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Creation of the "Iron Curtain"
This term was first used by Winston Churchill to describe the symbolic, and later literal, boundary between the democratic West and Communist East, positing the Soviets at the center. What is the Iron Curtain? (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016, from http://www.justinegosling.com/iron-curtain/ -
The Marshall Plan
This European economic recovery plan was written by then-Secretary of State, George Marshall. It proven successful and Europe's economy rebounded after WW2. The Soviets, however, viewed the plan as the US attempting to interfere and restructure European economy to better suit its own needs. History.com Staff. (2009). Marshall Plan. Retrieved July 13, 2016, from http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/marshall-plan -
Berlin Airlift
The Berlin Airlift resulted from a travel ban imposed on Germany by Russia. All means of transport, except air, was cut off. The US and British responded to this by flying in necessities "every three minutes, day and night". Almost a year later Stalin lifted the ban, casting the Soviet Union in a negative light. The US appeared strong, which motivated many countries to move to its side. The cold war. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016, from http://thekholdwar.weebly.com/ -
NATO Established
Established by 12 countries, this alliance was formed in response to Soviet aggression and greatly increased the United States' presence in Europe. NATO established. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/nato-established -
Korean War
At the conclusion of WW2 Korea was divided; the Northern part belonged to the Soviets and the Southern section to the US. In 1950 the Northern forces, aided by the Soviets, invaded the South. The US quickly responded, pushing the Northern forces back to the 38th parallel, which was the original dividing line. Australia's involvement in the Korean War. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016, from http://korean-war.commemoration.gov.au/cold-war-crisis-in-korea/ -
Warsaw Pact Formed
This 7 nation alliance was formed in response to NATO and its interest in including West Germany among their member countries. The Soviets knew this would strengthen the US military presence, therefore the Warsaw Pact was written. -
Sputnik Crisis
Sputnik refers to a satellite orbiting the Earth. It was launched by the Soviet Union, prompting American panic regarding their technological superiority, and therefore, their nuclear abilities. Sputnik. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016, from http://history.nasa.gov/sputnik/ -
U-2 Incident
On this date a US pilot, F. Gary Powers, was shot down by a Soviet missile. This event is important to the Cold War because it was the first time the Russians had used torture on an American and kept him prisoner until his release in 1962. The American public was furious, and tensions between the countries escalated. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
This event was the closest any nation in history has come to initiating a nuclear war. The US discovered that the Soviets had nuclear weapons in Cuba, prompting immediate US military mobilization. After a tense two weeks the two nations agreed to remove their nuclear weapons from their current positioning and a crisis line between the countries was established. Cuban Missile Crisis. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016, from http://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/Cuban-Missile-Crisis.aspx -
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War resulted from conflict between North and South Vietnam regarding communism. The North were aided by the Soviets and the South by the US. www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war -
Soviet Afghan War
This war lasted nine years and was fought between the Soviet-led communist Afghan army and many rebel forces who were backed by the US. It is another example of the two countries indirectly attacking each other. As a result of this war, millions of Afghan civilians died or were forced to flee to neighboring Pakistan. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016, from http://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2014/08/the-soviet-war-in-afghanistan-1979-1989/100786/ -
Perestroika and Glasnost
Meaning restructuring and openness, respectively, these policies began huge changes in Russia. Initiated by President Gorbachev, these programs enabled the beginning of the end of the Cold War. -
Berlin Wall Falls
The Berlin Wall was a symbol of communism and tension between the two nations. When the new leader of East Germany lifted restrictions on travel, his message was misinterpreted and East Germans attempted to flee. Confused border guards opened the wall, allowing unrestricted travel between both sides. The wall eventually was dismantled, signaling the end of the Cold War. History.com Staff. (2009). Berlin Wall. Retrieved July 13, 2016, from http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/berlin-wall -
Soviet Union Collapses, Yeltsin Becomes President
Although the events preceding this date are much more significant in terms of actual action, this is the symbolic date the Soviet Union fell. Gorbachev resigned his presidency and Yeltsin assumed control of a newly independent nation. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1989-1992/collapse-soviet-union -
Non-Proliferation Treaty
The goal of this treaty was to prevent the use of nuclear weapons and promote positive nuclear energy sharing. The five countries possessing nuclear capabilities signed, thus easing some of the tension between the Russians and Americans. 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, 3-28 May 2010. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016, from http://www.un.org/en/conf/npt/2010/npttext.shtml
