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NATO Treaty
The NATO Treaty was the first time that the United States tied their own security to that of Europe. As a result, it is a force that would require America to come to Europe's aid in the event of any attack. It had a direct impact on the citizens on all those countries included in the pact. Furthermore, the treaty is still enforced today thus it has extreme durability. It also greatly contributed to the escalation of hostilities between the East and West, the central conflict of the Cold War. -
Nikita Khrushchev
As the First Secretary of Communist Part of the Soviet Republic, Khrushchev would direct the USSR for much of the first few decades of the Cold War. Thus, his actions had a profound affect on all people, particularly in Eastern Europe. Analysis of his decisions reveals that many in the USSR would have preferred to avoid confrontation, however, many of his reformist policies would be abolished once he was removed from office. -
Warsaw Pact
Much like the NATO pact, this would direct the actions of all Eastern European nations. Furthermore, combined with the Western equivalent, it was a source of hostility and tension which contributed to the arms race and the Cold War. Although it didn't survive the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was still functioning for over 30 years. Historians and experts throughout the world consider this treaty crucial to this period, though reasons for this may differ. -
Vietnam War
This vicious war that dragged on for 20 years claimed the lives of over 2 million civilians and 58,000 US soldiers. It wasn't a direct confrontation between the Russians and Americans but represented the continuing fight against Communism by Capitalist nations. The impact of this war is still felt in Vietnam today as they struggle to overcome the repercussions. -
Hungarian Uprising
The Hungarian Uprising, and the subsequent invasion of the country by Soviet forces, demonstrated the determination of the USSR to maintain control over all of Eastern Europe. In particular they we unwilling to accept the removal of the Communist monopoly of political power for it would have spread to other nations. Thus, it resulted in stricter controls on expression for years to come. It was an action that few could defend in the West, undermining the campaigns of Western Communist parties. -
Building of Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall itself would directly impact the lives of all Berliners, either by separating families, cutting people off from work and services or forcing them to flea their homes. The fact that it was allowed to be constructed also demonstrated the unwillingness of the West to intervene, reassuring Russia that their actions in the East would generate few reprisals. It would remain standing for nearly three decades and thus had quite the enduring affect. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
Such a standoff between nuclear powers revealed the extreme danger that atomic weaponry had placed the world in. The missile crisis would drastically reduce Western-Eastern relations thus ensuring the durability of the war. Furthermore, the embarrassment that it brought the USSR would result in Khrushchev's removal from power the following year. The embargo that was placed on Cuba by the United States would also continue for decades to come, leaving many Cubans in a state of poverty. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The inability of Soviet powers to prevent the destruction of the Wall was a clear indication of the ailing Russian presence. The case for reform and an end to hostilities grew, eventually resulting in the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Even though this was only a small part of this, it became a symbol that would drastically hasten the Soviet withdrawal. Furthermore, this event is remembered throughout the world, demonstrating its durability and importance.
