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Period: to
Cold War 1947-1966
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Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine, announced in 1947 by U.S. President Harry Truman, was a foreign policy aimed at containing the spread of communism. It marked the start of the Cold War by pledging U.S. support military and economic to countries like Greece and Turkey threatened by communist influence or insurgencies. The doctrine established the U.S. commitment to intervene globally to resist Soviet expansion. -
Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan, launched in 1948, was a U.S. program that provided over $13 billion in economic aid to help rebuild Western European countries after World War II, aiming to revive economies, prevent the spread of communism, and promote political stability. -
Rio Pac
The Rio Pact, signed in 1947, was a mutual defense treaty among countries in the Americas, stating that an attack against one would be considered an attack against all, reinforcing regional solidarity during the early Cold War. -
Truman's Loyalty Program
Truman's Loyalty Program, established in 1947, aimed to identify and remove communist influence from the U.S. government by requiring background checks and loyalty investigations of federal employees during the early Cold War. -
Brussels Pact
The Brussels Pact, signed in 1948, was a mutual defense agreement between Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, pledging military and economic cooperation to resist aggression, especially from the Soviet Union. It later became a foundation for the creation of NATO in 1949. -
Berlin Blockade
The Berlin Blockade was a Soviet attempt to force the Western Allies out of West Berlin by cutting off all road, rail, and canal access to the city. In response, the U.S. and its allies launched the Berlin Airlift, flying in food and supplies for nearly a year until the blockade was lifted. -
NATO ratified
NATO ratification refers to the process by which member countries formally approved the North Atlantic Treaty, signed on April 4, 1949, creating the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Each founding country had to ratify the treaty through its national legislative process, confirming their commitment to mutual defense and collective security. -
Berlin Blockade Ends
The Berlin Blockade ended in May 1949 when the Soviet Union lifted its blockade of West Berlin. The blockade had begun in June 1948 as an attempt to force the Allies (U.S., Britain, and France) out of the city by cutting off all land and rail access. In response, the Allies organized the Berlin Airlift, flying in food, fuel, and supplies for nearly a year. The successful airlift undermined the Soviet strategy, leading them to abandon the blockade. -
Russia Tested its First Atomic Bomb
In August 1949, the Soviet Union successfully tested its first atomic bomb, known as RDS-1 or "First Lightning", at the Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan. This ended the U.S. monopoly on nuclear weapons and marked the beginning of the nuclear arms race during the Cold War. The test shocked the West, as it happened earlier than expected, partly due to Soviet espionage on the U.S. Manhattan Project. -
Truman approved H-bomb development
In January 1950, President Harry S. Truman approved the development of the hydrogen bomb (H-bomb) in response to the Soviet Union's successful atomic bomb test in 1949. The H-bomb was far more powerful than the atomic bomb, and Truman's decision aimed to maintain U.S. military superiority during the intensifying Cold War. -
Joe McCarthy begins Communist witch hunt and loyalty tests
In the early 1950s, Senator Joe McCarthy led a campaign against alleged Communists in the U.S. government and other institutions, a period known as the Red Scare. He claimed, often without evidence, that many officials were secretly Communist, which led to widespread fear and accusations. -
Korean War begins.
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea, aiming to unify the peninsula under a communist government. In response, the United States and United Nations forces intervened to support South Korea, seeing the invasion as a threat to democracy and part of the global spread of communism during the Cold War -
Chinese soldiers capture Seoul
At the start of the war, both China and Japan sent troops to Korea, then a tributary state of Qing China, in response to a domestic rebellion (the Donghak Peasant Revolution). Initially, Chinese troops entered Korea to help suppress the rebellion. However, Japan, seeing China's move as a threat to its own interests, also sent troops — and quickly took control of Seoul in July 1894, not the Chinese. -
Federal Civil Defense Administration established
The Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA) was established in 1950 by President Harry S. Truman as a response to growing fears of a nuclear attack during the Cold War. -
Truman fires MacArthur
MacArthur publicly criticized Truman’s limited war strategy and called for expanding the war into China, even suggesting the use of nuclear weapons. -
Continued Korean War
The Korean War (1950–1953) was a major Cold War conflict, with the U.S. and its allies supporting South Korea and China (backed by the USSR) supporting North Korea. By 1952, the war had become a stalemate, with heavy fighting along the 38th parallel. President Harry Truman was facing increasing pressure at home due to the war’s unpopularity. -
End of the Korean War
An armistice agreement was signed between North Korea, China, and the United Nations (led by the U.S.). The war ended in a stalemate, with the border remaining near the 38th parallel, as it was before the conflict. The armistice created the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which still exists today. While the war technically never ended with a peace treaty, the fighting ceased. -
U.S. Tests First Hydrogen Bomb
The United States detonated its first hydrogen bomb, known as "Ivy Mike", on Eniwetok Atoll in the Pacific. This marked a major escalation in the nuclear arms race. The hydrogen bomb was significantly more powerful than earlier atomic bombs. It sent a strong message to the Soviet Union, which would respond with its own hydrogen bomb test in 1953. -
Change in U.S. Leadership
Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected president of the United States in November 1952, defeating Democrat Adlai Stevenson. Eisenhower, a WWII hero, ran on a platform that included a tougher stance on communism and a promise to end the Korean War. -
Death of Joseph Stalin
Soviet leader Joseph Stalin died, ending nearly 30 years of authoritarian rule. His death led to a power struggle in the USSR and a temporary thaw in Cold War tensions (sometimes called the "Khrushchev Thaw", though Khrushchev didn’t fully take control until later). Stalin’s death also opened the door to more cautious Soviet foreign policy and some internal reforms. -
End of the Korean War
An armistice agreement was signed between North Korea, China, and the United Nations (led by the U.S.). The war ended in a stalemate, with the border remaining near the 38th parallel, as it was before the conflict.The armistice created the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which still exists today. While the war technically never ended with a peace treaty, the fighting ceased. -
Soviet Union Tests Hydrogen Bomb
The USSR successfully detonated its first thermonuclear (hydrogen) bomb, known as RDS-6s. This ended the U.S.’s brief monopoly on hydrogen weapons and escalated the nuclear arms race. Both superpowers now possessed weapons capable of unprecedented destruction. -
U.S. Tests Massive Hydrogen Bomb – “Castle Bravo”
The U.S. conducted its largest nuclear test ever at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific.The test unexpectedly produced a 15-megaton explosion — far more powerful than predicted. Fallout affected nearby islands and a Japanese fishing boat (Lucky Dragon No. 5), causing international outrage.This raised global awareness and fear of nuclear weapons. -
Geneva Conference
An international meeting held to settle the conflict in Indochina and address tensions in Korea.
Outcomes: Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel into, North Vietnam (communist, led by Ho Chi Minh), South Vietnam (anti-communist, backed by the U.S.), Elections were planned for 1956 to unify the country (which never happened).This effectively set the stage for the Vietnam War -
SEATO is Formed
The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) was established by the U.S., UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand. Its purpose was to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia (similar to NATO in Europe). Though less effective than NATO, it was part of the broader U.S. strategy of containment. -
Germany Re-Armed & Divided Further
West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) officially joined NATO. This was a major step in integrating West Germany into the Western alliance and allowing it to rearm under NATO control. In response, the Soviet Union saw this as a threat and moved to solidify its own alliances (see next point). -
Formation of the Warsaw Pact
The USSR and seven Eastern European countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania) formed the Warsaw Pact. It was a military alliance meant to counter NATO. It formalized the military integration of the Eastern Bloc under Soviet command.Cold War Europe became firmly divided: NATO in the West, Warsaw Pact in the East. -
Geneva Summit
Leaders of the U.S. (Eisenhower), USSR (Khrushchev and Bulganin), UK (Eden), and France (Faure) met in Geneva. It was the first summit since the end of WWII to bring these major powers together. The tone was more conciliatory, marking the start of a brief “Spirit of Geneva” – a thaw in Cold War tensions. Eisenhower proposed the "Open Skies" plan, allowing mutual aerial surveillance to reduce fear of surprise attacks. The USSR rejected it, but it laid groundwork for future arms control talks. -
Khrushchev’s “Secret Speech”
At the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev gave a secret speech denouncing Stalin’s crimes, cult of personality, and purges. This shocked the Communist world and began a period known as “de-Stalinization.” It led to some liberalization in Eastern Europe—but also raised expectations that were soon crushed, as in Hungary. -
Suez Crisis
Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal in July, previously controlled by British and French companies. In response, Britain, France, and Israel launched a military attack in late October to regain control and overthrow Nasser. However, the U.S. and Soviet Union both opposed the invasion, for different reasons. Under U.S. pressure, Britain, France, and Israel withdrew, and the crisis ended in humiliation for the old European powers. -
Hungarian Revolution
On October 23, 1956, a popular uprising broke out in Hungary against the Soviet-backed communist government. Protesters demanded political freedom, withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact, and democratic reforms. Imre Nagy, a moderate communist, became prime minister and briefly allowed reforms, including announcing Hungary’s intent to leave the Warsaw Pact. On November 4, 1956, the Soviet Union invaded Hungary with tanks and brutally crushed the revolution. -
Eisenhower Doctrine
President Dwight D. Eisenhower announced a new U.S. foreign policy aimed at the Middle East.The Eisenhower Doctrine stated that the U.S. would provide military and economic aid to any Middle Eastern country threatened by communism. -
Sputnik Launched by the USSR
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite in history, into Earth’s orbit. This shocked the world and especially the United States, which saw it as a technological and military threat. It marked the start of the space race between the U.S. and USSR. Followed by Sputnik 2 in November, which carried Laika, the first living creature in space. -
Sputnik 2 launches
First living being in space -
First U.S. Satellite – Explorer 1
The U.S. launched Explorer 1, its first successful satellite, after earlier failures. It discovered the Van Allen radiation belts, marking a major scientific contribution. Helped restore some U.S. confidence after the Sputnik shock. -
NASA is Founded
In response to the Soviet Sputnik launches in 1957, the U.S. established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Purpose: To compete with the USSR in the space race and regain technological prestige. It marked a shift from military to civilian space exploration (though military technology remained closely tied to space developments). -
Berlin Crisis Begins
Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev issued an ultimatum demanding the Western powers leave West Berlin within six months. He proposed turning Berlin into a "free city", threatening to transfer control of access routes to East Germany if the West refused. -
Cuban Revolution
Fidel Castro overthrew Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista and took power. Though not initially a communist, Castro’s government soon clashed with U.S. interests. By the end of 1959, U.S.–Cuba relations deteriorated, and the USSR began showing interest in Cuba. -
Eisenhower’s Second Inauguration
President Dwight D. Eisenhower began his second term, continuing Cold War policy centered on nuclear deterrence and containment of communism. -
The “Kitchen Debate”
Took place during the American National Exhibition in Moscow. U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev had a heated public argument in a model American kitchen about capitalism vs. communism. Symbolized Cold War ideological rivalry—but also reflected a willingness to engage through cultural diplomacy. -
France’s First Nuclear Test
France detonated its first atomic bomb in the Sahara Desert (Algeria), becoming the fourth nuclear power after the U.S., USSR, and UK. This marked the expansion of the nuclear club and complicated Cold War dynamics. -
U-2 Incident
A U.S. U-2 spy plane, piloted by Francis Gary Powers, was shot down over Soviet airspace while on a surveillance mission. The U.S. initially claimed it was a weather plane, but the USSR revealed they had captured Powers alive, exposing the espionage. -
Cuban-Soviet Alliance Begins
Fidel Castro visited the United Nations in New York. Around the same time, Cuba publicly aligned with the Soviet Union, deepening U.S. fears of communism in the Western Hemisphere. -
John F. Kennedy Inaugurated
John F. Kennedy became the 35th President of the United States. In his inaugural address, he famously pledged to "pay any price" and "bear any burden" to support liberty, reinforcing a hardline Cold War stance. -
Yuri Gagarin: First Human in Space
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space, orbiting the Earth aboard Vostok 1. A major Soviet victory in the space race, increasing pressure on the U.S. space program. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
A failed U.S.-backed invasion of Cuba by anti-Castro exiles at the Bay of Pigs. The CIA-sponsored plan, approved under Eisenhower and executed under JFK, was a humiliating defeat and solidified Fidel Castro’s alignment with the USSR. -
U.S. Imposes Full Embargo on Cuba
President John F. Kennedy formally extended the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, prohibiting all imports and exports. This move was a response to Cuba's increasing alignment with the Soviet Union. -
U-2 Spy Plane Finds Missiles in Cuba
A U.S. U-2 reconnaissance aircraft took photos revealing Soviet missile sites under construction in Cuba. This discovery triggered the most dangerous phase of the Cold War. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
For 13 days, the U.S. and USSR stood on the brink of nuclear war. -
Establishment of the “Hotline”
The U.S. and Soviet Union officially established a direct communication link, known as the "Washington–Moscow Hotline." Purpose: Prevent future crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis by enabling rapid, direct communication between leaders. It used teletype machines, not phones, despite the nickname. -
Kennedy’s “Ich bin ein Berliner” Speech
n West Berlin, President John F. Kennedy gave his iconic speech at the Berlin Wall, declaring:“Ich bin ein Berliner.” ("I am a Berliner.") It was a powerful symbol of U.S. support for West Berlin amid ongoing Cold War tensions. -
Test Ban Treaty Comes into Effect
Treaty officially entered into force, marking the first step in slowing the nuclear arms race. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
On August 2, the U.S. destroyer USS Maddox reported being attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. A second alleged attack on August 4 (later disputed) led to a major shift in U.S. policy -
Nikita Khrushchev Ousted
Khrushchev was removed from power in a peaceful coup by other Soviet leaders. He was replaced by Leonid Brezhnev as First Secretary of the Communist Party and Alexei Kosygin as Premier. This marked the start of the Brezhnev Era, which would define Soviet Cold War policy for the next two decades. -
Lyndon B. Johnson Elected U.S. President
LBJ defeated Republican Barry Goldwater in a landslide. Johnson’s full term would see massive escalation of the Vietnam War and the expansion of the U.S. military-industrial complex. -
Operation Rolling Thunder Begins
The U.S. launched Operation Rolling Thunder, a massive, sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam. Objective: Cripple North Vietnam’s supply lines and force them to negotiate. It lasted until 1968 and marked the beginning of full U.S. military escalation in the Vietnam War. -
First U.S. Combat Troops Land in Vietnam
3,500 U.S. Marines landed in Da Nang, South Vietnam. This was the first official deployment of combat troops (not just advisors), marking a major shift in U.S. involvement. -
First Major U.S. Anti-Vietnam War Protest
The Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organized the first large-scale antiwar demonstration in Washington, D.C.. About 25,000 people attended, highlighting growing domestic opposition to the war. -
Palomares Incident
A U.S. B-52 bomber carrying four hydrogen bombs collided with a refueling tanker over Palomares, Spain. Three bombs were recovered on land; one was lost in the Mediterranean Sea and recovered after a lengthy search. No nuclear detonation occurred, but the incident highlighted the dangers of nuclear weapons deployment during the Cold War. -
France Withdraws from NATO's Military Command
President Charles de Gaulle announced that France would withdraw from NATO’s integrated military structure, although it remained a political member. He demanded removal of NATO headquarters and U.S. troops from French soil. This reflected France’s desire for strategic independence and skepticism of U.S. dominance in Western Europe. -
U.S. Bombs North Vietnam's Major Cities
American B-52s bombed Hanoi and Haiphong, signaling an escalation in the U.S. air war. These were the first bombings of the North’s two most important urban centers.