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United Nations Formed
The United Nations was established to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. It replaced the League of Nations and included 51 member states at its founding. The UN aimed to foster peace, security, and social progress. -
Truman Doctrine
President Harry S. Truman announced the Truman Doctrine, pledging U.S. support for countries threatened by Soviet communism. Initially aimed at Greece and Turkey, it signified the U.S. commitment to containing communism worldwide. -
Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan was an American initiative to aid Western Europe economically after WWII. It provided over $12 billion (approximately $130 billion today) to help rebuild Western European economies and prevent the spread of Soviet communism. -
NATO Formed
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established as a military alliance of Western countries to counter Soviet expansion. Member states agreed to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party. -
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Korean War
The Korean War began when North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea. A United Nations force, led by the U.S., intervened to defend the South. The war ended in an armistice, with Korea remaining divided along the 38th parallel. -
Space Race/Sputnik
The launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union marked the beginning of the space race. It was the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth, demonstrating Soviet technological capabilities and prompting the U.S. to increase its own space efforts. -
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Bay of Pigs
The Bay of Pigs Invasion was a failed CIA-led operation to overthrow Fidel Castro in Cuba. Around 1,400 Cuban exiles, trained by the U.S., landed at the Bay of Pigs but were quickly defeated by Cuban forces. The invasion embarrassed the U.S. and strengthened Castro's regime. -
Berlin Wall Goes Up
The Berlin Wall was constructed by East Germany to prevent East Berliners from defecting to the West. The wall symbolized the Cold War's division and included guard towers and barbed wire. It effectively stopped the mass emigration from East to West Berlin. -
U.S. Officially Enter Vietnam War
The United States officially entered the Vietnam War with the landing of the first combat troops. This marked the beginning of large-scale U.S. military involvement aimed at preventing the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. -
Soviets Invade Afghanistan
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan aimed to support the communist government against insurgent groups. This prolonged conflict contributed to the Cold War's tensions and eventually led to significant Soviet military and economic strain. -
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"Hollywood Ten"
The fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of the Cold War. Spurred by political changes in Eastern Europe and mass protests, the East German government announced that citizens could freely cross the border. This led to the physical dismantling of the wall by joyous crowds. -
Berlin Wall Comes Down
The fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of the Cold War. Spurred by political changes in Eastern Europe and mass protests, the East German government announced that citizens could freely cross the border. This led to the physical dismantling of the wall by joyous crowds.