Cold War Events

By skylerqhills

  • United States vs. USSR Political Differences

    United States vs. USSR Political Differences
    Date: Post-World War II (1945)
    Cause: Ideological differences; the U.S. promoted capitalism and democracy, while the USSR advocated for communism.
    Effect: Created a global divide between capitalist and communist nations, leading to numerous conflicts and tensions.

  • Creation of the Satellite Nations

    Creation of the Satellite Nations
    Date: 1945-1949
    Cause: The USSR sought to expand its influence by establishing communist governments in Eastern Europe.
    Effect: A buffer zone of communist states emerged, increasing tensions with the West and solidifying the division of Europe.

  • Iron Curtain

    Iron Curtain
    Date: 1946 (Coined by Winston Churchill)
    Cause: The growing divide between the Eastern bloc (USSR and its satellites) and Western democracies.
    Effect: The term symbolized the ideological and physical division of Europe; led to increased military preparedness in the West.

  • Truman’s Foreign Policy of Containment

    Truman’s Foreign Policy of Containment
    Date: 1947
    Cause: The U.S. aimed to prevent the spread of communism.
    Effect: Led to U.S. involvement in various global conflicts, including Korea and Vietnam.

  • Truman Doctorine

    Truman Doctorine
    Date: 1947
    Cause: Economic and military assistance was needed to prevent Greece and Turkey from falling to communism.
    Effect: Established that the U.S. would support nations resisting communism, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.

  • Marshall Plan

    Marshall Plan
    Date: 1948-1952
    Cause: Post-war economic devastation in Europe created vulnerabilities to communism.
    Effect: Provided over $12 billion in aid to Western European countries, helping to rebuild economies and prevent the spread of communism.

  • Berlin Blockade

    Berlin Blockade
    Date: June 1948 - May 1949
    Cause: The USSR's response to Western efforts to unify Germany and introduce a new currency.
    Effect: Cut off all ground access to West Berlin, escalating tensions and leading to the Berlin Airlift.

  • Berlin Airlift

    Berlin Airlift
    Date: June 1948 - September 1949
    Cause: The West's need to supply West Berlin following the blockade.
    Effect: Successfully delivered food and supplies to West Berlin, demonstrating U.S. commitment to countering Soviet pressure.

  • The NATO Alliance

    The NATO Alliance
    Date: April 1949
    Cause: The need for collective defense against potential Soviet aggression.
    Effect: Formed a military alliance among Western nations, solidifying opposition to the USSR and its allies.