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Yalta Conference
Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin all met to discuss the war and the post war world. Specifically, they were trying to balance the power. After the war ended, they would divide up Germany. They had to decide who would get what area. The USA and Soviet Union were already locked in a power struggle, so tensions were high. This impacted the coming Cold War because East Germany became the Soviet Union's. They became communist. -
Berlin Airlift/Blockade
The Soviet Union (East Germany) decided to block off the Allies (West Germany) railroads, roads, & canal access to East Berlin, where many of West Berlin's resources were. People were cut off. In response, the Allies began flying supplies daily to West Berlin. It is another example of how the East & West fought against each other without really fighting each other. -
Korean War
Korea split into two countries: North (communist) and South (democratic). They were split along the 38th parallel. North Korea attacked South Korea first. This is another example of how the world was dividing between who was communist and who wasn't. -
Cuban Revolution
The Cuban Revolution was led by Fidel Castro. He was a Communist trying to rise into power. Castro's goal was to replace Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. In January 1959, Castro succeeded. He went on to start Communist Party of Cuba in October of 1965. -
Bay of Pigs
The CIA planned & funded the invaision of Cuba to overthrow the communist president of Cuba. However, it was unsuccesful. Yet again, the two sides were fighting without directly fighting. -
Berlin Wall Built
The Berlin Wall went up overnight. It was an effort from the Communitsts to flex their muscles and show the world their intentions. Even the phone lines connecting the East and West were cut. It was modified and strengthened four times over the years. -
Vietnam War
North Vietnam (supported by communist allies) vs. South Vietnam (supported by democratic allies including the US). It was part of the US's strategy of containment. -
Tiananmen Square Massacre
The initial start of the gathering in Tiananmen Square was to mourn the death of a politician who was loved by many of the citizens (specifically students), Hu Yaobang. People were overcome with their anger with the government and grief of the loss of Yaobang. Things escalated and eventually reached a breaking point. Gaurds and policemen came in to clear out the square, and a riot broke out. It is estimated that hundreds to thousands of people were killed in the riot. -
Berlin Wall Falls
The Berlin wall was a physical division between East and West Berlin (Communist and democratic). After 28 years of division, East Berlin suddenly decided to take it down. Its destruction was celebrated around the world. -
Malta Conference
A few weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall, US President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met. They declared an official end to the Cold War. This meeting was similar to the Yalta Conference with discussions of a post-war world.
