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The Berlin blockade and airlift
The Soviet Union blocked access to West Berlin in an attempt to force the Western Allies to abandon the city. The Allies responded with a massive airlift of supplies to the city. -
Korean war
North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea. The United States and its allies intervened to support South Korea, leading to a bloody conflict that ended in a stalemate. -
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Vietnam war
The United States and its allies intervened in the Vietnam War to prevent the spread of communism. The conflict was long and bloody, and ended with the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule. -
The cuban missile crises
The Soviet Union placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States. The crisis was resolved after a tense standoff between the two superpowers. -
The prague spring
Czechoslovakia attempted to liberalize its communist government, but was invaded by Soviet forces and forced to return to strict Soviet control. -
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The soviet invasion of afghanistan
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to support its communist government, but faced fierce resistance from Afghan guerrilla fighters backed by the United States. -
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The polish solidarity movement
Workers in Poland formed the Solidarity movement, demanding greater political and economic freedoms. The movement was suppressed by the government, but continued to agitate for change. -
The berlin wall falls
The Berlin Wall, which had divided East and West Germany since 1961, was finally torn down in a peaceful revolution that symbolized the end of the Cold War.