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Period: to
Cold War 1947-1966
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Truman Doctrine
President Truman announced U.S. support for countries resisting communism, initially focusing on Greece and Turkey. This policy marked the beginning of the U.S. strategy of containment. -
Marshall Plan Proposed
The U.S. proposed massive economic aid to rebuild European economies after WWII. The plan aimed to prevent the spread of communism by stabilizing nations economically. -
Cominform Established
The Soviet Union established the Communist Information Bureau to coordinate actions among communist parties in Europe. It signaled a tightening of Soviet control over Eastern Bloc countries. -
Czechoslovak Coup
The communist party seized full control of Czechoslovakia in a Soviet-backed coup. This event shocked the West and accelerated U.S. aid to Europe. -
Western Allies Introduce Deutsche Mark
The introduction of a new West German currency by the Allies prompted Soviet outrage. This move was a direct catalyst for the Berlin Blockade. -
Berlin Blockade Begins
The Soviet Union blocked all land access to West Berlin in an attempt to force the Allies out. It marked one of the first major crises of the Cold War. -
NATO Founded
Twelve Western nations formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for collective defense against the Soviet threat. It formalized a military alliance against communism. -
Berlin Blockade Ends
After nearly a year, the Soviet Union lifted the blockade of West Berlin. The U.S. and its allies had successfully resisted Soviet pressure with a massive airlift. -
Soviet Atomic Bomb Tested
The USSR successfully tested its first atomic bomb, ending the U.S. monopoly on nuclear weapons. This intensified the arms race. -
NSC-68 Report Released
This U.S. policy document called for a significant military buildup to counter communism globally. It became a blueprint for Cold War military spending. -
Korean War Begins
North Korea invaded South Korea, prompting U.S.-led UN intervention. The war became a critical front in the fight against communism. -
China Enters Korean War
China entered the war on the side of North Korea, pushing UN forces back. This broadened the conflict and reinforced Cold War tensions in Asia. -
General MacArthur Dismissed
President Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur for insubordination after he proposed expanding the Korean War into China. The event emphasized civilian control of the military. -
Japanese Peace Treaty Signed
The U.S. and 47 nations signed a treaty officially ending WWII with Japan. It marked Japan’s integration into the Western alliance system. -
Mutual Security Act Signed
This act authorized military and economic aid to U.S. allies resisting communism. It institutionalized American global Cold War engagement. -
UK Tests Atomic Bomb
Britain successfully tested its first atomic bomb in Australia. This made it the third nuclear power and strengthened NATO's strategic position. -
U.S. Tests Hydrogen Bomb
The U.S. detonated its first hydrogen bomb in the Pacific. It was far more powerful than earlier atomic bombs and escalated the arms race dramatically. -
Stalin Tightens Control Over Eastern Europe
In response to growing dissent, Stalin increased repression in satellite states like East Germany and Hungary. Political purges and censorship intensified across the region. -
Eisenhower Becomes President
Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency began with a focus on containing communism and reducing Cold War tensions through diplomacy and deterrence. -
Stalin Dies
Joseph Stalin's death led to a temporary thaw in Soviet-Western relations. Power struggles in the USSR followed, with Khrushchev eventually emerging as leader. -
Korean War Armistice
An armistice was signed, ending active combat in Korea. The war ended in stalemate with Korea still divided at the 38th parallel. -
Battle of Dien Bien Phu
French forces were defeated by the Viet Minh in Vietnam, leading to France’s withdrawal. It signaled growing communist influence in Southeast Asia. -
Geneva Accords on Vietnam
Vietnam was temporarily divided at the 17th parallel pending elections. The U.S. refused to sign, fearing a communist takeover. -
SEATO Formed
The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization was created to block further communist gains in Southeast Asia. It extended U.S. alliances in the region. -
Warsaw Pact Formed
The Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies formed a mutual defense treaty. It was a direct response to West Germany joining NATO. -
Austrian State Treaty
Austria regained independence and neutrality, with all occupying powers withdrawing. It was a rare moment of Cold War cooperation. -
Geneva Summit
Leaders of the U.S., USSR, UK, and France met to discuss reducing tensions. Although no agreements were reached, it opened a dialogue. -
Khrushchev's Secret Speech
Nikita Khrushchev denounced Stalin's crimes in a closed Communist Party meeting. It shocked the USSR and Eastern Europe and encouraged reform movements. -
Hungarian Uprising
Hungarians revolted against Soviet rule, seeking democracy and independence. The USSR crushed the uprising with tanks, reaffirming its control. -
Suez Crisis
Britain, France, and Israel invaded Egypt after Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal. The U.S. and USSR jointly pressured them to withdraw, showing Cold War complexities. -
Eisenhower Doctrine
President Eisenhower promised U.S. support for Middle Eastern countries resisting communism. It extended the Cold War into a new region. -
European Economic Community (EEC) Formed
Six Western European nations signed the Treaty of Rome, creating the EEC. It promoted economic integration and strengthened Western unity during the Cold War. -
Sputnik Launched
The Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, shocking the U.S. The space race began, fueling fears of Soviet technological superiority. -
Mao Launches Great Leap Forward
China began a massive campaign to rapidly industrialize and collectivize agriculture. The policy led to economic disaster and millions of deaths, weakening China's standing. -
NASA Established
In response to Sputnik, the U.S. created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It centralized American space efforts. -
Second Berlin Crisis Begins
Khrushchev demanded Western withdrawal from Berlin, reigniting tensions. It led to years of negotiations over Germany’s status. -
Cuban Revolution
Fidel Castro overthrew Batista and took power in Cuba. Though not initially communist, his regime soon aligned with the USSR. -
Khrushchev Visits U.S.
Khrushchev toured America in a goodwill visit. Despite friendly optics, fundamental ideological differences remained. -
Camp David Talks
Eisenhower and Khrushchev met at Camp David to discuss Berlin and nuclear arms. While no agreements were reached, tensions eased briefly. -
U-2 Incident
The Soviets shot down an American U-2 spy plane, capturing pilot Gary Powers. It wrecked a planned U.S.-Soviet summit. -
Sino-Soviet Split Becomes Open
The ideological rift between China and the Soviet Union became public. Their rivalry fractured the communist world and shifted Cold War dynamics. -
Kennedy Elected President
John F. Kennedy's narrow victory signaled a generational shift. He promised to stand firm against communism. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
A CIA-backed invasion of Cuba by exiles failed disastrously. It embarrassed the U.S. and pushed Castro closer to the USSR. -
Kennedy-Khrushchev Vienna Summit
The two leaders clashed over Berlin and nuclear weapons. The summit deepened tensions, with no real agreements. -
Berlin Wall Constructed
East Germany, backed by the USSR, erected a wall dividing East and West Berlin. It became a powerful symbol of the Cold War. -
Hotline Established
A direct phone line between Washington and Moscow was created to improve crisis communication. It was a legacy of the missile crisis. -
Algeria Gains Independence
Algeria gained independence from France after a brutal anti-colonial war. The new nation attracted Soviet interest, shifting the balance in North Africa. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. A negotiated withdrawal averted disaster. -
Limited Test Ban Treaty
The U.S., USSR, and UK signed a treaty banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, underwater, and in space. It was a step toward arms control. -
Military Coup in South Vietnam
President Ngo Dinh Diem was overthrown and assassinated in a U.S.-backed coup. The event plunged South Vietnam into deeper instability. -
Kennedy Assassinated
President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. His death shocked the world and raised Cold War uncertainties. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
North Vietnamese forces allegedly attacked U.S. ships, prompting Congress to authorize military action. It escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam. -
Brezhnev Takes Power
Leonid Brezhnev replaced Khrushchev as Soviet leader. His rule marked a shift toward more conservative and repressive policies. -
China Tests Its First Nuclear Bomb
China successfully detonated its first atomic bomb, becoming the world’s fifth nuclear power. The test marked its arrival as a major Cold War player. -
Operation Rolling Thunder Begins
A sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam began. It failed to break enemy morale and escalated the conflict. -
U.S. Troops Sent to Vietnam
The first combat troops landed in Vietnam, marking full-scale American involvement. The war would dominate U.S. foreign policy. -
Johnson’s Peace Without Conquest Speech
President Johnson justified U.S. actions in Vietnam while proposing economic aid and development for Asia. He sought to present the war as part of a broader humanitarian mission. -
Tashkent Agreement Signed
The Soviet Union brokered peace between India and Pakistan after their 1965 war. It showed Moscow’s growing diplomatic influence in South Asia. -
French Withdrawal from NATO Command
France pulled its forces from NATO’s integrated command, asserting independence from U.S. influence. It reflected divisions among Western allies. -
Cultural Revolution Begins in China
Mao Zedong launched a radical campaign to reinforce communist ideology. It disrupted China's society and relations with both the West and USSR.