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The US uses atomic bombs to end WWII
USSR: The USSR saw this event as extremely devastating, but they also recognized that they needed to develop their own atomic bomb to combat the USA. USA: To end WWII, the United States dropped 2 bombs on Japan. They did this to end the war quickly and to force Japan to surrender under their conditions. Many people saw it as a necessary act to save American lives. The USA used this event to demonstrate their power to other countries. -
Marshall Plan
USSR: Rejected the Marshall Plan because the plan included Germany in its offer. The Soviets did not want to be involved with Germany due to recent events during WWII. The USSR pressured European allies to reject the plan and even suspected possible ulterior motives of the plan.
USA: During a speech to the Harvard graduating class, Secretary of State George C. Marshall proposed this plan to rebuild Europe. The USA saw a rebuilt and stable Europe as crucial to fighting the spread of communism. -
Berlin Blockade and Airlift
USSR: The Berlin Blockade was a Soviet attempt to force the Allies out of West Berlin by cutting off all land and water resources. The blockade was a response to the violations of the Potsdam Agreement. For instance, a new currency was introduced by the Western Allies, which could potentially weaken the Soviet economy.
USA: The USA saw this event as an attempt to force the Allies out of West Berlin. The Allies responded with the Berlin Airlift, where they flew in essential resources. -
NATO is established
USSR: The USSR viewed NATO as aggression toward the Soviet Union and believed it violated the agreements of postwar cooperation (Yalta and Potsdam). Additionally, the USSR felt threatened.
USA: NATO was established in response to tensions, and it acted to contain the spread of communism and Soviet expansion. It was the first military alliance outside the Western Hemisphere that the USA joined. The treaty stated that if a member of the treaty was attacked, the other countries must provide aid. -
Korean War
A proxy war between communist and democratic countries. Throughout the war, land control fluctuated, but in the end, most of the border returned to its prewar position.
USSR: Claimed it was supporting the spread of communism without direct confrontation with the USA. Sent weapons and resources to reinforce the military.
USA: This conflict was seen as an expansion of communist ideals, and the USA believed it was its responsibility to contain this spread. Seen as a victory, as it succeeded. -
Vietnam War
USSR:The USSR viewed the Vietnam conflict as the USA oppressing the citizens of Vietnam. It provided weapons, resources and economic aid to North Vietnam. Additionally, the Vietnam War proved which nation was the greater defender of communism between the USSR and China.
USA:The USA justified its involvement in Vietnam as containing communism. Over time, the war was seen as a waste of resources, and it became unpopular with the people. The war is deemed a US defeat due to the lack of benefits. -
Warsaw Pact created
USSR: In response to NATO, the Soviets created the Warsaw Pact. It was a collective defence treaty established between several states in both Central and Eastern Europe. It was demolished on February 25, 1989.
USA: Saw the Warsaw Pact as an ideological and hostile opponent. The USA interpreted the Warsaw Pact as a direct counter to NATO and a threat to Western Europe. -
The Space Race
USSR: Achieving this milestone first would be a powerful propaganda tool and would increase nationalism within the union. They also recognized the importance of this technological advancement, which could be used in the military as well. USA: Motivated by national and ideological pride. The Space Race was a way to surpass Soviet technological advancements. It also served as a major propaganda tool. Like the Soviets, the USA wanted to advance their technologies. -
Berlin Wall Divides Germany
USSR: The Berlin Wall separated West and East Berlin. The USSR believed that it was a necessary safety measure to preserve communism. The USSR utilized propaganda to convince citizens that the Wall was for their protection. Additionally, it prevented Western influences from infiltrating East Berlin.
USA: The USA viewed the Berlin Wall as a barrier used to confine the citizens to communist views. It was seen as a way to keep people in East Berlin and, therefore, seen as a communist flaw. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
USSR: Nikita Krushchev intended to gain an advantage during negotiations, so he placed nuclear missiles in Cuba. In the end, it was resolved after the USA promised not to invade Cuba and an agreement to remove the US missiles in Turkey.
USA: Once the USA found out about the missiles, they felt threatened and placed a naval blockade around Cuba. People believed that this would initiate a nuclear war, so a direct hotline was established between Washington and Moscow to encourage communication. -
Hot-Line Established Between US & USSR
USSR: A hotline between Moscow and Washington was established as a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Both countries deemed it necessary to keep frequent communication to prevent nuclear war.
USA: Recognized that a more direct method of communication was needed to prevent miscommunication. President Kennedy encouraged it as a necessary safety measure and as a way to settle the tensions between the two countries. -
Prague Spring
USSR: Alexander Dubček became the leader of the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia in 1968. He initiated various reforms, such as less censorship and freedom of speech. The USSR opposed this and led an invasion of Czechoslovakia, with the intent of destroying the reforms.
USA: Due to the Vietnam War, which was occurring at the same time, the USA had few resources to respond to this conflict. However, the USA saw this event as a potential for democracy in Eastern Europe. -
USSR invades Afghanistan
USSR: The USSR invaded Afghanistan to support the communist party that was facing rebellion. The Soviets faced guerrilla warfare due to the terrain, which ultimately resulted in their failure. This war was extremely costly, with little to no benefits.
USA: The USA responded to this by launching Operation Cyclone, which supplied weapons and partnered with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the USA initiated the boycott against the 1980 Moscow Olympics as a way of pressuring the USSR. -
Berlin Wall Falls
USSR: On November 9, 1989, German officials announced the freedom to travel freely across the Wall. This event signified the end of the Cold War and initiated the collapse of the Eastern Bloc.
USA: People saw the fall of the Wall as a victory over communism. Americans celebrated but were cautious not to provoke the Soviets. -
Cold War ends
USSR: The Soviet economy struggled due to excessive military spending. Gorbachev introduced two integral ideas (Glasnost and Perestroika), which acted to reform people's opinions on the government. Lastly, multiple Soviet republics declared independence, leading to the end of the Cold War.
USA: President Reagan used various methods (anti-communist movements and military initiatives) to pressure the Soviets into conforming. The USA emerged victorious and contained communism.