-
The Marshall Plan
The Marshall PlanOn this day in history, Secretary of State George C. Marshall introduced The Marshall Plan. This plan was to help rebuild war-torn Europe in the hopes of keeping it from slipping under the influences of Communism. The plan additionally stimulated the United States' economy by creating markets for American products. This event was significant because it established U.S. foreign aid programs and strengthened foreigh policy. Also, with over $12 billion of funding it improved European economies. -
Berlin Airlift (slide 6)
Berlin Blockade/Airlift (Slide 6)The United States begins the Berlin Airlift aiding the city with supplies necessary for survival by air dropping because Stalin has previously issued the Berlin Blockade. This Airlift is important because it begins and strengthens the divide between the Allied Powers- Western nations against the Soviet Union. -
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is formed
The Western nations signed a pact agreeing to protect one another in terms of war and to treat an attack on any individual country as an attack on all of them. This alliance was formed due to a fear of the Soviet Union and Communism. The treaty waas important because it helped solidify the political division of Europe and took U.S. foreign policy in a new direction by aligning our country with a safety net of support if war were to break out. -
McCarthy's Anti-Communist Crusade (slide 9)
Second Red Scare Senator Joseph McCarthy began capitalizing on Americans' fear of Communism. During this month he gave a speech proclaiming there were Communist spies and traitors in the U.S. government. This was an important event in history because it caused Americans to question the government and left them with no one to trust while allowing liars like McCarthy to move up in their political ranks. -
Korean War (slide 8)
The Cold War was seeping into Asia by the 1950's and the Korean War began on this day when North Korea attacked South Korea. This war, atlthough seemingly between Koreas, was also a fight against Communism and was once again the United States versus the Soviet Union. This war was important because it brought the idea of nuclear weapons to the forefront as an option for solving conflicts. The Korean War also made it clear that Communism and the Cold War would not be solved in any time soon. -
WARSAW Pact Formation
The WARSAW PactThe Soviet Union signed an alliance with other Communist countries to counter the formation of NATO and to maintain control over these Communist states. Their alliance was made, like NATO, for wartime security and support. This was an important event because it proved that the Soviets felt threatened by the Western nations and were willing to fight back. -
Start of the Space Race (slide 10)
The Soviets launched Sputnik to start the Space Race, another dimension of the conflict between the United States and the Soviets. This surprising event was worrisome because the Soviets were gaining power and this could lead to them winning the Cold War. This was important because it motivated Americans to learn more about space and science and even pushed them to land the first man on the moon- all in order to "beat" the Soviets and prove that the United States was still on top. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion (slide 14)
This event was one of the most embarrassing failed operations in U.S. history. President Kennedy attempted to take down Castro, the Communist leader of Cuba, by sending in a CIA mission with the Cuban exile brigade. It was highly unsuccessful because Castro knew they were coming and the brigade was forced to surrender. This was important because it led to a further run-in with Cuba known as the Cuban Missile Crisis and also was an attempt to take out one of the Soviet's allies in Communism. -
Cuban Missile Crisis (slide 17 & 18)
The United States noticed that the Soviets were constructing launching services for missles in Cuba and President Kennedy was determined to deal with it. He announced to Americans on this day what the Soviets were up to. Luckily, after a 13 day standoff the U.S. and the Soviets were able to come to an agreement. This was an important event because it was the closest two world powers ever came to nuclear war and it was something the U.S. and the Soviets were able to resolve civilly. -
Nixon's Foreign Policy with China
In February of 1972 Nixon was able to visit China, a Communist power, and have open discussions with their government to form a better foregin policy relationship. This event was important because it encouraged the Soviet Union to reach out to Nixon and began discussions that led to the SALT treaties and further arms reduction agreements between the two enemies. Both of these negotiations were foreign policy wins for Nixon because they began vital discussions with huge Communist world powers. -
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is Signed
The United States and Soviet Union agreed to reduce their massive amounts of nuclear weapons. These weapons were all destroyed and both sides agreed to regularly inventory each others forces to make sure they had abided the treaty. This was important because it involved trust between the two countries that had not been there all throughout the war and it also diminished the threat of nuclear war that had scared the world. The treaty went into affect on June 1, 1988. -
Fall of Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War- a literal wall separating the Anti-Communists from the Communists. The wall divided Berlin, restricing East Berlin people from leaving and escaping to the West. When the government announced that the travel restrictions between the two halves of the city were to be lifted, Berlin was rejoined, marking the end of the conflict and signaling the end of the war. -
US and Soviet Leaders Sign START I
The U.S. and the Soviet Union begin discussing an agreement to reduce their weapons. This treaty was officially ratified on December 5, 1994. The treaty called for a massive reduction of weapons in a three phase process. This arrangement was important because it continued the civil discussion between the two countries, allowing each to monitor the others arms, and has lasted (with modifications) up until the present day.
