-
United Nations formed
The United Nations was formed on 24 October 1945. It was created to keep national peace. It helps to solve economic, social, and humanitarian problems. -
Hollywood 10
The Hollywood Ten was a group of 10 film industry members that refused to testify to an anti-communist committee hearing during the Second Red Scare era. The Second Red Scare was a time period marked by the fear of a communism takeover during the initial phases of the Cold War Era. -
Marshall plan
President Truman signed the Economic Recovery Act of 1948. It became known as the Marshall Plan, named for Secretary of State George Marshall, who in 1947 proposed that the United States provide economic assistance to restore the economic infrastructure of postwar Europe. -
Nato formed
NATO is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Its purpose is to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. -
Korean war
North Korea invaded South Korea and ceased after an armistice. The U.S. sent troops to help South Korea and Russia sent troops to North Korea. -
U.S. official enters Vietnam War
In 1965, the United States rapidly increased its military forces in South Vietnam, prompted by the realization that the South Vietnamese government was losing the Vietnam War as the communist-dominated Viet Cong (VC) gained influence over much of the population in rural areas of the country. -
Bay of Pigs
1,400 Cuban exiles launched what became a botched invasion at the Bay of Pigs on the south coast of Cuba. In 1959, Fidel Castro came to power in an armed revolt that overthrew Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. -
Berlin wall goes up
The east side of Berlin was controlled by communist Russia while the west side was free. The Wall was designed to prevent people from escaping to the West from East Berlin. -
Space Race/Sputnik
the Soviet Union responded to the US announcement of their similar intent to launch artificial satellites. The space race has its origins in the nuclear arms race between the two nations following the Second World War. -
Soviets invade Afghanistan
The Soviet Union intervened in support of the Afghan communist government. The Soviets wound up losing. -
Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine stated America would provide aid to all democratic nations if they were threatened by an authoritarian force. It was to stop the spread of communism. -
Berlin wall comes down
The fall of the Berlin Wall was the first step towards German reunification. In 1989, political changes in Eastern Europe and civil unrest in Germany put pressure on the East German government to loosen some of its regulations on travel to West Germany.