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united nations formed
After World War II, many countries wanted to prevent future wars. The United Nations was created as a global organization to help countries work together and solve problems peacefully. Its main goal is to keep peace and promote cooperation. -
hollywood ten
Ten writers and directors in Hollywood refused to answer questions about communism during congressional hearings. They were blacklisted and couldn’t work in the film industry anymore because they were accused of having communist ties. -
truman doctrine
President Truman introduced this policy to help countries resist communism. The U.S. gave money and support to nations like Greece and Turkey to stop them from falling under Soviet influence. -
marshall plan
The U.S. gave over $12 billion to help rebuild Western European countries after WWII. It was also meant to stop the spread of communism by improving economies and creating strong allies. -
nato formed
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was created by the U.S. and Western European allies to protect each other. If one member was attacked, the others would come to its defense. It was a way to stop Soviet aggression. -
korean war
North Korea invaded South Korea, trying to make the whole country communist. The U.S. and other nations helped South Korea fight back. The war ended in a truce, and Korea stayed divided at the 38th parallel. -
space race/ sputnik
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first satellite into space. It shocked the U.S. and started the space race. The U.S. responded by funding science programs and working to get ahead in space technology. -
bay of pigs
The U.S. supported a failed invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles who wanted to overthrow Fidel Castro. It was poorly planned and led to embarrassment for the U.S., pushing Cuba closer to the Soviet Union. -
berlin wall goes up
East Germany, backed by the Soviet Union, built a wall to stop people from fleeing to West Berlin. The wall became a symbol of the Cold War, dividing communism in the East from democracy in the West. -
us officially enters vietnam war
The U.S. sent combat troops to Vietnam to fight against the spread of communism. The war lasted many years and led to protests back home. It became one of the most controversial wars in U.S. history. -
soviets invade afganistan
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to support a communist government. The U.S. helped Afghan fighters by giving them weapons. The war lasted a decade and weakened the Soviet economy and military. -
berlin wall comes down
After years of pressure and protests, the East German government allowed people to cross into West Berlin. Crowds tore down the Berlin Wall, and it marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War.