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The Truman Doctrine is Established
The Truman Doctrine establishes the American policy to protect small, democratic nations from large, communist nations. He specifically talks about Greece and the violent communist militia attacking the Grecian government after World War II weakened its government. He goes on to talk about the situation in Turkey and how they also need the Americans' help. The whole doctrine states they would help through economic and financial aid, never troops. It outlined the Containment plan as well. -
The Marshall Plan is Introduced
Named after the Secretary of State: George Marshall who said the U.S. should provide economic aid to Europe after World War II. This plan began the building process of Europe and stands as a reason why Europe is so strong now. The Marshall Plan allowed the American market to expand, created trusted trade partners, supported democracies, and improved the American economy in the process. -
Berlin Airlift
While Germany was split, the Soviets decided to blockade the supplies, railways, waterways, and roadways of the Allied side of Germany. So, the Berlin Airlift was born, or Operation Vittles; the Allies began airlifting supplies and cutting off the supplies to East Germany. This marked a real struggle over the Eastern and Western Bloc and the completion of influence over Germany. -
Formation of NATO
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was formed as an alliance of North American and Western European countries against the threat of the U.S.S.R. It was the first military alliance formed without ongoing wars. It created safety and security from the Soviet Union for the Allies. -
The Start of the Korean War
The true beginning of the Korean War finally began on June 25, 1950. This was the first major use of troops to spread Communism that the Americans became involved in. In July 1950, they began sending Americans to fight. This was a real sign of the Cold War and the fight against communist and totalitarian ideals. -
The End of The Korean War
Because the Korean War was going nowhere and barely any landholds were changed, Eisenhower decided to sign an armistice. The Americans arranged a more diplomatic approach to end the war and to deal with future wars. So North Korea, South Korea, and the U.S. determined that the 38th parallel would separate the two. -
Formation of The Warsaw Pact
This was a treaty signed with the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc that paralleled NATO. This began an arms race as well as the space race. This split the Eastern and Western Bloc apart, it separated the communists and the capitalists, and it separated the dictators and the democracies. -
The Eisenhower Doctrine is Established
The Eisenhower Doctrine is very similar to the Truman Doctrine. However, it is more specific and focuses more on the Middle East than Europe. It includes military and economic help if needed. It specifically says it will send aid to politically independent nations that are being threatened by communist nations. This was created just after the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the expansion of Soviet influence in the area. -
Sputnik Launched into Orbit
Sputnik launched into Orbit, beginning the space race. Launched by the Soviet Union, it was the first artificial Earth satellite to make it to space. -
U-2 Incident
An American U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union. The pilot was held guilty of espionage, which caused real worry about spies and the secret service.