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Yalta Conference
Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin met to discuss post-WWII Europe. They agreed on dividing Germany into zones, but tensions emerged over Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. -
End of World War II (V-J Day)
The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, prompting Japan's surrender. The use of nuclear weapons heightened global fears and showed the start of U.S. military dominance. -
Iron Curtain Speech
Winston Churchill warned that an "iron curtain" had descended across Europe, dividing East and West. This speech publicly acknowledged growing hostilities between the Soviet Union and the West. -
Truman Doctrine Announced
President Truman pledged U.S. support to countries threatened by communism, starting with Greece and Turkey. This marked the beginning of the U.S. policy of containment. -
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Marshall Plan Active
The U.S. offered massive economic aid to rebuild Europe to prevent the spread of communism. The Soviet Union rejected the plan and pressured Eastern Bloc countries to do the same. -
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Berlin Blockade and Airlift
The USSR blocked Allied access to West Berlin in an attempt to force them out. In response, the U.S. and its allies airlifted supplies into the city for almost a year, showcasing Western resolve. -
Formation of NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed as a military alliance among Western nations. It was a direct response to perceived Soviet threats and marked formal military opposition to communism. -
Soviet Atomic Bomb Test
The USSR successfully tested its first atomic bomb, ending the U.S. monopoly on nuclear weapons. This escalated the arms race and deepened mutual distrust. -
Chinese Communist Revolution Declared
Mao Zedong’s Communist forces defeated the Nationalists, leading to the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The West viewed this as a major expansion of communism in Asia. -
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Korean War Begins
North Korea, backed by the USSR and China, invaded South Korea. The U.S. and UN intervened to stop the spread of communism, resulting in a bloody stalemate. -
Death of Stalin
Joseph Stalin's death created a power vacuum and ushered in a new era under Nikita Khrushchev. His leadership initially brought hopes of reduced tensions, known as the "thaw." -
Korean Armistice Signed
After three years of fighting, an armistice was signed at the 38th parallel, restoring the pre-war division. The war cemented Cold War lines in Asia and heightened U.S. military presence. -
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Warsaw Pact Established
In response to NATO, the Soviet Union created its own military alliance with Eastern Bloc nations. It solidified the division of Europe into opposing armed camps. -
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Hungarian Uprising
Hungarians revolted against Soviet control, demanding democratic reforms and withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact. The Soviet military crushed the rebellion, sending a clear message about Soviet dominance. -
Sputnik Launched
The USSR launched the first satellite, sparking the Space Race. This event shocked the U.S. and led to massive investments in science and education. -
U-2 Incident
A U.S. spy plane was shot down over Soviet airspace, and its pilot was captured. The incident embarrassed the U.S. and derailed a planned summit between Eisenhower and Khrushchev. -
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Berlin Wall Constructed
East Germany, with Soviet support, built a wall to stop citizens from fleeing to West Berlin. It became a powerful symbol of Cold War division. -
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Cuban Missile Crisis
The USSR placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading to a 13-day standoff with the U.S. The crisis nearly brought the world to nuclear war but ended with a secret deal to remove missiles from Cuba and Turkey. -
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Signed
The U.S., USSR, and UK agreed to ban nuclear tests in the atmosphere, space, and underwater. It was a small but significant step toward reducing nuclear tensions. -
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Vietnam War (U.S. Combat Troops Involvement)
The U.S. increased its military involvement in Vietnam to prevent a communist takeover. The war became a costly and controversial conflict, eventually leading to U.S. withdrawal and communist victory. -
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Prague Spring
Czechoslovakia attempted liberal reforms under Alexander Dubček, aiming for "socialism with a human face." The USSR invaded to crush the movement, reaffirming tight Soviet control in Eastern Europe. -
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Détente Period
A temporary easing of Cold War tensions led to treaties like SALT I and increased diplomatic exchanges. Despite cooperation, mutual suspicion and competition continued. -
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Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
The USSR invaded Afghanistan to support a communist government, sparking a brutal war. The U.S. responded with sanctions, a boycott of the 1980 Olympics, and aid to Afghan resistance fighters. -
Reagan’s “Evil Empire” Speech
President Reagan took a hardline stance against the USSR, labeling it an "evil empire." He ramped up military spending and proposed the Strategic Defense Initiative, escalating Cold War tensions. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
Amid growing protests and political reforms, East Germany opened the Berlin Wall. The event symbolized the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the nearing end of the Cold War.