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First Red Scare
The first time America is swept up in the fear of communism. This first scare lasts until 1920. Americans felt communism threatened their government and ways of life. Little did they know this problem could continue throughout the century.
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Potsdam Conference
The Potsdam Conference occured in August of 1945. Truman, Churchill and Stalin gathered to divide up Europe, so each country would monitor and control a specific region. The US and Britian received Western Europe and Soviet Union received Eastern Europe.
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Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine was put into affect on March 12, 1947. This document meant the United States would provide military, political and economical assistance to all democratic nations facing outside pressure. This doctrine demonstrates the United States will go to great lengths in order to contain communism.
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NATO Formed
In 1949, the Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed. This is group includes Western Europe, Canada and the United States. This group of countries directly oppose communism. They are on the West side of the 'Iron Curtain'.
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Second Red Scare
The second red scare occured in 1950. Americans feared communism as it was spreading throughout Asia and Europe. Joseph McCarthy escalated this issue by falsley accusing several Americans of supporting communist ideals. This uproar had Americans on their toes until McCarthy was exposed several years later.
http://csrmedia.education.asu.edu/Lectures/SS3/HistoryCore/Basic9/index.htm -
Korean War
The Korean War was a war between North and South Korea. Since the Northern half of Korea supported communism, the United States supported South Korea with military aid. This war strengthened the tension between the US and Soviet Union, who supported North Korea.
http://csrmedia.education.asu.edu/Lectures/SS3/HistoryCore/Basic9/index.htm -
McArthur Retires
McArthur is asked to retire in April of 1951. President Truman feels as if the war in Korea is getting out of hand and McArthur is a bit gung-ho about fighting in war. He believes letting McArthur retire will ultimately prevent a third world war.
http://csrmedia.education.asu.edu/Lectures/SS3/HistoryCore/Basic9/index.htm -
Warsaw Pact
In May of 1955, the Warsaw Pact was formed in response of the NATO pact formed 6 years earlier. This pact included countries in East Europe and Asia who supported communism.
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Soviet Union Launches Sputnik
The Soviet Union launches their first satellite, Sputnik into space. This puts the Soviet Union ahead in the space race.
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Fidel Castro Takes Cuba
In 1959, Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba. He makes the country live under communist ideals. This is a huge threat to the United States considering how close it is to the state of Florida.
http://csrmedia.education.asu.edu/Lectures/SS3/HistoryCore/Basic9/index.htm -
Election of 1960
In the election of 1960, there was a close call between Nixon and Kennedy. Although, Kennedy will end up winning the election. This is significant because he ultimately responds to the rest of the decisions in terms of the Cold War.
http://csrmedia.education.asu.edu/Lectures/SS3/HistoryCore/Basic9/index.htm -
Bay of Pigs
The United States tried to use Cuban exiles in order to remove Castro from the Cuban government. However, Castro saw this coming and mission failed completely. This is significant because the United States rhttp://faculty.washington.edu/qtaylor/a_us_history/cold_war_timeline.htmealizes that Cuba and the Soviet Union are becoming a real threat. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
Soviets had nuclear weapons in Cuba aimed towards the United States. The Soviets tried to keep this mission a secret; however, the US found out about these plans. JFK then announced nationwide he was taking action in order to prevent nuclear warefare.
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First Man on the Moon
The United States puts the first man on the moon in 1969. This means the United States is ahead in the space race. This creates more tension between the United States and Soviet Union; however, the US ultimately comes out on top.
http://csrmedia.education.asu.edu/Lectures/SS3/HistoryCore/Basic9/index.htm -
Cold War Ends
The Cold War does not officially end until 1991. This is due to the fall of the Soviet Union. This is significant because it symbolizes around 50 years of tension coming to a close.
http://www.datesandevents.org/events-timelines/03-cold-war-timeline.htm