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Berlin Blockade
June 6, 1948- May 12, 1949
Rank: 1
Participants: France, Soviet Union, Britain, United States
The Berlin Blockade was an attempt by the Soviet Union to block all aid to Western Berlin. This blockade reduced all industrial exports from Western Berlin. The West fought against this by having an airlift deliver vital food and supplies to Western Berliners. On May 12, 1949 the Soviet Union lifted the blockade because of running low on funding for it. -
Korean War
June 25, 1950- July 27, 1953
Rank: 3
Participants: China, North Korea, South Korea, United States
This was fought between North and South Korea. The war started over China, North Korea, and the Soviet Union wanted the Korean peninsula to become communist, so they attacked. The United States entered the war on South Korea's side to prevent the spread of communism. This was extremely deadly resulting with a total of 2.5 million casualties. Both sides were both extremely hostile as a result too. -
Space Race
1955-1970
Rank: 4
Participants: United States, Soviet Union
This race was between the Soviets and Americans in a chance to prove which country was superior in technology as well as space exploration. This exponentially impacted scientific and technological research in both countries. Achievements during this period include: the first Satellite in space, the first human put into orbit around the Earth, and the first man on the moon -
Vietnam War
Nov 1, 1955- April 30, 1975
Rank: 2
Participants: South Vietnam, United States, North Vietnam, Soviet Union, China
This war started when North Vietnam invaded South Korea. North Vietnam was backed up by the Soviet Union and China because they were fighting to make South Korea communist. South Korea was supported by the United States because they wanted to stop the spread of communism. This war ended with US troops withdrawing and both sides of Korea becoming unified under Communism. -
Suez Canal Crisis
July 26, 1956- March 1957
Rank: 9
Participants: Egypt, France, Israel, Britain
This event began when Egypt's president nationalized the Suez Canal, which was an issue because it was previously owned by France and Britain. Israel was also outraged by this movement because the canal was used for trade. In response to Egypt, France, Britain, and Israel combined and launched a military event to regain control of the Canal -
U-2 Incident
May 5, 1960- May 17, 1960
Rank: 11
Participants: Soviet Union, United States
The Soviet Union shot down an American U2 spy plane which was on a reconnaissance mission taking pictures deep within Soviet airspace. This caused a large spike in tensions between the two countries. This also pointed to the importance of aerial espionage. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
October 16, 1962
Rank: 10
Participants: United States, Soviet Union, Cuba
This was a tense standoff between the Soviet Union and the United States. The US found out that the Soviet Union was placing missiles in Cuba which was extremely close to the coast of Florida. It ended in an agreement that the US wouldn't invade Cuba and the Soviet Union removed the missiles. -
Yom Kippur War
October 6, 1973- November 1973
Rank: 10
Participants: Egypt, Israel, Syria, United States, Soviet Union
This began on the Jewish Holiday of Yom Kippur when Egypt and Syria invaded Israel. Egypt was the country that initiated the attack because it wanted to regain control over the Sinai Peninsula. Israel asked the United States for support, which the US supplied because the Soviet Union had resupplied Egypt and Syria. -
Soviets Downing Korean Airlines Flight 007
September 1, 1983
Rank: 6
Participants: South Korea, Soviet Union, United States
The Korean airlines flight 007 was a passenger jet flying from alaska to Seoul. The plane strayed 200 miles off course and accidently entered Soviet airspace. The Soviets shot down the plane killing all 269 passengers on board. The Soviets claimed that it was a US spy plane(without any supporting evidence). -
Soviet War in Afghanistan
December 24, 1979- February 15, 1989
Rank: 7
Participants: Soviet Union, Afghanistan
The Soviet Union sent troops to support the Afghan communist government against rising rebel groups. The main group against the Afghan government was the Muslim Guerillas. This was a very long affair and it left many political and social consequences. It was marked with lots of guerilla warfare. -
"Able Archer" Military Exercise
November 7, 1983
Rank: 5
Participants: NATO, Soviet Union
This was a military exercise conducted by NATO. It simulated a nuclear war scenario and NATO responding to a nuclear attack. The Soviets worried it was a front for an actual attack, but it didn't escalate to a conflict.