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1945 - Yalta Conference
Allied leaders (U.S., UK, and the Soviet Union) discuss post-war Europe's reorganization and division. -
Period: to
Phase 1: The Early Cold War
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Truman Doctrine
President Truman announces U.S. policy to provide economic and military aid to countries threatened by communism. -
Berlin Blockade and Airlift
The Soviets block Western access to West Berlin, leading to a massive U.S. and British airlift to supply the city. -
NATO Established
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is formed to counter the spread of communism in Europe. -
Soviet Atomic Bomb
The Soviet Union tests its first atomic bomb, escalating the arms race. -
Korean War
Communist North Korea invades South Korea, leading to a U.S.-led United Nations intervention. -
Death of Stalin
Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, dies, leading to a period of uncertainty. -
Warsaw Pact
The Soviet Union and its satellite states establish a military alliance in response to NATO. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The U.S. and the Soviet Union come close to nuclear war over the placement of Soviet missiles in Cuba. -
Period: to
Phase 2: Détente and De-escalation
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Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
U.S., USSR, and the UK sign a treaty prohibiting nuclear tests in the atmosphere, underwater, and in outer space. -
Prague Spring
Czechoslovakia's reform movement is crushed by the Soviet Union. -
Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I)
The U.S. and the USSR sign an agreement to limit nuclear arms. -
Helsinki Accords
The Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe leads to agreements on human rights and territorial integrity. -
Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
The USSR invades Afghanistan, leading to increased tensions between the superpowers. -
Solidarity in Poland
A labor and political movement challenges Soviet influence in Poland. -
1980-1988 - Iran-Iraq War
The U.S. and USSR support opposite sides in this conflict. -
Period: to
Phase 3: Renewed Tensions and the End of the Cold War
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Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
President Reagan announces plans for a missile defense system. -
Gorbachev Becomes Soviet Leader
Mikhail Gorbachev initiates a series of reforms in the USSR. -
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty
The U.S. and USSR agree to eliminate intermediate-range nuclear missiles. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The wall dividing East and West Berlin comes down, symbolizing the end of the Cold War. -
Dissolution of the USSR
The Soviet Union collapses, marking the official end of the Cold War.