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Why Was the Cold War called the "Cold" War?
Two countries made threats but never fought each other directly. Cold war includes no physical fighting. -
Proxy War
War instigated by a major power that doesn't become involved themselves. -
Formation of the Eastern Bloc
The United States and the Soviet Union were allies during WWII, but that soon dissolved once the war ended. The U.S. shifted more democratic as the Soviets shifted to communism. The Soviet's communist power led them to form alliances with their eastern border countries. These alliances became known as the Eastern Bloc. -
Postwar Occupation and Division of Germany
After defeat in World War II, Germany was under the control of the UN. The United States, United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union split control of Germany. The zones that each country took control over were decided throughout a series of meetings. -
Enactment of Marshall Plan
On April 3rd, 1948, President Truman signed the Economic Recovery Act of 1948, which later became known as the Marshall Plan. The idea, proposed by George Marshall in 1947, was for the U.S. to provide economic assistance to Europe after the war in order to restore the economical infrastructure. -
Berlin Blockade and Airlift
The Soviets blocked road, canal, and railway access from Western Germany. In response, Western Allies airlifted supplies to the people of West Berlin. The allies continued airlifts for about a year, but eventually the Soviets lifted the blockade on May 12, 1949. -
Chinese Communist Revolution
Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of People's Republic of China. This affirmed his power over China. Overall, the event was the transformation of China under the rule of Chines Communist Party. -
Korean War
Through 07/27/1953
The three year war between North and South Korea. Communist North Korea was supported by China, as South Korea was assisted by the United States. South Korea was also supported by other members of the United Nations throughout this war. -
Cuban Revolution
Through 01/01/1959.
Revolution led by Fidel Castro and guerilla fighters against the dictatorship in Cuba. Eventually, rebels took control over Cuba's power. The United States no longer was the main power over Cuba. -
Vietnam War
Through 4/30/1975
Conflict and war between Communist North Vietnam and South Vietnam (supported by the U.S.). After almost 20 years of war, Northern Vietnam found victory. This resulted in the unification of Vietnam as a Communist ruled country. -
Bay Of Pigs Invasion
The Bay of Pigs was a U.S. attempt to bring down communist regime in Cuba. President John F. Kennedy supported this invasion for U.S. trained Cuban exiles to go in. Fidel Castro's forces ended up capturing the invaders, making the event a complete failure. -
Building of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was build starting practically overnight to separate Eastern Berlin from Western Berlin. The 28 mile wall was built starting from Eastern Berlin's control. Once finished, the wall was constantly guarded and had checkpoints, mines, barbed wire, etc. to ensure nobody crossed to the other side of Berlin. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
Through 10/28/1962
The Cuban Missile Crisis was Cuba's response to the Bay of Pigs. Russia proposed sending nuclear weapons to prevent further attack on Cuba, but JFK discovered this and blockaded Cuba before any weapons could arrive. This scared people into thinking a nuclear war was going to occur, but Russia withdrew the missiles and the United States promised Cuba another U.S. invasion would not happen. -
Prague Spring
Alexander Dubcek attempted to liberalize Czechoslovakia after Soviet Domination from WWII. It was considered to be "socialism with a human face". It was quickly put to an end by Soviet invasion. -
Soviet War in Afghanistan
Through 2/15/1989
The proxy war lasted over 9 years between Afghanistan and the Soviets supporting each other against Muljahideen and their supportive forces. The Soviets withdrew from the war around 1989. This left Afghanistan in the war until the Afghan Civil War ended in 1992. -
Tiananmen Square Massacre
Protesters calling for democracy peacefully protested and crowded the center of Beijing, Tiananmen Square, starting 4/15/1989. The government ordered protesters to disperse from the square, but few actually followed orders. On June 4th, 1989, tanks and troops came into the area and killed, wounded, and arrested thousands of protestors. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was dismantled by Eastern Germany citizens after around 28 years of existence. The demolition represented the fall and break of Communism in Germany. This day was celebrated by both East and West Germany as they once again came together as a country. -
Fall of the Soviet Union
After the destruction of the Berlin Wall and all of the conflicts that had occurred throughout the Cold War, it was time for the war to come to an end. Mikhail Gorbachev resigned his position as the Soviet leader and President. This left the power to the uprising Boris Yeltsin and subsequently ended the Cold War.
