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UN is formed
The United Nations was created after WWII to maintain international peace, security, and promote cooperation. It was created by 50 nations that signed the UN Charter in San Francisco, CA. -
The Truman Doctrine
A U.S. policy that aimed to stop the spread of communism. It made a promise to bring economic aid to countries trying to resist communist influence, like Turkey and Greece. -
“Hollywood Ten”
A group of film directors and screenwriters who blacklisted after refusing to testify about their alleged ties to communism. They were then thrown in jail and banned from working in Hollywood. -
The Marshall Plan
April 3, 1948 - December 31, 1951
A plan created by the U.S. to provide economic aid to Western Europe in the aftermath of WWII. It aimed to rebuild economies and prevent the spread of communism in the West. It was planned as a 4-year policy, but eventually ended early because of the Korean War and manufacturing in Western Europe. -
NATO was formed
NATO was formed as a defense alliance against the Soviet Union after WWII. The U.S. saw NATO as a way to scare off Soviet aggression and help political alliances in Europe. -
The Korean War
June 25, 1950 - July 23, 1953
The Korean War started after North Korea invaded South Korea to attempt to unify both countries under communist rule. The war ended with an armistice and not under peace, leaving Korea divided to this day and a DMZ, which is a demilitarized zone, between the two countries. -
The Space Race
The space race was a Cold War competition between the Soviet Union and the U.S. to demonstrate which country had superiority in space exploration and technology. It started after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik and the U.S. responded by starting its space program. This race stemmed from the broader Cold War arms race, in which both countries were aiming for more technological advancements. -
Bay of Pigs
April 17, 1961 - April 20, 1961
The Bay of Pigs was a failed invasion by Cuban exiles, whom the CIA backed, that aimed to overthrow Fidel Castro. -
Construction of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was built by the East German government to prevent its citizens from escaping to West Berlin. The biggest reason was the large-scale emigration of East German citizens from East Berlin to West Berlin and eventually, West Germany. -
U.S. enters the Vietnam War
1965 - 1975
The U.S. officially entered the Vietnam War after President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to South Vietnam. The goal of the war was to stop the spread of communism, but eventually it became extremely long and costly to all countries involved. The U.S. withdrew forces in 1973, and the war ended with North Vietnam taking over in 1975. -
Soviet Union invades Afghanistan
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to support the Afghan communist government against the Muslim guerrillas. This action taken by the Soviets escalated the Cold War. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
East Germany's government announced at a press conference that the borders would be opened at midnight, and the news spread quickly; and thousands rushed to the border. Border guards were overwhelmed and reluctantly allowed people to pass.