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Cold War 1947-1966
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The Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine, announced by President Truman in March 1947, was a U.S. foreign policy that pledged support to nations resisting communist expansion, both internal and external. It was a key part of the Cold War policy of containment, and it marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to global engagement. -
The Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan, formally known as the European Recovery Program, was a U.S. initiative to aid in the economic reconstruction of war-torn Europe after World War II. Funded by the U.S. government, it aimed to prevent the spread of communism by stabilizing European economies and promoting democratic institutions. -
The Rio Pact
The Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, commonly known as the Rio Treaty or the Rio Pact, was a mutual defense agreement signed in 1947 by American nations. It established a collective security system where an armed attack against one signatory nation would be considered an attack against all. This pact was a key element in the Cold War strategy of the United States, aiming to deter potential Soviet aggression in the Western Hemisphere. -
Communist takeover Czechoslovakia
In February 1948, Czechoslovakia experienced a communist coup d'état, orchestrated by the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ) with Soviet support. The KSČ seized control of the government, leading to the establishment of a "people's democratic state" and ultimately a communist regime. This event marked the end of Czechoslovakia's post-war democratic period and the beginning of a period of Soviet domination. -
Truman catching Cold War spies
Truman's Loyalty Program, formally established by Executive Order 9835, was created in 1947 to investigate federal employees and applicants for government jobs, aiming to detect and remove individuals deemed disloyal, particularly those with suspected communist ties. This program was a direct response to the Cold War era's heightened anxieties about communist infiltration within the US government. -
The Berlin Blockade
The Berlin Blockade, a major event during the Cold War, began on June 24, 1948, when the Soviet Union blocked land and water access to West Berlin. This was in response to the Western Allies' efforts to integrate their zones in Berlin and introduce a new currency, the Deutschmark, which the Soviets opposed. The blockade lasted until May 12, 1949, and prompted the Western Allies to launch the Berlin Airlift, a massive effort to supply West Berlin by air. -
NATO is Ratified
In 1949, NATO was formed to provide collective security, primarily to counter the perceived threat from the Soviet Union and the spread of communism in Europe. The alliance aimed to deter potential aggression, ensure the collective defense of member nations, and promote political and economic cooperation. -
Russia Tests Atomic Bombs
On August 29, 1949, the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb, code-named "Joe-1" or "First Lightning", at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. This test marked a significant shift in global power dynamics, as the Soviets became the second nation to develop and test a nuclear weapon. -
China Turns Communist
Mao Zedong, the leader of the Chinese Communist Party, took control of China and proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949. This marked the end of the Chinese Civil War, in which Mao's Communist forces defeated the Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) led by Chiang Kai-shek. Chiang and his government retreated to Taiwan. -
Truman approves the H-bomb
President Harry S. Truman approved the development of the hydrogen bomb in 1950. He publicly announced his decision on January 31, 1950, directing the Atomic Energy Commission to proceed. This decision came after the Soviet Union's successful atomic explosion in 1949. -
Communist Witch Hunts
In 1950, Joe McCarthy, a US Senator, sparked a period of intense anti-communist fear and suspicion by claiming to have a list of communists within the US government, particularly the State Department. This speech, delivered on February 9th, 1950, at the Republican Women's Club in Wheeling, West Virginia, marked the beginning of what would become known as the "witch hunt" era, and the push for loyalty tests. -
War Begins in Korea
On June 25, 1950, armed forces from communist North Korea smash into South Korea, setting off the Korean War. The United States, acting under the auspices of the United Nations, quickly sprang to the defense of South Korea and fought a bloody and frustrating war for the next three years. -
Federal Civil Defense Administration established
The new law, according to President Truman, “affords the basic framework for preparations to minimize the effects of an attack on our civilian population, and to deal with the immediate emergency conditions which such an attack would create.” The basic reason for the new, law was summed up in the report of the House -
The Korea War Continues
The Korean War, a proxy conflict of the Cold War, saw key moments like the recapture of Seoul by UN forces. After an initial invasion by North Korea, UN forces, led by the US, pushed back the North Korean army. The recapture of Seoul was a significant turning point, marking a shift in the war's momentum in favor of the UN forces. -
Truman Fires MacArthur
President Harry Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur of his command on April 11, 1951, due to policy disagreements regarding the conduct of the Korean War. MacArthur advocated for a more aggressive strategy, including an attack on China, while Truman sought a more limited conflict and diplomacy. Truman also cited MacArthur's insubordination and interference with his efforts to end the war. -
A-bombs developed in Britain
Great Britain developed and tested its first nuclear weapon in 1952, becoming the third nation to do so after the United States and the Soviet Union. The UK's first nuclear test, code-named "Operation Hurricane," was detonated on October 3, 1952, at Monte Bello Island in Australia. The first British hydrogen bomb test was conducted in 1957. -
America tests H-bombs
The United States first tested a hydrogen bomb, a thermonuclear weapon, on November 1, 1952, in the Marshall Islands. This test, part of Operation Mike, marked a significant step in the nuclear arms race between the US and the Soviet Union. -
1952 presidential election
In the 1952 U.S. presidential election, Dwight D. Eisenhower ran as the Republican candidate and defeated Democrat Adlai Stevenson in a big win. Eisenhower was a popular World War II general and promised to end the Korean War. He got about 55% of the vote and 442 electoral votes. The election was one of the first to use TV ads, including the famous “I Like Ike” slogan. Richard Nixon became vice president. -
11 nuclear weapons tested in Nevada
The Operation Upshot–Knothole was a series of eleven nuclear tests conducted at the Nevada Test Site in 1953 as part of the nuclear arms race. These tests aimed to assess the impact of nuclear weapons on the environment and structures, evaluate the effectiveness of new and existing weapons, and study the effects of nuclear fallout. -
The Korean War ends
The Korean War officially ended on July 27, 1953, with the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, which established a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and provided for the exchange of prisoners of war. While a ceasefire was achieved, a formal peace treaty was never signed, leaving the Korean peninsula technically in a state of war. -
Ike's Atoms for Peace speech
Dwight D. Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" speech, delivered to the UN General Assembly on December 8, 1953, proposed a shift from nuclear weapons to peaceful uses of atomic energy. It suggested the establishment of an international atomic energy agency to encourage the development and sharing of peaceful nuclear technologies. The speech aimed to reduce the fear of atomic weapons and foster a new era of cooperation, inspiring the creation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1957. -
H-bomb Castle-Bravo test
On March 1, 1954, the U.S. tested a very powerful hydrogen bomb called Castle Bravo. The explosion was much bigger than expected. Radioactive dust spread and made people sick, including islanders and a Japanese fishing crew. The test made many people around the world angry and worried about nuclear weapons. -
KGB established
The KGB was the main security and intelligence agency of the Soviet Union. It was established in 1954 to handle spying, secret police work, and protecting the Soviet government. The KGB was created to replace earlier security agencies and to stop threats like spies, rebels, or people against the Communist Party. It became one of the most powerful organizations in the USSR. -
Vietnam split at 17th parallel
Vietnam split on July 21, 1954, after the Geneva Accords, which ended the First Indochina War. The country was divided at the 17th parallel into communist North Vietnam and anti-communist South Vietnam. The split was meant to be temporary until elections were held, but they never happened. It was important because it led to the Vietnam War and became a major conflict in the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. -
West Germany joins NATO
West Germany joined NATO on May 9, 1955, which was important because it allowed Germany to rearm and become part of the Western defense against the Soviet Union. It happened to strengthen NATO during the Cold War and help protect Europe from communism. The move made the Soviet Union feel threatened. In response, they created the Warsaw Pact just days later. -
Warsaw Pact formed
The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance between the Soviet Union and several Eastern European countries. It was formed on May 14, 1955, in response to West Germany joining NATO. The Soviets created it to strengthen their control over Eastern Europe and to counter the influence of the United States and its allies. It became a key part of the Cold War power struggle between East and West. -
The Geneva Summit took place
The Geneva Summit took place on July 18, 1955, and was a meeting between the leaders of the U.S., Soviet Union, Britain, and France. It happened to ease Cold War tensions and improve communication between the East and West. Topics included disarmament, German reunification, and global security. While no major agreements were made, it was important because it opened the door for future talks. -
USSR sent tanks into Poznan and Poland
In June 1956, the Soviet Union sent tanks into Poznań, Poland to stop a workers’ protest against poor conditions and government control. The Polish people were demanding better rights and freedoms. The Soviet response was important because it showed how the USSR used force to keep control over Eastern Europe during the Cold War. The crackdown happened on June 28, 1956 and led to more unrest in Poland. -
USSR send military support to Hungary
In 1956, the USSR sent tanks into Hungary (not Afghanistan) to stop a revolution against Soviet control. This happened in October-November 1956 when Hungarians tried to gain more freedom and leave the Soviet influence. The Soviet invasion was important because it showed the USSR’s willingness to use force to keep control over Eastern Europe during the Cold War. It crushed the Hungarian Revolution and increased tensions between East and West. -
Rebellion put down in Communist Hungar
The rebellion in Communist Hungary was put down by the Soviet Union on November 4, 1956, to stop Hungary from leaving the Soviet sphere and ending communism. The Hungarian people had protested for more freedom and wanted to leave the Warsaw Pact. This was important because it showed that the USSR would use force to keep control over Eastern Europe. The event increased Cold War tensions and showed the limits of freedom under Soviet rule. -
Vostok rocket launched 1st ICBM
The Vostok rocket launched the world’s first ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) on August 21, 1957, by the Soviet Union. It was developed to carry nuclear weapons over long distances. This was important because it showed the USSR could strike faraway targets, including the U.S., increasing Cold War fears. It also started a new phase in the arms race and space race between the U.S. and the USSR. -
Sputnik was launched into orbit
Sputnik was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, to show their scientific and military strength during the Cold War. It was the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth. This was important because it marked the start of the space race and made the U.S. fear that the USSR was ahead in technology. It also led to major changes in U.S. science, education, and defense. -
Sputnik II launched - Laika died in space
Sputnik II was launched on November 3, 1957, by the Soviet Union and carried Laika, the first living animal (a dog) into space. It was important because it showed that living beings could survive in space, at least for a short time, which was a step toward human space travel. Laika died a few hours after launch due to overheating, but her mission proved life support systems could work. The event increased Cold War competition in the space race. -
Cuban Revolution Triumphs
Fidel Castro's revolutionary forces overthrew Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, establishing a communist government allied with the Soviet Union. This development brought the Cold War to the Western Hemisphere. -
NASA Established
The United States established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to advance its space exploration efforts and compete with the Soviet Union's space achievements. This move marked a significant escalation in the Space Race, reflecting the broader technological and ideological competition of the Cold War. -
Second Taiwan Strait Crisis
The People's Republic of China began shelling the Taiwanese-held islands of Quemoy and Matsu, leading to heightened tensions between China and the United States, which supported Taiwan. The crisis underscored the volatile nature of Cold War alliances in Asia. -
Berlin Crisis Begins
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev demanded that Western powers withdraw from Berlin, leading to a diplomatic standoff. This crisis highlighted the ongoing struggle for influence in divided Germany. -
Kitchen Debate
U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev engaged in an impromptu debate about capitalism and communism at the American National Exhibition in Moscow. The exchange symbolized the ideological contest between the superpowers. -
Luna 2 Lands on the Moon
The Soviet Union's Luna 2 spacecraft became the first human-made object to reach the Moon, marking a significant achievement in the Space Race. -
U-2 Incident
An American U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down over Soviet airspace, leading to a major diplomatic crisis. The incident derailed a planned summit between the U.S. and the USSR. -
Congo Crisis Begins
The Republic of the Congo gained independence from Belgium, leading to political instability and a power struggle influenced by Cold War rivalries. -
First Nuclear Submarine Patrol
The U.S. Navy's USS George Washington completed the first submerged patrol with ballistic missiles, enhancing the United States' second-strike nuclear capability. -
Yuri Gagarin Orbits Earth
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to orbit the Earth, marking a significant Soviet victory in the Space Race. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
A CIA-sponsored force of Cuban exiles attempted to invade Cuba and overthrow Fidel Castro but failed disastrously. The event embarrassed the U.S. and strengthened Castro's position. -
Berlin Wall Constructed
East Germany erected the Berlin Wall to prevent citizens from fleeing to West Berlin, physically symbolizing the Iron Curtain dividing East and West. -
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Proposed
The U.S., UK, and USSR began negotiations for a treaty to ban atmospheric nuclear tests, aiming to reduce radioactive fallout and ease tensions. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The United States discovered Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading to a tense 13-day standoff that brought the world close to nuclear war. The crisis ended with the USSR withdrawing the missiles in exchange for a U.S. pledge not to invade Cuba and the secret removal of U.S. missiles from Turkey. -
Sino-Indian War
A border dispute between China and India escalated into a brief war, with China emerging victorious. The conflict affected global alignments during the Cold War. -
Hotline Established
A direct communication link between Washington and Moscow was established to allow quick communication and reduce the risk of accidental war. -
JFK's "Ich bin ein Berliner" Speech
President John F. Kennedy delivered a speech in West Berlin expressing solidarity with its citizens and reinforcing U.S. commitment to defending freedom. -
Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Signed
The U.S., UK, and USSR signed a treaty banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater, marking a step toward controlling the arms race. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Alleged attacks on U.S. naval vessels by North Vietnamese forces led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, escalating U.S. involvement in Vietnam. -
Leonid Brezhnev Becomes Soviet Leader
Nikita Khrushchev was ousted, and Leonid Brezhnev took over as First Secretary of the Communist Party, leading to a period of political consolidation. -
China Tests First Atomic Bomb
China successfully detonated its first nuclear weapon, becoming the fifth nuclear power and altering the global strategic balance. -
Operation Rolling Thunder Begins
The U.S. launched a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam to weaken its capacity to support the Viet Cong insurgency. -
U.S. Combat Troops Sent to Vietnam
The United States deployed its first combat troops to Vietnam, marking a significant escalation in the Vietnam War. -
Indonesia's Anti-Communist Purge
Following a failed coup, the Indonesian government initiated a violent purge against communists, resulting in mass killings and a shift in Cold War alliances. -
U.S. Increases Troop Levels in Vietnam
The United States significantly increased its military presence in Vietnam, deepening its involvement in the conflict.This took place all throughout 1966 but primarily in April. -
Cultural Revolution Begins in China
Chairman Mao Zedong launched the Cultural Revolution to reassert his control and enforce communist ideology, leading to widespread upheaval. -
France Withdraws from NATO Military Command
President Charles de Gaulle announced France's withdrawal from NATO's integrated military command, seeking greater independence in defense matters.