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Joseph McCarthy
McCarthy didn't have such a great upbringing. He dropped out of school at 14yrs to return to studying, allowing him to receive a diploma from Marquette University. He has a history of unsuccessful law practices and was forced to gamble as a source of income. The ex-Democrat turned Republican was no stranger to using dirty campaigning rise politically. -
2nd Red Scare: Joseph McCarthy
McCarthy didn't have much of an upbringing. He dropped out of school when he was 14 only to return to his studies later in life, allowing him to earn a diploma from Marquette University. He has a history of unsuccessful law practices and even gambled for extra cash. He's no stranger to utilizing dirty tricks in his campaigns to further his career as a politician. -
2nd Red Scare: HUAC
Standing for House-Select Un-American Activities Committee, the HUAC's job was to investigate the past and present political activities of supposed communists. It promoted the idea that communists could be anywhere and everywhere, contributing to the anticommunist hysteria of the 1950s with its controversial methods of weeding out commies. -
2nd Red Scare: Smith Act
Many communist cases within the US surfaced, much of those having utilized the Smith Act (also known as the Alien Registration Act) which outlawed advocating the overthrow of the government. This allowed deportation of those in seditious organizations and criminalizing members of the American Communist Party. -
Atomic Boom: Trinity Test
"Trinity" mean that this was the site of a nuclear weapon test by the US Army for the Manhattan Project. Any structure that was in it was a McDonalds along with its ancillary buildings which were converted into a lab for the testing of bomb components. It was here that the Fat Man was tested, which lead to the development of The Gadget for war purposes. -
Atomic Bomb: Fat Man
While the Little Boy was made of uranium, the Fat Man was an implosion-type bomb made of plutonium. It weighed a whopping 10,800 pounds with a length of 10 feet 8 inches and 60 inches in diameter. It was equivalent to the explosive force of 21k tons of TNT. It's equivalent, The Gadget, was tested at the Trinity site before being dropped on Nagasaki during WW2. -
Atomic Bomb: Little Boy
The Little Boy was an atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima during WW2. It was made using uranium and in the shape of a bullet. Its weight was 9,700 pounds with a length of 10 ft and a diameter of 28 inches. When exploded, it was equal to the explosion of 15k tons of TNT. -
Atomic Boom: Hiroshima
Nearing the end of WW2, Japan refused to surrender, forcing the US to threaten them with an atomic bomb. After the threat was ignored, the atomic bomb Little Boy was dropped on Hiroshima, killing 237k people either directly or indirectly. This event was called Operation Centerboard in an attempt to force Japanese surrender using as little resources as possible. -
Atomic Boom: Nagasaki
Only 3 days after Hiroshima was bombed, Nagasaki faced an equally devastating bomb, the Fat Man. This 21-kiloton plutonium bomb killed 263k in the city either directly or indirectly. The explosion was to force Japan into unconditional surrender after they were warned of an explosion near the end of WW2. -
Korea 38th Parallel
The 38th parallel is the line that divides North Korea from South Korea established by US military planners near WW2's end. What was meant to be a temporary division ended in an almost permanent split with the North Korean's inhabitants under the reign of communism by Kim Jong-un, the successor of Kim Il-sung. -
Iron Curtain
A metaphor referring to the Soviet's Union decision to shut itself off from Eastern Europe and its allies in an effort to release themselves from their dependence on others. It came to prominence after its use by former British prime minister Winston Churchill in his speech at Fulton. -
Truman Doctrine
Greece & Turkey become susceptible to communism, especially after the British government stated that they won't be able to financially support them any longer. President Truman takes Britain's place, issuing the Truman Doctrine so that these nations won't fall under the threat of communism. -
2nd Red Scare: HUAC and the Loyalty Order
Known as the House Un-American Activities Committee, HUAC was created to investigate alleged individuals of communism by looking into their past and present ties. Since 1938, they've kept up with the many accusations made on federal agents who were supposedly communists. Their presence and activity help worsen the idea that communists were everywhere, leading to Truman's Loyalty Order requiring government employees undergo a background check for commie ties. -
2nd Red Scare: Hollywood 10
HUAC targeted Hollywood as the "hotbed of communism," leading to an investigation of the motion-picture industry. 10 employees (screenwriters and directors) rebelled and refused to answer to the HUAC's probing which was clearly under the influence of anti-communism. These people were jailed and banned from working with their studios, leading to dabates on their controversial case. -
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Marshall Plan
To prevent war-torn countries in post-WW2 from voting for communist parties, George C. Marshall had what's formally known as the European Recovery Program (passed by Harry S. Truman). The plan allowed the United States financially aid Western Europe. -
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Berlin Airlift
With highways and roads effectively isolating West Berlin from the western powers, the Allies, most notably America, took it upon themselves to supply the city from the air. Soon after the blockade, the Allies supplied necessities such a food, goods, and resources to Berlin. It ends up continuing for over a year, even after the blockade lifts so that Berlin could stockpile supplies just in case. -
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Berlin Blockade
The Soviet Union took it upon themselves to limit the Western Allied Powers' ability to move into West Berlin sectors controlled by the Soviets. This is because the west wanted Germany to be under a democratic government. All rails and roads going into Berlin will be blocked and the electricity will be cut from the Soviet part of Berlin. -
2nd Red Scare: Alger Hiss
With the nation still under the influence of anti-communism, Alger Hiss was claimed as, not only a communist but a Soviet agent by ex-Communist, Whittaker Chambers. He who served in the US State Department, claimed innocence while his trial proved him guilty, hurting Truman's administration. -
2nd Red Scare: McCarthyism
Joseph McCarthy was considered the most corrupt politician of his time, using dirty campaigns to win a position as circuit court judge. To further his political career, and by the suggestion of Edmund Walsh, he utilizes the nation's fear of communism and claimed that he held a list of 205 people that were communists in the State Department. Investigations were immediately launched until he went too far as to investigate possible communists in the US military. -
2nd Red Scare: McCarthyism
In search of pursuing even greater political success, his most infamous dirty trick was to take advantage of the US's fear of communism. On Edmund Walsh's suggestion, McCarthy will claim that he held a list of 205 people who were all members of the American Communist Party. Investigations were soon launched, only to cease when Eisenhower finally stopped McCarthy's antics when he tried to investigate the US military for communists, ending the 2nd Red Scare. -
Korean War: North Invades South
Ever since the 38th parallel was set up, border skirmishes were common. Marking the first military action of the Cold War, North Korea crosses the 38th parallel to invade their Southern half as their dictator, Kim Il-sung, enjoyed remaining on his side of the border (neither did anti-Communist dictator Syngman Rhee in the South). -
Korean War: UN Intervention
North Korea was backed by the Soviet Union and Communist China, making it a one-sided battle had South Korea remained on their own. The conflict caught the attention of the United Nations and especially to US President, Truman. The Korean conflict became the first time the UN authorized themselves to intervene using military action. Un troops were put in the hands of 70 yr-old Douglas MacArthur by Truman. -
Korean War: UN intervention
With the North Koreans backed by the Soviets and Communist China, South Korea didn't stand a chance on their own. In an attempt to stop the spread of communism throughout Korea in the case of North Korea winning, the 20 yr-old Douglas MacArthur was appointed as the supreme commander of UN troops. This conflict was the first military action authroized by the UN with the US providing the most non-Korean forces. -
Korean War: China Intervention
As the Korean War wages on, General MacArthur becomes overconfident in being able to drive communism out of Korea (getting rid of the "red menace"). He would then persuade President Truman intro allowing troops to invade North Korea's capital, then to Ch'osan (N. Korea's border w/ China). This was where 300k Chinese "volunteers" forced US forces to retreat. -
Korean War: Chinese Intervention
As the war went on, General MacArthur became overconfident, believing that his troops would be able to drive communism out of even North Korea. Determined to rid them of the "red menace," the General invades and takes Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, then overshot himself when he tried to advance past Ch'osan where he'll be driven back by 300k Chinese "volunteers" who will recapture South Korea's capital, Seoul. -
Atomic Boom: Duck and Cover
In the case of an atomic explosion, the government enforced into the public as a psychological way to ensure some safety in the case of a nuke. It's essentially how its title makes it sound and was made under the notion that covering oneself will reduce the likely-hood of death. -
Korean War: MacArthur Nuclear Plan
After his defeat, MacArthur requested that the UN use 34 atomic bombs that'll be dropped on China through air raids. Truman and even the military leadership in Washington DC believed that the use of nuclear weapons will only lead the Soviets to become more aggressive (WW3) as well as senseless death. -
Korean War: MacArthur wants Nuclear Intervention -> FIRED
After North Korea's capital, Seoul, was recaptured by them and Communist Chinese, MacArthur's next strategy was to use 34 atomic bombs that'll be unleashed through an air raid over China. His plan was met with opposition by both military leadership in Washington DC and Truman, leading to MacArthur to be replaced by General Matthew B. Ridgeway to limit the war to Korea. -
Korean War: Stalemate
It was proposed to both warring nations that a cease-fire begins so that talks of peace can go underway. For 2 years, peace talks would continue in Panmunjom while fights happened sporadically here and there. Syngman Rhee, the South Korean leader, argued that there would be no unification if the North would not join again w/ the South. -
Korean War: 2 Year Truce
A cease-fire was proposed by a Soviet Rep. within the United Nations, which would lead to an overall agreement to truce talks at Panmunjom. These talks dragged for 2 years along with sporadic fighting her and there. This time period was effectively a stalemate between the North and South. -
Space Race: Nikita Khrushchev
Nikita Khrushchev was 22 when he joined the Communist Party, then enlisting in the Red Army. He quickly gained prestige in the Communist Party and will even replace Stalin after his death as the leader of the Soviet Union. Being a believer of peace, he'll promote "de-Stalinization" for a "new era of communism." -
2nd Red Scare: Alger & Ethel Rosenberg
The US F.B.I found evidence that there was a spy network that disclosed information about the makings of the atomic bomb to the Soviet Union. Those discovered in this network were ex-Commies Julius & Ehtel Rosenberg. They were sentenced to death by electrocution for being Soviet spies. Their trial brought notice to the Republicans that not enough was being done to Communism while others were growing tired of the Red Scare. -
Korean War: Eisenhower Election ends Conflict
A truce was finally agreed to by the time Truman retired and Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. Although the truce led to a cease-fire, it didn't ensure peace as a peace treaty was never signed. The war unofficially ended after having caused 33k deaths and 103k wounded/missing on the side of the US. South Korea suffered 2 million in deaths. North Korea and Chinese casualties: 3 million. -
Korean War: Conflict Ends
Finally, after 2 years, an agreement was reached and a truce was signed by the time Dwight D. Eisenhower took his seat as the US president. Unfortunately, the 38th parallel prevails as the truce was only an armistice, not a peace treaty. In the end, South Korea was saved from communism but all sides suffered great losses. -
Vietnam War: Domino Theory
The domino theory was the US's foreign policy that justified their intervention in the Vietnam War. It was the belief that if communism were to gain victory in one nation, a chain reaction will occur, causing neighboring states to also fall under the influence of communism. All of this was stated in President Eisenhower's "domino theory" speech. -
Vietnam War: 17th Parallel
Officially known as the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone since the Geneva Conference, it served as the divide between North Vietnam and South Vietnam as well as the battleground for the Vietnam War. It ran from east-west to the center of present-day Vietnam with much of its zone in the South. -
Vietnam War: French
After Japan left its occupation of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh formed the Viet Ming in order to overthrow the French-educated Emperor Bao Dai. They were able to seize Hanoi while declaring the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Bao was backed by the French, Bao claimed South Vietnam with Saigon as the capital. The treaty of Geneva allowed for the 17th parallel. -
Vietnam War: Gulf of Tonkin
The incident happened at the Gulf of Tonkin when the US destroyer Maddox tangled with North Vietnamese torpedo boats. The same thing happened 2 days later, serving to fire up the public for the Vietnam War. Later, President Lyndon B. Johnson ordered air strikes and 180k ground troops into Vietnam. -
Interstate Highway System
Officially known as the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, Eisenhower signed the bill so that trafficking would be less congested. It also served to to speed up traffic and therefore permitting quick evacuation of targeted areas. -
Space Race: Sputnik
The Space Race began with the launch of Sputnik I by the Soviet Union. Being the size of a beachball, it was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth in an elliptical path. It was seen as a major technological achievement, catching America off-guard and made them believe that the Soviets were technologically more advanced (although all Sputnik did was beep). -
Space Race: NASA
With the launch of Sputnik I, the US, in their refusal to fall behind the Soviet Union, immediately began funding the nation for their own satellite project: the Explorer project. It was also because of its launch that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was formed to sponsor future space expeditions as well as hold information about space. -
Vietnam War: Ho Chi Minh Trail
This trail, the Ho Chi Minh Trail, served as logistical support to Vietcong and the North Vietnamese Army as a truck route that ran 16-kilometers across. Its purpose was to carry war supplies to the South as well as soldiers to the battlefield against US airstrikes. -
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Cuban Missile Crisis: Bay of Pigs
As a communist and ally to the Soviets, Fidel Castro overthrew Cuba's government during the Cuban Revolution. The US wasn't going to allow the spread of communist, so President John F. Kennedy sent 1500 trained soldiers to drive Cuban people to help rebel against Castro. Unfortunately, the Cubans were ready for the attack and the invasion failed. -
Atomic Boom: Fallout Shelters
The Cold War had everyone on their toes, especially in America. The danger of a nuke detonating on the nation was a very real threat and people believed that fallout shelters would be better than nothing if citizens were to survive an explosion. To protect themselves from the effects of radiation, fallout shelters were made to protect the public. -
To the Moon: John Glenn
NASA astronaut John Glenn has the opportunity to be on of America's first group of astronauts to orbit the Earth. Before him, Soviet cosmonauts already orbited the Earth including Yuri Gagarin as the first man in space. Glenn's spacecraft was named "Friendship 7" and made 3 orbits in 5 hrs before returning. -
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Vietnam War: Napalm and Agent Orange
Napalm was used by the US first in flamethrowers that set ablaze to vegetation in hopes that the Vietnamese wouldn't be able to use guerrilla warfare on them. It was then converted into bombs for air raids. Agent Orange was a toxic chemical made for intoxicating foods and drinks so that the Vietnamese could starve. -
To the Moon: Kennedy's Moon Speech
At Rice Stadium, President John. F. Kennedy makes his announcement to the public on his wish to land America on the moon first, making it a national effort to get a man to the Moon and back safely. The US refused to fall behind the Soviets in their race to space. -
Cuban Missile Crisis: Naval Quarantine
In an effort to avoid a full-scale invasion, President Kennedy issued a naval blockade at McNamara's suggestion. 500 miles outside of Cape Maysi, Cuba, a surface quarantine was established consisting of 12 destroyers and continued to stay even after Khrushchev issued a statement saying that the Soviets will remove their missiles from Cuba. -
Cuban Missile Crisis: Resolution
Kennedy and Khrushchev reached an agreement having successfully avoided war between the two. The Soviets agreed to remove the Russian missiles if the US were to respect Cuba's territorial sovereignty as well as remove their own missiles from turkey. The naval quarantine continued even after the agreement, ending on Nov. 20, 1962. -
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Vietnam War: Protests
As America began to see the realities of the Vietnam war, the public caused a rise to the anti-war movement, one of the highest in US history. 100s of 1000s young people took part of the nonviolent resistance using street theaters and industrial sabotage. This lead to a withdrawal of US force, then to the draft's suspension. -
Vietnam War: Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive was named after the Lunar New Year, Tet. The North and South went at each other in a series of attacks on over 100 cities in South Vietnam. The South, with US help, was able to defend themselves against the Communists. Back in America, news about the Tet Offensive shocked the public, further eroding their support for the war. -
Vietnam War: My Lai Massacre
The Vietnam War was definitely bloody with many horrific incidents. One of these incidents includes My Lai Massacre; when American soldiers which took out much of South VIetnam's population, leaving over 500 dead. Out of 14 suspected officers, 1 was convicted. The event served to hightened anti-war movements in America. -
Vietnam War: Nixon Elected
America was tired of the Vietnam War and honestly wished for it to end peacefully. In the Election of 1968, Nixon campaigned on a platform meant to appeal to the "silent majority" who "silently" supported the war efforts in Vietnam. His goal was to bring peace of American citizens; to cease fighting. His methods of doing so, unfortunately, lead to losing South Vietnam to the Communists. -
To the Moon: Apollo 11
In the US's race to the moon under John F. Kennedy, Apollo 11's mission was to land on the moon then safely return to Earth. Commanded by Module Pilot Michael Collins, Commander Niel Armstrong was watched by 530 million people on TV when he made the launch of the century. It was a successful mission and the aircraft splashed into the Pacific Ocean. -
Vietnam War: US Withdraws
America was at its peak with her anti-war movement and even elected Richard Nixon to replace Lyndon B. Johnson who chose to lead America deeper into the war in Vietnam. Nixon's policy was to use Vietnamization, which was to gradually reduce the number of US forces in South Vietnam so they could take over the fighting (though bombing was intensified). The public continued to protest their involvement, leading to signing a peace agreement with Vietcong, ceasing US involvment in the War. -
Vietnam War: War Powers Act
Passed by the House of Reps. and the Senate (but vetoed by President Nixon), the Act went into effect in order to restrict the president's use of the military. The executive branch was required to consult Congress before involving the US Army in foreign hostilities as to prevent "future Vietnams." -
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Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
It was a war between anti-communist Afghanistan and pro-communist Mujahideen (the Muslim rebels), so of course, the Soviets intervened and supported the side of the communists whereas the US supported the rebels. Soviet soldiers were untrained & were also fighting on unknown territory, making the Union look bad. Mikhail Gorbachev became the Soviet's leader and signed a peace treaty to end the war as the useless fighting was detrimental to their decreasing economy. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall built by the German Democratic Republic stood as the symbol of the Cold War. Made of barbed wire and concrete, it was meant to cut off West Berlin from East Germany and East Berlin. Nearing the end of the Cold War, President Ronal Reagon a gave a speech announcing for the tearing down of the wall to Mikhail Gorbachev. After it's destruction, Germany was reunified as one again. -
Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe
The fall of the Berlin Wall had a great impact on the hold of communism. Not only this, but the declaration was made between those in the Soviet Union, acknowledging former Soviet republics' independence. The Commonwealth of Independent States were then formed in the Soviet's place. Gorbachev left other communist nations of their own accord, claiming that the USSR would no longer be around to help them. This would ultimately lead to the dissolution of communism throughout Europe.
