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United Nations Formed
The UN was/is an international organization designed to prevent war, promote peace and security, and develop friendly relations among countries. -
Truman Doctrine Established
US President Harry S. Truman delivered a speech establishing the Truman Doctrine, which asked Congress for $400 million to provide economic assistance to Greece and Turkey (to resist communist expansion). -
NATO Formed
NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was created by the US, Canada, and many countries in Western Europe to provide security against the USSR. -
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Korean War
The Korean War was a proxy war within the Cold War, with North and South Korea being assisted by the Soviet Union and the United States, respectively. The war ended in an armistice (ceasefire), and Korea is still divided because of it today. -
Sputnik Launched
Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to be launched from Earth, was successfully put into orbit by the Soviets. This shocked the United States and led to the start of a "space race" between the two superpowers. -
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Bay of Pigs Invasion
This invasion was a failed attempt by the US (supported by Cuban exiles) to overthrow Fidel Castro's government. This was a result of the US fear of communism spreading, or the domino effect. -
Berlin Wall Goes Up
The Berlin Wall, built by the East German (Soviet) government to separate East and West Berlin, became a symbol of the division resulting from the Cold War ("iron curtain"). -
US Troops Arrive in Vietnam
The arrival of US troops in Vietnam marked the shift from an "assisting" position to active involvement in this controversial war. -
Soviets Invade Afghanistan
This invasion, which turned into the Soviet-Afghan war, was a result of internal conflicts and anti-communist Muslims in Afghanistan. The Soviet Union invaded because it wanted to prevent the spread of Islamic extremism and keep the Afghan government from siding with the United States. -
Berlin Wall Comes Down
The fall of the Berlin Wall was a symbolic and to the division that came with the Cold War.