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Period: to
Cold War 1947-1956
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Truman Doctrine
On March 12, President Truman announced the Truman Doctrine, saying the U.S. would help countries like Greece fight against communism. This marked the start of America’s active role in stopping the spread of communism during the Cold War. -
Marshall Plan Announcement
The Marshall Plan was officially announced on June 5, 1947 by U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall during a speech at Harvard University. -
Rio Pact
On September 2, the U.S. and 19 Latin American countries signed the Rio Pact. This created a mutual defense agreement and a security zone around the Western Hemisphere to stop outside threats. -
Communist Take Over Czechslovakia
On February 25, 1948, communists took control of Czechoslovakia. This increased fears in the West about the spread of Soviet influence in Europe. -
Truman's Loyalty Program
On March 2, President Truman started the Loyalty Program to find and remove government workers with communist ties. It was part of the effort to stop spying and protect the U.S. during the Cold War. -
Berlin Blockade
On June 24, the Soviet Union began the Berlin Blockade, cutting off all road and rail access to West Berlin. It lasted 11 months and led to the U.S. and allies organizing the Berlin Airlift to supply the city. -
NATO Ratified
On April 4, 1949, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was ratified. This created a military alliance between the U.S., Canada, and several European countries to provide collective defense against Soviet aggression. -
Berlin Blockade Ends
The Berlin Blockade ended on May 12, 1949, when the Soviets lifted the blockade. This followed the Allies' Berlin Airlift to supply the city. -
The beginning of the Korean War Armistice talks
Korean War armistice talks began on July 10, 1951, as both sides sought a ceasefire. The talks eventually led to a truce in 1953, though the war officially never ended. -
Mao Zedong Takes Over China
On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong took control of China and established the People's Republic of China. This marked the victory of the Communist Party in the Chinese Civil War. -
Truman Approved Bomb Development
On January 30, 1950, President Truman approved the development of the hydrogen bomb. This decision escalated the arms race during the Cold War. -
Anti-Communist Witch Hunt
In February 1950, Senator Joe McCarthy began his anti-Communist witch hunt, claiming that Communists had infiltrated the U.S. government. His actions led to loyalty tests and widespread fear of Communist influence. -
Korean War Began
On June 24, 1950, the Korean War began when North Korea, supported by Stalin and equipped with Soviet weapons, invaded South Korea. This sparked a conflict that involved the United Nations, with the U.S. supporting the South. -
the Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA) was Established
On January 12, 1951, the Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA) was established to prepare the U.S. for potential nuclear attacks during the Cold War. It focused on public safety, emergency response, and civil defense efforts. -
Truman fires MacArthur
On April 11, 1951, President Truman fired General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War. MacArthur had publicly criticized Truman’s war strategy, challenging civilian control of the military. -
The Treaty of Peace with Japan
The Treaty of Peace with Japan was signed on September 8, 1951, officially ending World War II for Japan. The treaty allowed the U.S. to maintain military bases in Japan, strengthening Cold War ties in the Pacific. -
Britain Tested Atomic Bomb
Britain tested its first atomic bomb on October 3, 1952. The test, called Operation Hurricane, took place off the coast of Australia near the Montebello Islands. -
U.S. Tested Its First Hydrogen Bomb
On November 1, 1952, the U.S. tested its first hydrogen bomb at Eniwetok Atoll in the Pacific. This marked a major escalation in the nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union. -
NSA Was Established
The National Security Agency (NSA) was established on November 4, 1952, to manage signals intelligence and code-breaking. It became a key part of U.S. intelligence efforts during the Cold War.