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Russian Revolution
Enduring the harsh ruling of Czar Nicholas II, the Soviet Union's citizens were faced with resource shortages and famine as their leader continued fighting in WWI. Thus, the Czar's citizens revolted, overthrowing the Czar, and establishing a democratic political system until Vladimir Lenin, introduced communism. With this, America opposed the political system as it jeopardizes individual freedom. (End 11/07/1917) -
Potsdam Conference
After the end of WW2, political leaders such as Harry S. Truman, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin met in Potsdam, Germany to talk of peace, security, and democracy in European nations. While Truman and Churchill believe that the rebuilding of Europe will prevent future conflict, Stalin is adamant on destroying Germany and spreading the word of communism throughout the country. The significance of the conference is to display the tension and disagreement among the world powers.
(End 8/2/1945) -
The Atomic Bomb: Hiroshima & Nagasaki
The United States dropped two atomic weapons on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These advanced weapons were developed under The Manhattan Project, a group of scientists in association with the Federal services. However, it was then revealed the Manhattan Project was a victim of Soviet espionage, containing spies who informed Stalin of the US' findings. That being said, the dictator did not believe Truman would use the weapon. Yet, when he did, America became a superpower -
The Iron Curtain
With the territory including Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Eastern Germany, Stalin expanded his communist ideals and power into the nations in order to prevent further invasions from enemies, more specifically, Germany. Here, Stalin is exercising his powers, forcing citizens of other countries to conform to the loss of civil rights. That being said, the need for containment can be exemplified in the Soviet Union's actions, causing the USA to react. -
The Molotov Plan
In response to America's Marshall Plan, the Soviet Union's prime minister, Vyacheslov Molotov, created the Molotov Plan, which aided and rebuilt Eastern European countries that fell in align with Soviet Union's economy and politics. Under this plan, Iron Curtain nations could be rebuilt, as they couldn't with the Marshall Plan due to political ties with The Soviet Union. It was believed that the Marshall Plan was intended to hinder Soviet strength and influence, thus the creation -
Truman Doctrine
Harry S. Truman and Congress passed the Truman Doctrine, the new American policy in which the nation will counter the spread of communism and Soviet influence in at risk countries, with Greece and Turkey being the first to be jeopardized. Under the policy, the United States provided economic and military assistance in order to hinder armed invasions of the Soviet Union in future European nations. That being said, the doctrine was intended to Contain Stalin and his influence in Europe. -
Marshall Plan
The Marshall plan was the revival of a working economy in Europe in which the USA would loan 13 billion dollars in economic assistance after WWII. With the revival of Western European economies, George Marshall, believed that fewer countries would be at risk to falling to communism. However, those countries who fell under the Soviet Union's iron curtain, refused help from America, only causing further hostility amongst the Soviet Union and the USA, and leaving those countries at risk. -
Berlin Blockade
After Germany and Berlin was divided into occupation zones controlled by the USA, Great Britain, USSR, and France, the Soviets plundered Eastern Germany. Even more so, Stalin had created a blockade around Berlin, ceasing the access to electricity and supplies to live. The Berlin blockade was intended to prevent American influence and imperialism, yet starved the city. During this time, Western Germany had been rebuilt, threatening Stalin, as he fears Germany as a whole.
(end: 05/12/1949) -
Berlin Airlift
Due to Stalin's Berlin Blockade, The USA devised the Berlin Airlift, where pilots of military B-29 bomber planes would air drop supplies to the people of West Berlin. It was averaged one plane per three minutes delivering supplies to keep the city alive. In turn, tensions rose in the Cold War, as it was clear that the Soviet's blockade had failed against allies. In addition, it did not persuade West Berliners to reject allies, nor prevent the creation of a unified West Germany.
(End: 5/12/1949) -
Alger Hiss Case
Alger Hiss was a former State Department official who was accused of being involved in the Soviet Spy ring before and during World War II. Hiss was then convicted of perjury, serving five years in jail, yet maintained his innocence. This event sparked further discussions of soviet sympathy, along with taking in account for communist hysteria Americans had fell victim too. The Soviet Union had infiltrated the USA's services and caused a rise in tensions. -
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty signified the alliance between The USA, Canada, and 10 other European Nations in the effort to combat communism and Soviet Influence on further countries. In turn, The USSR created the Warsaw Pact which included Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Soviet Union. NATO guaranteed security against Soviet Union aggression, along with being the first peacetime military assistance the USA had ever entered outside of the Western Hemisphere -
Soviet Bomb Test
In Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan, The USSR detonated their first atomic bomb, earlier than Americans had expected. Now, the USA felt endangered as the Soviets now possessed nuclear weapons, threatening the safety of the nation -
Hollywood Ten
The USA created the HUAC in order to root out communists in the nation. With investigations of communist influence being conducted in the Hollywood Movie industry, arose the Hollywood 10. These individuals were screenwriters, producers, and so on, who were accused of being communists, yet refused to answer in front of the court. In turn, these entertainers were sent to prison for contempt. The communist hysteria led to the out pour of anti-communist movies -
Korean War
Communist North Korea attacked Democratic South Korea in Seoul; war broke out as Truman sent US troops to restore peace in the area after being blamed for China's fall to Communism. With reluctance, Truman allowed MacArthur to cross the 38th parallel drive out the North Koreans, yet, encountered a Chinese invasion. North Korea was being supported by the Soviet Union, whom, the USA is at odds with.With both the USSR and USA on opposite sides in the Korean War, causes more tension
(End: 7/27/1953) -
Rosenberg Trials
Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were Jewish couple accused of selling nuclear weapon secrets to the Soviet Union. Having not been in a war with the nation at the time, the Rosenbergs couldn't be tried for treason. However, were sentenced to death via electric chair. Their execution highlighted the finale of the most controversial espionage case in the USA, as they were once again Jewish, and parents. -
Battle of DIen Bien Phu
The confrontation became the first Indochina War between French troops and Communist leader, Ho Chi Minh and his VietMinh. The French wanted to reclaim control of the country, while its' people demanded independence. However, it was the Vietminh who eventually won the battle against France, granting the freedom of the country, yet now under the harsh rule of communism. this is significant as the defeat leads to America attempting to fight communism at all costs, even waging war. -
Army-McCarthy Hearings
Joesph McCarthy gained political influence by exploiting the Red Scare by accusing US Government Officials of communism. Overtime, as his power dwindled, he went against the army for various charges including Communist cover ups. However in the hearings watched by millions, McCarthy was exposed to be a "arrogant, blustering, tyrant". This shows the fear in America of communist infiltration in their daily life, turning back on their friends in fear of communism due to McCarthyism.(End: June 1954) -
Geneva Conference
Representatives from nations all around the world such as, USA, USSR, France, Great Britain, and so on, met to discuss the fate of Vietnam after the Indochina War between Communist forces and France. By the end of the meeting, it was decided that France would withdraw their troops, and the country of Vietnam would be divided at the 17th parallel. This established the North to be Communist, and the South being Democratic, receiving aid from USA. This foreshadows the Vietnam War.
(End: 7/21/1954) -
Warsaw Pact
In response to NATO, the Soviet Union and their satellite countries created a military alliance called the Warsaw Pact which also included Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania. With this new alliance, America feared a possible communist expansion as the countries in Eastern Europe were heavily influenced by the Soviet Union -
The Hungarian Revolution
Citizens in Hungary revolted against communist rule in the Nation. The Soviet's policies had crippled Hungary's post-war progress, causing conflict in the area. However, months later, the Soviets had put an end to the rebellion, rolling in tanks to the City of Budapest. It was then declared that Hungary would be out of the Warsaw Pact. While it may have not been a complete success, the Uprising was the 1st major Anti-Soviet revolt in Eastern Europe and damaged the Iron Curtain.
(End:11/10/1956) -
U2 Incident
During the Eisenhower Presidency, A USA U2 spy plane was shot down in Soviet Airspace while conducting espionage over the Soviet Union. The pilot, Gary Powers, was captured and two years in prison.This event ensued an international diplomatic crisis which ultimately derailed an important summit meeting between the president and Khruschev. -
Bay of Pigs
To begin the JFK's Presidency, The USA financed and directed the Invasion of 1,500 Cuban exiles who opposed communist dictator, Fidel Castro. But, JFK refused to provide Marine & Air support and the invasion fails, hindering the image of the USA as a superpower. The country turns to communism, obtaining support from the USSR , and the USA enforces Economic sanctions with the country. This event is important to the Cold War, with the USA trying to actively prevent communism
(end: 4/19/1961) -
The Berlin Wall
Intending to prevent East Berliner's from going West, USSR Dictator, Nikita Khruschev, surrounded the city with a concrete barrier, isolating those inside. That being said, it was reported that 171 people had been killed for attempting to cross the barrier to West Berlin. The Berlin Wall symbolized the power struggle of the USA and the USSR, as the wall divided two different ways of life from each other. The wall Was then taken down in 1989. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The USSR were building missile sites in Cuba. In turn, The USA ordered for them to be removed, increasing tension between the two nations. When the USSR refused to remove the missile cites, the USA threatened to used their Minutemen Missiles, mutually assuring the destruction of all Important Soviet cities if they proceeded in their threat. In an agreement between Khrushchev and Kennedy, the missiles were removed in Cuba, with the USA removing theirs in Turkey and Greece.
(end 10/28/1962) -
The Assassination Of Diem
After the overthrow of South Vietnam's Gov, Diem and his brother were captured and killed by a group of soldiers. His death incited celebration from his people, yet caused political chaos in the nation. It was then revealed that the USA had encouraged these soldiers to carry out their organized plan after Diem had mistreated his people, causing more unrest. After his regime, the USA became more involved in the fight against Vietcong, in fear that South Vietnam will fall to communism -
The Asassination of JFK
President JFK was killed by gunshot as he was in a motorcade, in an open-top limo in Dallas, Texas. The man behind the gun was Lee Harvey Oswald, a former US Marine and Marxist, who was killed that same day. Upon Kennedy's death, Lyndon B. Johnson then obtained the presidency. Kennedy's death was significant to the Cold War, as he led the nation through a nuclear arms race with communist Soviet Union. In addition, Oswald was a Marxist (Socialist) sympathizer, opposing capitalist views. -
Tonkin Gulf Resolution
As Lyndon B. Johnson took the role as President, an attack had been made on the US destroyer, Maddox as it was in the Gulf of Tonkin. Two days later, the Maddox and another destroyer had reported once again, coming under fire in the same area. These events, although may not be completely accurate, caused Congress to pass a "Blank Check" (Tonkin Gulf Resolution), allowing Johnson to obtain unlimited powers to oppose communist aggression, with the USA joining the Vietnam War. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
The title of a gradual and sustained bombing campaign conducted by US Air Forces against North Vietnam, It was intended to demoralize the citizens of the area, and undermine the government's ability to even control the area at all. While it failed in both, the campaign demonstrated America's dominance in the sky. This lasted for 3 years, with the USA dropping approximately, 1 million tons of bombs. For the Cold War, this showed USA's acts to combat communism in at risk countries.(end: 11/1/1968) -
TET Offensive
Tet Offensive was a series of major attacks by the Vietcong which ultimately lead to their invasion into South Vietnam. By attacking more than 100 cities, The Vietcong were hoping to force the South Vietnamese to conform and reunite the nation. In addition, they had hoped to encourage the USA to scale back its' involvement. While the USA did end on top, the USA did lose public support, due to televised video of the attack being aired. People demanded peace immediately.
(End: 9/23/1968) -
The Assassination of MLK
Martin Luther King Jr. was shot at the Lorraine Motel In Memphis Tennessee by James Earl Ray, who was then convicted of murder for his crime. King was famous civil rights leader, seeking justice for the black community. he was a symbol of hope and change, and his death devastated many. As For his personal views on Vietnam War, MLK was against America's involvement, as the drafting system targets minorities and poor Americans to serve (disproportionately represented). -
The Assassination of RFK
At the peak of both Vietnam War and the anti-war movement, Robert F. Kennedy was killed by Palestinian, Sirhan Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel. Kennedy was a top contender for the presidency, and a notable figure in the civil rights movement. He was Attorney General in his brother's cabinet, advising him closely on foreign issues, especially during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Kennedy was avidly against US involvement in the Vietnam War, which made him even more of a desirable candidate -
Invasion of Czechoslovakia
(ended on 09/20/68)
AKA Operation Danube, where 5 Warsaw Pact nations invaded the country in order to crack down on reformists in Prague. While the USSR did succeed in halting the outbursts, it affected the image of the USSR with many foreign nations condemning the invasion. 100 protesters were shot to death, 20 journalists were killed, and Government leaders such as Alexander Dubcek, first secretary who appealed to the public for his desire of change, were detained and sent to Moscow. -
Riots Of Democratic Convention
On the streets of Chicago, tens of thousands protesters gathered to demonstrate against US involvement in the Vietnam War. At this time, the city was holding the Democratic National Convention in order to pick their candidate to run for the presidency. This convention is important since it shows the divide in views regarding the war in Vietnam and what it is being fought for. People are protesting everywhere as the Democratic party crumbles due to their own political disagreements on the subject -
The Election of Nixon
Richard Nixon defeated Hubert Humphrey in the 1968 election. Nixon ran a campaign fueled on the promise to restore law and order to the nation's cities in light of the unrest caused by the Vietnam and Cold Wars. During his time, He was the first president to visit Communist China in 1972, which was an important strategic move, as the USA was hoping to improve relations with a Communist country in the Cold War. He then went to USSR where he negotiated further arms control and disarmament measures -
Kent State
A controversial incident in which unarmed students were protesting against the US involvement in the Vietnam War. After some protesters had thrown rocks at the National Guardsmen, shots were fired, killing four students, and wounding nine. Due to these events, the nation was divided on the decision as to whether or not to continue fighting in Vietnam. In addition, the event triggered a nationwide protest,forcing to close hundreds of schools -
Nixon Visits China
(ended on 02/28/72)
During this Time the USA was seeking to improve relations with a communist country in the Cold War. Once Nixon had arrived in the People's Republic of China, it was the first US President visit to the country and became key steps in normalizing relations between the two nations. this terrified the USSR as they fear the emergence of an anti-Soviet China-USA alliance -
Ceasefire in Vietnam
As Nixon gradually decreased America's involvement in the War, a truce was then reached in the beginning of 1973, ending US military direct combat, and temporarily stopped the fighting between North and South Vietnam. However, it was promised to South Vietnam that if the North were to breach the ceasefire agreement, US troops would return to protect the area from the Vietcong. This cited the end of the Vietnam War only for America, as their focus is now only on the Cold War with the Soviet Union -
Fall of Saigon
Before the fall of the Saigon, the Vietcong had been capturing and attacking villages on their way to Saigon. Current President Ford asked Congress to intervene, however, was shot down immediately. Weeks before the arrival of the Vietcong, the USA did organize to evacuate all Americans and South Vietnamese refugees and orphans. At last minute, all remaining Americans and some Vietnamese were then evacuated by helicopter from the roof of the US Embassy. The city was then taken over by Communists. -
Reagan Elected
Reagan won the presidency as he vowed to destroy communism, rather than contain it. So, he sought to re-invigorate the military and increase nuclear capabilities. The country was spending $34 million per hour on defense, aiding Nicaragua and other anti-communist groups. In addition, the USA helped forces in Afghanistan to combat communism as well. Under the Reagan Doctrine, he wowed to provide aid to anti-communist groups, upsetting the USSR, as the USA is challenging their influence head on. -
SDI Announced
Strategic Defense Initiative was a proposed missile defense system to protect the USA from nuclear strategic ballistic weapons carried out by the Soviet Union. it entailed having satelites patrolling the atmosphere, shooting down missiles from the USSR. That being said, the USSR viewed this system as a way to wage nuclear war, inciting 'Star Wars' amongst superpowers. It is said that SDI helped end the war, as the USSR could not economically afford the new way of fighting. -
Geneva Conference With Gorbachev
While the two men did not come to any formal agreements, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev developed a sincere relationship, foreshadowing a call to peace in the future. In fact, it was said that Gorbachev had asked Reagan to end SDI, to which the president refused. Moreover, the end of the Cold War would then allow Gorbachev to focus on domestic affairs, and fuel Reagan's desire of controlling the nuclear arms race. -
'Tear down this wall' Speech
In front of the Brandenburg Gate that had divided West and Est Berlin, President Ronald Reagan challenged Gorbachev to destroy it. The President sought freedom for the people of Berlin and hoped to find common ground on human rights. This was a hallmark moment for Reagan during his time in office as he is facing the leader of Communist Soviet Union, challenging him on his promise to reform the USSR government. The order to tear down the wall, was the order to end the war, as it meant freedom. -
Fall of Berlin Wall
On this day, Berliners were allowed to destroy and cross the infamous, Berlin Wall without being shot or detained. the fall symbolized the unsteadiness of the iron curtain of influence the USSR had instilled upon Eastern European countries signified the end of the Cold War. More specifically, Gorbachev had announced his desire to better relations with the west, allowing East Berliners to finally travel in and out of the city. Later on, the Wall was then decorated with beautiful murals
