-
The Yalta Conference- The Power of Three
The Yalta Conference is the gathering of the Big Three to establish an agenda for the governing post-war Europe. The US wanted the USSR to join with the Allies; UK wanted free elections and democratic governments in Eastern and Central Europe; and the USSR wanted a sphere of influence in Eastern and Central Europe. This event was a big deal because many believe it was the beginning of the Cold War, due to the USSR breaking their part of the agreement. -
The Iron Curtain Speech- Winter is Coming
Previous Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, made a speech condemning the Soviet's policies in Europe. This speech created an "iron curtain" that separated democratic and communist Europe, but also started the Cold War. -
The Marshall Plan- Fighting Fire with Money
The Marshall Plan, or the European Recovery Plan (ERP), was America's way of fighting communism without engaging in an actual war. America spent $12 billion, or $120 billion in today's value, to accomplish this. -
Berlin Airlift- Planes Keep Out, We have Walls
At the end of WWII, the US, British, and Soviet forces occupied Germany; but the Soviets had Berlin. During the Cold War, the Soviets built a wall separating East and West Berlin so that the Allies couldn't give supplies to East Berlin to remove communism in Germany, but their attempt failed pathetically. The Allies flew supplies over the wall to East Berlin. This was called to Berlin Airlift. This was a big deal because it prevented more of Germany from falling to communism. -
NATO- Military Alliance to Win a Non-Combat War
Nato, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance created to provide a collective security against the Soviet Union. This was a peacetime military alliance created to defeat and prevent the spread of communism. It was the first peacetime alliance the US entered. -
McCarthyism- Stay Calm and Accuse Americans of Communism
McCarthyism is the practice of accusing one of treason without regard for evidence, sometimes for self-gain. Joseph McCarthy started this practice, trying for nearly five years to expose communist and potential "loyalty risks" during the Cold War and Red Scare. Some believe he did this for political gain. In response to this, many started panicking and accusing others of being communists. This was important because it destroyed many people's lives. -
President Truman Fires MacArthur- An Office Fire in the White House
President Truman relieved MacArthur of his duties due to a difference of views relating to the Korean War. MacArthur wanted to attack the People's Republic of China but Truman, fearing nuclear war, disagreed and fired MacArthur. -
The Hydrogen Bomb in the Pacific- An Explosion of Military Power
The US, in search of the next advantage against the Soviets, sets off the worlds first thermonuclear weapon, called the Hydrogen Bomb, giving them what they wanted. The Soviet Union wasn't that far behind in creating the same bomb. It was a big deal because it made the possibility of war even more terrifying. -
Stalin Dies- The Death of a Killer
At 73, Joseph Stalin died, having suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. Despite causing the death of about 50 million of his own people during 1924-53, many still wept and mourned his death. -
Rosenberg Executed- The Conviction of Russian Spies and American Traitors
The Rosenberg's were Americans who were caught giving bomb and other Military information to the Soviets. They were transferred to a prison with an electric chair where they executed. This event was a bid deal because they were the first executed for attempting espionage . -
Geneva Conference- A War Put Off, Another Day's Problem
The purpose of the Geneva Conference was to attempt to settle issues in Korea. Because the war between North and South Korea was never really completed, tension still exists today. The conference existed in the first place as a result of the war and in response to conference, there is a weak form of place instead of an unending war. This event is important because it split the Korean peninsula into two parts. -
Warsaw Pact- Communist Version of NATO
The Soviet Union, feeling threatened by statements made by NATO, created the Warsaw Pact with seven communist-influenced European countries. The Warsaw Pact gave the Soviet Union control over the other European country's militaries. -
Explorer 1 Launched- Start of The Space Age
The Explorer 1 is the first US satellite, which was launched to participation in the International Geophysical Year. Explorer 1 was the first of over 90 satellites to follow. It was created because the Soviet union had sent out two of their own satelites, called Sputnik 1 and 2. The Soviet Union started the Cold War Space Race. The launch of the Explorer 1 was also important for those reasons. -
NASA Created- Weapons Against the Aliens
NASA, or National Aeronautics and Space Administration, was created as a result of the Space Race between the US and the Soviet Union. It's founder is Dwight D. Eisenhower, who started the company to develop space technology for military purposes. -
Cuban Revolution- An Ally Lost to Our Enemy
The revolution in Cuba was an armed revolt against the authoritarian government, lead by Fidel Castro. The rebels won and the US had to decide how to deal with the rebels; the US had supported Cuba's previous leader. Meanwhile, Castro had allied Cuba with the Soviet Union and the US decided to go hostile. This was a big deal because it meant we lost an ally to our enemy and their location in relation to us was much closer. -
U-2 Incident- An Unsuccessful Peek at the Enemy
An American U-2 plane was shot down in Soviet airspace while they were trying to spy on the Soviet Union, a plan that Dwight Eisenhower approved of. The mission proved that the Soviets were far less advanced than they let on, so the mission went on for 13 years. However, once the Soviets developed a long-range weapon, they shot down Gary Power's U-2 plane. -
Bay of Pigs- Cubans to the Slaughter
After Fidel Castro successfully over threw the American-backed Cuban leader, America fought to rid Castro of his power. One way they did this is by training the cubans who fled from their homes and send them to fight Castro. However, they were out numbered and outmatched; they surrendered after 24 hours. This eventually lead to the Cuban Missile Crisis. This event is important because it caused even further growing tensions in the Cold War. -
The Soviet Union Sends Someone into Space- A Feat without Feet
Another feat from the Soviet Union in the Space Race, Gargrin (the man sent to space) became a celebrity and hero to the Soviets. By the time the US could make three rotations around the Earth, the Soviets had made 27 in less than 25 hours. -
Cuban Missile Crisis- The Line Snaps
It was discovered that there were missiles armed with nuclear bombs by an American U-2 plane flying to spy on the opposing forces. The US responded by setting a blockade around Cuba, showing we were willing to use force if need be. The Soviets agreed to remove their missiles if the US would back off and remove their missiles in Turkey; they agreed. This is a big deal because the threat of Cuba was diminished. -
Kennedy Assassinated
President Kennedy was going on a 10 mile motorcade through the streets of Dallas Texas when he was shot. The shooter was identified as Harvey Oswald, who allegedly fired three shots.
