The cold war

By Willie1929
  • Period: to

    Cold war 1947-1966

  • Truman Doctrine Announced

    President Harry Truman declared U.S. support for countries resisting communism, specifically Greece and Turkey. This marked the formal start of the U.S. policy of containment.

  • Marshall Plan Proposed

    Secretary of State George Marshall proposed massive U.S. aid to help rebuild European economies. The plan aimed to prevent the spread of communism by stabilizing countries economically.

  • Cominform Established

    The Soviet Union created the Communist Information Bureau to coordinate actions among communist parties in Europe. It was seen as a direct counter to the Marshall Plan.

  • Western Allies Form Bizonia

    The U.S. and the UK merged their German occupation zones into a single economic unit called Bizonia, escalating tensions with the Soviet Union.

  • Czechoslovak Coup

    The Soviet-backed Communist Party seized control of Czechoslovakia, consolidating Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. This alarmed Western nations and hardened Cold War lines.

  • Berlin Blockade Begins

    The Soviet Union cut off rail and road access to West Berlin in an attempt to force the Allies out. This triggered the Berlin Airlift by Western powers.

  • NATO Formed

    The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was established as a military alliance of Western nations. It aimed to provide collective defense against the Soviet Union.

  • Soviet Union Tests Atomic Bomb

    The USSR successfully detonated its first atomic bomb, breaking the U.S. nuclear monopoly. This sparked an arms race between the superpowers.

  • People’s Republic of China Established

    Mao Zedong declared the founding of Communist China after a civil war victory. This shifted the Cold War to Asia and worried the West.

  • Korean War Begins

    North Korea invaded South Korea, triggering a UN and U.S.-led intervention. The war became a major Cold War battleground.

  • Internal Security Act Passed in U.S

    Also known as the McCarran Act, it required communist organizations to register with the government. It reflected rising anti-communist sentiment in the U.S.

  • China Enters Korean War

    Chinese troops crossed into Korea to support the North against UN forces. This extended the war and escalated U.S.–China tensions.

  • General MacArthur Relieved of Command

    President Truman dismissed General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War for insubordination. It underscored civilian control of the military amid Cold War tensions.

  • ANZUS Pact Signed

    Australia, New Zealand, and the United States formed a military alliance. It extended Cold War alignments into the Pacific.

  • Treaty of San Francisco Signed

    This peace treaty officially ended World War II between Japan and the Allies. It restored Japan’s sovereignty and aligned it with the U.S. in the Cold War.

  • Greece and Turkey Join NATO

    NATO expanded into the eastern Mediterranean, extending its strategic reach. This move aimed to contain Soviet influence in the region.

  • Stalin Notes on German Reunification

    The Soviet Union proposed reunifying Germany as a neutral country. The West rejected the offer, fearing it would fall under Soviet influence.

  • U.S. Tests First Hydrogen Bomb

    The United States detonated the first H-bomb on Eniwetok Atoll. It was far more powerful than the atomic bomb and escalated the arms race.

  • Death of Joseph Stalin

    Soviet leader Joseph Stalin died, leading to a power struggle and eventual leadership by Nikita Khrushchev. This transition opened the door to a temporary thaw in Cold War tensions.

  • East German Uprising

    Workers in East Germany protested against the government, leading to widespread demonstrations. The uprising was suppressed by Soviet military intervention.

  • Korean War Armistice Signed

    An armistice agreement was signed, effectively ending active combat in the Korean War. The Korean Peninsula remained divided along the 38th parallel.

  • Geneva Conference

    World powers met to discuss issues in Korea and Indochina. The conference led to the division of Vietnam at the 17th parallel.

  • Formation of SEATO

    The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization was established to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. It included the U.S., U.K., France, and other nations.

  • U.S. Overthrows Guatemalan Government

    The CIA orchestrated a coup to remove President Jacobo Árbenz, fearing communist influence. This action increased tensions in Latin America.

  • Warsaw Pact Established

    The Soviet Union and seven Eastern Bloc countries formed a mutual defense treaty. This was a response to West Germany joining NATO.

  • Austrian State Treaty Signed

    The treaty ended the occupation of Austria, declaring it a neutral country. This was seen as a success in East-West negotiations.

  • Geneva Summit

    Leaders from the U.S., U.K., USSR, and France met to discuss Cold War tensions. While no agreements were made, it marked a move toward diplomacy.

  • Khrushchev's Secret Speech

    Nikita Khrushchev denounced Stalin's cult of personality, initiating a period of something that went against Stalins ideology. This speech shocked the communist world.

  • Hungarian Revolution

    Hungarians revolted against Soviet-imposed policies, demanding political reforms. The uprising was crushed by Soviet forces.

  • Suez Crisis

    Israel, followed by the U.K. and France, invaded Egypt after the nationalization of the Suez Canal. The crisis highlighted Cold War tensions in the Middle East.

  • Eisenhower Doctrine Announced

    President Eisenhower declared U.S. support for Middle Eastern countries resisting communism. This policy aimed to contain Soviet influence in the region.

  • Ghana Gains Independence

    Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule. Its alignment became a point of interest for both Cold War blocs.

  • Sputnik Launched

    The USSR launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, into orbit. This event initiated the space race between the superpowers.

  • U.S. Marines Land in Lebanon

    In response to political instability and fears of communist influence, U.S. forces intervened in Lebanon. This demonstrated U.S. commitment to the Eisenhower Doctrine.

  • NASA Established

    The U.S. created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in response to Soviet space achievements. NASA spearheaded American efforts in the space race.

  • Khrushchev's Berlin Ultimatum

    Soviet Premier Khrushchev demanded Western powers leave Berlin within six months. This escalated tensions leading to the Berlin Crisis.

  • Cuban Revolution Triumphs

    Fidel Castro's forces overthrew Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. Cuba's shift toward communism alarmed the U.S.

  • Khrushchev Visits the U.S.

    Soviet Premier Khrushchev toured the U.S., meeting with President Eisenhower. The visit aimed to ease Cold War tensions.

  • John F. Kennedy Elected U.S. President

    Kennedy's election signaled a new approach to Cold War policy, emphasizing flexibility and modernization.

  • Antarctic Treaty Signed

    Twelve countries, including the U.S. and USSR, agreed to preserve Antarctica for peaceful and scientific use. This was a rare instance of cooperation during the Cold War.

  • U-2 Incident

    An American U-2 spy plane was shot down over the USSR. The incident derailed a planned summit between the superpowers.

  • Congo Gains Independence

    The Republic of the Congo became independent from Belgium. Cold War powers vied for influence during the ensuing political turmoil.

  • First Human in Space

    Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person to orbit the Earth. This achievement intensified the space race.

  • Bay of Pigs Invasion

    A U.S.-backed force of Cuban exiles attempted to overthrow Fidel Castro. The failed invasion embarrassed the U.S. and strengthened Castro's position.

  • Berlin Wall Constructed

    East Germany, supported by the USSR, erected the Berlin Wall to prevent citizens from fleeing to the West. The wall became a symbol of Cold War division.

  • Cuban Missile Crisis

    The U.S. discovered Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading to a tense 13-day standoff. The crisis ended with the USSR withdrawing the missiles in exchange for a U.S. pledge not to invade Cuba.

  • U.S. Imposes Naval Blockade on Cuba

    President Kennedy announced a naval "quarantine" to prevent further Soviet missiles from reaching Cuba. This move was a critical point in the missile crisis.

  • Hotline Established Between U.S. and USSR

    In the aftermath of the missile crisis, a direct communication link was set up between Washington and Moscow. This aimed to prevent future misunderstandings.

  • Kennedy's "Ich bin ein Berliner" Speech

    President Kennedy expressed solidarity with West Berliners during a visit to the city. The speech became a defining moment of the Cold War.

  • Limited Test Ban Treaty Signed

    The U.S., USSR, and U.K. agreed to ban nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. This was a step toward controlling nuclear proliferation.

  • Gulf of Tonkin Incident

    The USS Maddox was reportedly attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. This led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting President Johnson authority to escalate U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

  • China Conducts First Nuclear Test

    The People's Republic of China detonated its first atomic bomb, becoming the fifth nuclear power. This development intensified the nuclear arms race during the Cold War.

  • Leonid Brezhnev Becomes Soviet Leader

    Nikita Khrushchev was ousted from power, and Leonid Brezhnev assumed leadership of the Soviet Union. Brezhnev's tenure marked a period of stagnation and heightened Cold War tensions.

  • Operation Rolling Thunder Begins

    The U.S. initiated a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam, aiming to weaken the communist insurgency. This marked a significant escalation in the Vietnam War.

  • U.S. Marines Land in Vietnam

    The first American combat troops arrived in Da Nang, South Vietnam, signaling direct U.S. military involvement in the conflict.

  • Dominican Republic Intervention

    The U.S. deployed troops to the Dominican Republic to prevent the establishment of a communist government during a civil war. This intervention was part of the broader Cold War strategy to contain communism.

  • Cultural Revolution Begins in China

    Mao Zedong launched the Cultural Revolution to reassert his control and enforce communist ideology. The movement led to widespread persecution, social upheaval, and significant impacts on China's society and economy.

  • Palomares Incident

    A U.S. B-52 bomber collided with a refueling tanker over Spain, releasing four hydrogen bombs. While no nuclear explosions occurred, the incident caused radioactive contamination and raised concerns about nuclear safety.

  • France Withdraws from NATO's Integrated Military Command

    President Charles de Gaulle announced France's withdrawal from NATO's integrated military structure, seeking greater national independence in defense matters. France remained a member of the alliance but pursued its own defense policies.