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Joseph Stalin Becomes Dictator of USSR
Jooseph Stalin became the dictator of the USSR in 1929. He continues his role of dictatorship for many years until 1953. This event is significant to United States history, because as a Democratic country, we did not believe in his leadership or treatment to his people. However, this was a time where both countries were seen as the two “superpowers” of the world.
http://www.history.com/topics/joseph-stalin -
End of World War 2
World War II ends, and the Cold War begins. The United States and Soviet Union begin battling over power, as they both push for influencing other countries with their opposing views. Ultimately it was a fight over Europe, and presented a divide between the Eastern and Western areas. -
Iron Curtain (slide 7)
Taken from the words of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the European area controlled by Soviet’s was known as the Iron Curtain. The notion drew a border between Europe, with Communist countries eastbound, and the Western Allied countries to the west. Countries on the west side of the curtain banded together to form an organization known as NATO, while Communist forces to the east created the Warsaw Pact. This event was significant towards the Cold War because it began unionization. -
Red Scare
Paranoia and fear of communism entering the United States becomes prevalent. Questioning of affiliation with the “Reds” (communists) began and trust was lost within the people. The significance was astounding, because as a free and democratic country, it is almost impossible to imagine a time where that right, so often taken for granted, was questioned and feared. However, it truly was a time of mass hysteria. -
Berlin Blockade (Slide 6)
Was the one of the first major events of the Cold War period. The communist Soviets shut of all communication between communist east Berlin and Allied controlled west Berlin. The blockade was a technique by communists to get the Western Allies to retreat out of Berlin. The United States Air Force dropped supplies down in West Berlin along with other Allied military forces. This event was significant to the Cold War because it displayed the United States’ willingness to not back down -
NATO
he United States forms and signs NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) along with eleven Western Democratic Nations. The treaty concluded that “an armed attack against one or more them… shall be an attack against them all.” This was significant because it secured these countries as allies, in which are crucial to have for support in war or other forms ofneed. -
Korean War (slide 8)
Communist ran North Korea while the US ran South Korea. Conflict arose once North Korean soldiers crossed over the border and attacked the neighboring country. With the policy of doing all they can to stop the spread of Communism, the United States had to act upon the matter and enter battle with North Korea. This event was significant because it began the bloodshed between America and Communism. -
Warsaw Pact
h rival spirits running high, the Warsaw Pact was created by the Soviet Union and several opposing Eastern European Nations. This completed the division of East vs. West as wellas Democratic vs. Communist. The significance was that both sides now had allegiances and were prepared for war as tensions raised. -
Space Race
The Space Race emerged once the Soviet’s were able to launch two satellites into space in 1957. The rapid movement of the Soviets space technology began a somewhat race between the United States and Soviet Union to who could put the first man in space. The United States ended up winning the race in 1969 when Richard Nixon was able to construct a successful landing on the moon.This event played a significant role in the Cold War because if Soviets would have gained a bigger sense of power. -
The Bay of Pigs Invasion (Slide 13)
Slide 13On this day, American forces invaded the neighboring country of Cuba, led by the Communist dictator Fidel Castro, due to his close ties with the Soviet Union. The invasion went horribly, since Castro knew that the forces were going to arrive. This event was significant because it failed to end the Communist ideals growing in Cuba, and also created the bad relationship between the United States and Cuba. -
Cuban Missile Crisis (slide 17)
Fidel Castro was talking with the Soviet Union about a deal involving Soviet missiles being stationed in Cuba. Fidel agreed, and Soviets tried to build launch sites, but the United States government got intel on the sites before they could be built. Kennedy decided to take the information to the media, and took military actions to stop Cuba. This was significant because it stopped the Soviet Union from having the ability to easily launch missiles towards the United States. -
New Ruler of Soviet Union
Mikhail Gorbachev takes over power of the Soviet Union. His role as the new leader became later significant to the end of the Cold War. His principles of openness, referred to as "glasnost," really paved the way for a new beginning and revolution. -
The Demise of the Soviet Union
This Christmas morning was especially merry in that it was the last time the Soviet flag ever flew. After a long series of events in which the Soviet Union competed for power, their union had finally failed due to a loss of support. The republics, under their power, all decided to declare independence from the union, thus leaving only one. Realizing it could no longer function as a powerful nation, the Soviet Union accepted defeat. This marked the ending on one of the longest ongoing wars.
