue among nations. -
Hollywood Ten
Ten Hollywood writers and directors were blacklisted for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee about alleged communist affiliations, demonstrating the anti-communist zeal of the time. -
Truman Doctrine
President Harry S. Truman set policy to provide military and economic aid to countries resisting communism, namely Greece and Turkey, and this marked the start of the U.S. containment policy. -
Marshall Plan
The U.S. launched the European Recovery Program, or the Marshall Plan, providing over $13 billion in an attempt to rebuild Western European economies after WWII to prevent the spread of communism. -
NATO Formed
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was established as a military alliance of the United States, Canada, and Western European nations to counter Soviet expansion and offer collective defense. -
Korean War
North Korea invaded South Korea, and it became a war between UN troops led by the U.S. and Chinese assistance to the North. The war ended in an armistice that split Korea at the 38th parallel. -
Sputnik Launch
The Soviet Union placed Sputnik 1, the first man-made satellite, in orbit, and the space race started with this feat showing Soviet technological prowess. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
The failed invasion of Cuba by U.S.-backed Cuban exiles aimed to oust Fidel Castro's regime from office, a huge blunder for the U.S. -
Berlin Wall Constructed
East Germany constructed the Berlin Wall to prevent individuals from fleeing to West Berlin, symbolizing the split between communist Eastern Europe and capitalist Western Europe. -
U.S. Officially Enters Vietnam War
The U.S. escalated its involvement in Vietnam by deploying combat troops, a significant escalation of the conflict against North Vietnamese forces. -
Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to defend its communist regime against rebel troops, leading to a protracted and bloody war with global repercussions. -
Berlin Wall Falls
The Berlin Wall was opened, and East and West Germans were reunited, ending the Cold War and the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.