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Berlin Blockade
This was a conflict between the Soviet Union and the Allied powers in the west (U.S., Britain, France) in the city of Berlin, Germany. The Soviet Union tried to block off the western powers from accessing Western Berlin. They made a blockade of all communications between Berlin and the west. Western powers began to supply Berlin with food and supplies by air. I believe the Berlin Blockade is the 10th most important event during the Cold War. -
Korean War
This was a war between North Korea and South Korea. The Soviet Union and China aided North Korea to invade South Korea, supported by the United States. There were over a million casualties, and resulted in a still divided Korea. I believe the Korean War was the 6th most important event during the Cold War era. -
Vietnam War
This was a war between North Vietnam and South Vietnam. North Vietnam wanted Vietnam to be a communist country like the Soviet union, while South Vietnam wanted to be aligned with the west. U.S. tried to aid South vietnam but suffered too many casualties and had to withdraw, resulting in North Vietnam conquering the country. I believe the Vietnam War is the 2nd most important event during the Cold War era. -
Suez Canal Crisis
This event was a result of the Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser seizing control of the Suez Canal company. This led to Britain and France fearing that he was going to cut off oil shipments heading to western Europe, and took military action. This resulted in Britain and France losing influence in the Middle East. I believe this is the 11th most important event of the Cold War Era. -
Space Race
1957-1969. The United States and Soviet Union competed to prove their technological and intellectual superiority. The race was to see which country could put the first human into space. The U.S. won the space race with the moon landing on July 16th, 1969. I believe this was the 4th most important event of the Cold War. -
U-2 Incident
A United States U-2 spy plane was shot down by the Soviet Air Defense forces. This resulted in the cancellation of the Paris Summit. The meeting was supposed to try to decrease arms and lower tensions between the two countries. I believe this event was the 5th most important during the cold war. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Soviet Union promised to defend Cuba, but in exchange they were allowed to install nuclear missiles in Cuba. John F. Kennedy reached an agreement with the Soviet Union to remove the missiles from Cuba. The U.S. then removed their missiles from Turkey and promised to not invade Cuba. I believe this event was the 3rd most important during the Cold War Era. -
Yom Kippur War
Egypt and Syria began a war against Israel on two different fronts. The U.S. came to Israel's aid once the Soviet Union began aiding Egypt and Syria. The Israel Defense Forces were able to rapidly turn the tide. Resulted in eventual peace between Egypt and Israel. I believe this was the 9h most important event during the Cold War. -
Soviet War in Afghanistan
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan during a time in which a group called the mujahideen was against the Afghan government. U.S. supported mujahideen, but the war was mostly a stalemate. Eventually resulted in Russia withdrawing their troops. I believe the Soviet War in Afghanistan was the 8th most important event during the Cold War era. -
Soviets Downing Korean Air Lines Flight 007
Soviet air-to-air missiles shot down a South Korean passenger jet, killing all 269 people on board. The Soviets claimed the plane was on an intelligence gathering mission for the U.S.. This further degraded U.S.-Soviet relations during the Cold War Era. I believe this event is the 7th most important one of the Cold War Era. -
Able Archer Military Exercise
This was a U.S. war game that almost resulted in a third world war. The war game was supposed to simulate how a conventional attack on Europe could be met by a U.S. nuclear strike. The Soviets prepared their nuclear arsenal and fighter jets, unsure if there was going to be an actual attack. I believe this is the most important event during the Cold War era.