Cold War

By emises

  • Potsdam Conference

    Potsdam Conference
    • Led to separation of Germany as well as the Berlin Wall.
    • Split up certain European countries between the USA and USSR
    • Arguably started the Cold War due to unresolved conflicts and civil unrest

  • Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings

    Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings
    -August 6 and 9, respectively
    - Done by the USA; first major use of the atomic bomb, over 105,000 dead and many casualties
    - Enraged civilians all over the world and led to major conflict between the USA and Japan, adding more to Cold War unrest

  • Berlin Blockade

    Berlin Blockade
    • Deemed as one of the "first major international crises" during the Cold War. USSR and Germany.
    • Cut off land and river transportation: no food, electricity, supplies for West Berlin.
    • Led to creation of NATO
    • Lasted until May 1949

  • Formation of NATO

    Formation of NATO
    • Aimed to provide security and freedom to countries
    • Let USA provide weapons and resources for its allies in case of a USSR attack.
    • USSR viewed it as an act of aggression from the USA, leading to more tension

  • USSR Tests First Nuclear Weapon

    USSR Tests First Nuclear Weapon
    • First nuclear weapon by the USSR
    • USA viewed it as a threat/intimidation tactic
    • Kickstarted a nuclear arms race between countries

  • Korean War

    Korean War
    • First proxy war in the Cold War; USSR and USA in Korea
    • Killed more than 2 million Koreans
    • "Disastrous" for Korea
    • Ended in July 1953

  • Vietnam War

    Vietnam War
    • Controversial war, viewed as "unnecessary" by many in the world
    • Over 2 million deaths
    • North Vietnam against South Vietnam (+USA)
    • Vietnam heavily destroyed and led to inner country conflicts. (communism and politics)
    • Ended in April 1975

  • Cuban Missile Crisis

    Cuban Missile Crisis
    • Closest the world has come to a nuclear war
    • Leaders of the USA and USSR confrontation/standoff and tension
    • Ended on October 28, 1962

  • Destruction of the Berlin Wall

    Destruction of the Berlin Wall
    • First step to Germany coming together
    • Victory for the German people, not a military/government event
    • USSR withdrew its troops from Germany

  • Collapse of the Soviet Union

    Collapse of the Soviet Union
    • No longer two Super Powers
    • Was no longer a threat to the USA
    • Arguably was the event that ended the Cold War