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Churchill Speech
Winston Churchill gives a speech in the united states, talking about the division in Europe due to Soviet actions. He says it will be a serious threat to peace, using the example of an iron curtain. -
The Marshall Plan
The secretary of state, George C. Marshall, accounced the Marshall plan, a huge program to give economic aid to europe. $13 billion was provided for the rebuilding of Europe. This helped Western Europe make a speedy recovery and helped preserve political stability. -
Soviet Blockade Begins
The Soviets block all land, rail, and water routes into Berlin in hope it would force the west to leave Berlin. This was caused by Soviet retaliation to the western leaders plans to create a democratic German nation and establish a democratic governement in west Berlin, deep inside the Soviet Zone. -
The Berlin Airlift
THe western leaders refuse to back down to the soviets, and organize the 'Berlin Airlift' in response to the bloackade. This was a massive effort to supply west Berlin by air, and was successful when the soviets called off the blockade in May 1949. -
NATO Forms
In the aftermath of the Berlin airlift the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was created to counter Soviet power in Europe. The alliance included the U.S, Canada, and most Western European countries. In 1955 the Soviet Union and the communist nations of Eastern Europer formed their own alliance, the Warsaw Pact. -
Nuclear Arms Race
The Nuclear Arms race takes place as the United States and the Soviet Union struggle to take the lead in Nuclear weaponry. With both sides creating new weapons and stockpiling, it was clear that an attack from either side wouled be devastating. This race continued until 1960. -
North vs. South
The North Koreans attack South Korea with the goal of uniting the country under a communist government. Believing that this unification might lead to more communist expansion, the U.S asks the United Nations to approve the use of force to start the invasion on South Korea. Soon, a military force is formed from 17 nations and sent to Korea. Most of these soldiers were Americans. -
Korean Armistice
Both North and South Korea agree to an armistice after years of being at a stalemate. Despite 3 years of fighting nothing really changes in Korea, the North remaining communists while the South continued to be an ally of the West. -
The Cuban Missile Crisis
A confrontation between the U.S and the Soviet Union over the installation of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. The Soviets removed the missiles and promised not to attack Cuba once the U.S agreed to remove their missiles out of Turkey. The standoff lasted two weeks, ending on October 28, 1962. -
The Berlin Wall Falls
Thousands of ecstatic Berliners begin tearing down the Berlin wall, one of the biggest symbols of the Cold War and Soviet repression. Less than one year later, East Germany and West Germany were reunified as a single nation. The Cold War was offically over.
