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United Nations Formation
The United Nations (UN) was formed after World War II by 50 countries signing the UN Charter, and came into force on October 24, 1945. This treaty, the UN Charter, is the founding document of the UN and is binding on Member States. The UN was established to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress and human rights. -
Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine, announced by President Harry Truman, was a cornerstone of US foreign policy during the Cold War, advocating for the containment of Soviet expansion by providing economic and military aid to countries threatened by communism. -
"Hollywood Ten"
The "Hollywood Ten" refers to ten directors who were blacklisted by the Hollywood industry during the Red Scare of the 1950s. They were called to testify in 1947, but refused to answer questions about their political affiliations, citing their First Amendment rights. This refusal led to their being cited for contempt of Congress, fined, and eventually sentenced to jail. -
The Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan, formally the European Recovery Program, was a U.S.-led program designed to rebuild Western Europe after World War II. Proposed by Secretary of State George Marshall in 1947, the plan provided economic assistance to 17 Western and Southern European countries to promote stability and prevent the spread of communism. -
NATO Formation
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was formed with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington D.C. The primary reason for its formation was to provide a collective defense system against the perceived threat of Soviet military expansion in Europe after World War II. -
The Korean War
The Korean War was a conflict primarily between North and South Korea, with the involvement of the United Nations, primarily the United States, on behalf of South Korea and China on behalf of North Korea. The war was a key event during the Cold War, marking the first major military conflict of the Cold War era. -
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The Korean War
The Korean War was a conflict primarily between North and South Korea, with the involvement of the United Nations, primarily the United States, on behalf of South Korea and China on behalf of North Korea. The war was a key event during the Cold War, marking the first major military conflict of the Cold War era. -
Space Race/Sputnik
The Space Race was a Cold War competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve superiority in space technology and exploration. It began with the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik in 1957 and escalated to a race to land the first man on the Moon. -
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Space Race/Sputnik
The Space Race was a Cold War competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve superiority in space technology and exploration. It began with the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik in 1957 and escalated to a race to land the first man on the Moon. -
Berlin Wall Comes Up
The Berlin Wall, a concrete and barbed wire barrier, was built overnight to separate East and West Berlin. East German leader Walter Ulbricht ordered the construction to stop the flow of refugees from East to West Berlin. The wall became a symbol of the Cold War and the division between communist and democratic Europe. -
Bay of Pigs
The Bay of Pigs was a failed military operation by the United States and Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba. The operation was designed to be a covert, non-military operation, but it quickly became a public disaster, leading to a major defeat for the U.S. and strengthening Castro's position. -
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Bay of Pigs
The Bay of Pigs was a failed military operation by the United States and Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba. The operation was designed to be a covert, non-military operation, but it quickly became a public disaster, leading to a major defeat for the U.S. and strengthening Castro's position. -
U.S. Officials Enters Vietnam War
US involvement in the Vietnam War stemmed primarily from a combination of factors, including the Cold War's containment policy, the domino theory, and fears of the spread of communism. The US aimed to prevent communist expansion in Southeast Asia and support democratic ideals. -
Soviets invade Afghanistan
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in a move that led to a decade-long conflict and significant ramifications for both countries. The invasion aimed to support the communist government in Kabul. -
Berlin Wall Goes Down
The Berlin Wall came down after years of division between East and West Germany. On that fateful day, East German authorities announced new travel policies, leading to crowds of people gathering at border crossings and the wall's eventual dismantling. This event marked a pivotal moment in the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.