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Berlin airlift
The Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin in an attempt to force the United States, Britain, and France out of the city. In response, the United States launched the Berlin Airlift, which involved flying in essential supplies to the city -
The Soviet Union tests its first atomic bomb
Soviet Union tested its first atomic bomb, ending the United States' monopoly on nuclear weapons. The test was a shock to U.S. policymakers, who feared that the Soviet Union would use its new nuclear capabilities to challenge American dominance around the world. -
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Korean war
North Korean troops crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. The United States responded by committing troops to the region, which eventually led to a full-scale war. A sign of American's commitment on containing the spread of communism. -
Battle of Dien Bien Phu
The French suffer a major defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam, leading to the Geneva Accords and the partition of Vietnam into a communist North and a non-communist South. -
Guatemala coup
The United States backed a coup in Guatemala that overthrew the democratically-elected government of President Jacobo Árbenz. The coup was carried out by a group of Guatemalan exiles who were supported by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The coup was seen as a victory for the United States in its efforts to contain communism in Latin America. -
Hungarian uprising
In November 1956, a popular uprising broke out in Hungary against Soviet control. The uprising was brutally suppressed by Soviet troops, which solidified the Soviet Union's control over Eastern Europe. Seen as a failure of US containment in Europe.