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Period: to
Cold War 1947-1966
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Truman Doctrine
Truman creates a policy to help countries threatened by communism. This policy started with Turkey and Greece. -
Marshall Plan
George Marshall plans to help Europe in its economic recovery after effects of WWII. This plan would also prevent communism from spreading further into Europe. -
Soviet Union Cominform
Communist Information Bureau was made to help spread communist parties in East Europe. This happened in retaliation to Truman and Marshall's policies. -
Czechoslovak Coup d'État
The Communist Party of Czechoslovakia seized full control with Soviet's. this marked the spread of communism into Central Europe. -
Creation of OEEC
Created to administer Marshall Plan funds. These funds were among European nations. -
Berlin Blockade
Soviet Union blocks public transport to West Berlin. This Blockade was an attempt to get the Allies out of the city. -
Formation of NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed by 12 Western nations. This was a clear counter to Soviet expansion. -
Soviet Union Tests First Atomic Bomb
The USSR detonated its first atomic bomb in Kazakhstan. Ended the U.S. nuclear monopoly, escalating the arms race. -
Establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany
The U.S., U.K., and France merged their occupation zones into an independent democratic state. Created a Western-aligned German state; worsened East-West tensions. -
Alger Hiss Convicted of Perjury
Former U.S. State Department official Alger Hiss was convicted of lying about passing secrets to the Soviets. Heightened fears of communist infiltration and contributed to the rise of McCarthyism in the U.S. -
Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship Signed
A formal alliance was signed between the People’s Republic of China and the Soviet Union. Strengthened the communist bloc and alarmed the West with the idea of a united communist front. -
Start of the Korean War
First hot war of the Cold War era. The U.S. and UN intervened to support South Korea, while China later intervened for the North. Marked the militarization of the Cold War. -
Dismissal of General Douglas MacArthur
U.S. President Harry Truman fired General MacArthur for publicly disagreeing with official U.S. policy and advocating for expansion of the war into China. Reinforced civilian control over the military; deepened the political divide over Cold War strategy in the U.S. -
Mutual Defense Treaty Between the U.S. and the Philippines
The U.S. and Philippines signed a treaty pledging mutual defense in case of external attack. Part of the U.S. strategy to contain communism in Southeast Asia by strengthening military alliances. -
ANZUS Pact Signed
The ANZUS Treaty was signed by Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Created a military alliance in the Pacific region to counter communist expansion, especially after China’s involvement in Korea. -
British Test Their First Atomic Bomb
The United Kingdom conducted its first successful atomic bomb test (Operation Hurricane) off the coast of Western Australia. Britain became the third nuclear power, strengthening the Western alliance in the Cold War. -
U.S. Tests First Hydrogen Bomb
The United States detonated the first full-scale hydrogen bomb (codenamed Ivy Mike) on Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific. Marked a massive leap in nuclear capability—hundreds of times more powerful than the atomic bomb. Escalated the nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union. -
U.S. Presidential Election – Dwight D. Eisenhower Wins
General Dwight D. Eisenhower, a WWII hero, won the U.S. presidency, defeating Adlai Stevenson. Eisenhower promised to end the Korean War and take a tougher stance against communism—ushering in the "New Look" Cold War strategy focused on nuclear deterrence. -
Death of Joseph Stalin
Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin died after nearly 30 years in power. Led to a power struggle in the USSR and the eventual rise of Nikita Khrushchev. Created a temporary opening for improved East-West relations. -
Eisenhower’s "Chance for Peace" Speech
U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave a major speech proposing cooperation and disarmament to reduce Cold War tensions. Reflected hopes for reduced tensions after Stalin’s death—but little concrete change followed. -
End of the Korean War
After three years of war, North Korea, China, and the United Nations (led by the U.S.) signed an armistice. Ceased hostilities and established the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) near the 38th parallel. No peace treaty was ever signed—technically, the war is still not officially over. -
Battle of Dien Bien Phu
The Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, decisively defeated French forces at Dien Bien Phu in northern Vietnam. Marked the end of French colonial rule in Indochina. Paved the way for the U.S. to take over anti-communist efforts in Vietnam. -
KGB Formally Established
The Soviet Union officially created the KGB (Committee for State Security), successor to the NKVD and MGB. Became the primary Soviet security and espionage agency during the Cold War. -
Creation of SEATO
The U.S. and seven other nations formed the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. Modeled on NATO, it aimed to contain communism in Asia, particularly in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. -
Formation of the Warsaw Pact
The Soviet Union and seven Eastern European countries (including East Germany, Poland, and Hungary) formed a military alliance called the Warsaw Pact. A direct response to West Germany joining NATO. It formalized the military alignment of the Eastern Bloc under Soviet leadership. -
Austria Regains Independence
The Austrian State Treaty was signed, ending the Allied occupation of Austria. Austria pledged permanent neutrality, becoming a buffer state between East and West. A rare instance of Cold War compromise. -
Geneva Summit
A major meeting between the U.S., U.K., France, and the Soviet Union (Eisenhower, Eden, Faure, and Khrushchev/Bulganin). Eisenhower proposed the “Open Skies” plan (to allow mutual aerial surveillance to reduce the chance of surprise attacks), which the Soviets rejected. -
Khrushchev’s Secret Speech – De-Stalinization
Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev delivered a secret speech to the Communist Party, denouncing Joseph Stalin's cult of personality and reign of terror. Shocked the communist world; some Eastern Bloc leaders feared reforms would spread. -
Bandung Conference (Non-Aligned Movement)
29 Asian and African countries met in Bandung, Indonesia, to discuss non-alignment during the Cold War. Aimed to remain neutral in the U.S.–USSR rivalry. Birth of the Non-Aligned Movement, emphasizing sovereignty, anti-colonialism, and peaceful coexistence. -
U.S. Presidential Election – Eisenhower Reelected
Dwight D. Eisenhower was re-elected president of the U.S. Ensured continuity in Cold War policy, with an emphasis on nuclear deterrence and containment. -
Formation of the Eisenhower Doctrine
President Eisenhower announced the Eisenhower Doctrine, pledging U.S. economic and military aid to Middle Eastern countries resisting communist aggression. Aimed to contain Soviet influence in the oil-rich and strategically vital Middle East. -
Treaty of Rome Signed
Six Western European countries (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany) signed the Treaty of Rome. Established the European Economic Community (EEC), a step toward European economic integration and stability against communist influence. -
Launch of Sputnik 1
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, into orbit. Shocked the U.S., raising fears of Soviet technological and missile superiority. -
Creation of NORAD
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) was established as a joint U.S.–Canada defense initiative. Reflected growing fear of a Soviet first strike during the arms race. -
Establishment of NASA
The U.S. government created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in response to the Soviet launch of Sputnik. A direct answer to Soviet advances in space, highlighting the space race as a Cold War battleground. -
Second Berlin Crisis Begins
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev issued an ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of Western forces from West Berlin within six months. Increased Cold War tensions in Europe. -
Cuban Revolution Succeeds
Fidel Castro overthrew the U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista in Cuba. This marked the beginning of communist influence in the Western Hemisphere, just 90 miles from the U.S. -
Khrushchev Visits the United States
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev made a historic visit to the U.S., meeting with President Eisenhower and visiting multiple cities. No major agreements were made, but it helped open diplomatic channels. -
Camp David Talks
Khrushchev and Eisenhower held talks at Camp David. Agreed to delay the Berlin crisis and seek peaceful solutions. -
U-2 Spy Plane Incident
An American U-2 reconnaissance plane, piloted by Francis Gary Powers, was shot down over Soviet airspace. Deeply embarrassed the U.S. and wrecked the Paris Summit between Eisenhower and Khrushchev. -
Congo Gains Independence
The Democratic Republic of the Congo declared independence from Belgium. The U.S. and U.S.S.R. backed opposing sides, turning the Congo into a Cold War proxy conflict. -
John F. Kennedy Elected President of the U.S.
John F. Kennedy defeated Richard Nixon in a close election. His presidency would usher in more assertive Cold War policies, especially in Cuba and Vietnam. -
JFK’s Inauguration – "Pay any price"
John F. Kennedy was sworn in as U.S. President. Emphasized active global engagement to fight communism. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
U.S.-trained Cuban exiles attempted to invade Cuba and overthrow Fidel Castro. The invasion was a total failure; Castro’s forces quickly defeated the exiles. -
Construction of the Berlin Wall Begins
East Germany, with Soviet backing, began building the Berlin Wall to stop East Berliners from fleeing to West Berlin. West Berlin remained a Western outpost deep in communist territory. -
James Meredith Integrates the University of Mississippi
With federal support, African-American student James Meredith enrolled at the segregated Ole Miss, sparking riots. The U.S. government acted to uphold civil rights partly because racism weakened America’s image abroad, especially in newly decolonized nations being courted by both superpowers. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
U-2 spy plane photographs missile sites. Led to the Moscow–Washington Hotline (1963) and future nuclear test ban treaties. -
Kennedy Announces Naval Quarantine of Cuba
In a televised address, President John F. Kennedy announced that the U.S. had discovered Soviet nuclear missile installations in Cuba, and declared a naval "quarantine" (blockade) to prevent further Soviet shipments. -
JFK’s “Ich bin ein Berliner” Speech
President John F. Kennedy delivered a powerful speech in West Berlin, expressing solidarity with the city’s residents. Strengthened U.S. commitment to protecting West Berlin. -
Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Signed
The U.S., U.S.S.R., and U.K. signed a treaty banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, underwater, and in space (but not underground). Aimed to reduce radioactive fallout and ease global tensions. -
Hotline Established Between Washington and Moscow
A direct communication link—known as the "red telephone" (actually a teletype)—was set up between the White House and Kremlin. A symbol of cautious détente (thawing) in U.S.–Soviet relations. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Alleged attacks on U.S. destroyers (USS Maddox and USS Turner Joy) by North Vietnamese patrol boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. Marked a turning point: the U.S. shifted from advising to direct combat involvement. -
Khrushchev Ousted from Power
Nikita Khrushchev was removed as Soviet Premier and replaced by Leonid Brezhnev (General Secretary) and Alexei Kosygin (Premier). -
Lyndon B. Johnson Wins U.S. Presidential Election
Johnson won a landslide victory over conservative Republican Barry Goldwater. Goldwater’s hawkish Cold War rhetoric worried voters (he had suggested using nuclear weapons in Vietnam). -
Operation Flaming Dart
In retaliation for a Viet Cong attack on a U.S. base, the U.S. launched airstrikes against North Vietnam. Escalated U.S. military action and tensions in the region. -
irst U.S. Combat Troops Land in Vietnam
The first official U.S. combat troops (3,500 Marines) arrived at Da Nang, South Vietnam. By the end of the year, over 180,000 American troops were in Vietnam. -
Johnson Announces Major Troop Increase
President Lyndon B. Johnson announced plans to increase U.S. troops in Vietnam to 125,000, and authorized drafts to meet demands. Sparked growing anti-war protests in the U.S., especially among students. -
France Withdraws from NATO’s Military Command
French President Charles de Gaulle announced that France would leave NATO’s integrated military command and ordered all NATO troops out of French territory. Weakened NATO unity but France remained politically aligned with the West. -
Cultural Revolution Begins in China
Chairman Mao Zedong launched the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in China to reassert control and revive revolutionary fervor. Temporarily distracted China from Cold War diplomacy. -
U.S. Bombs Hanoi and Haiphong for the First Time
As part of Operation Rolling Thunder, the U.S. began bombing Hanoi (North Vietnam’s capital) and Haiphong (its major port city). Increased Soviet and Chinese support for North Vietnam.