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Vietnam War
Communists in North Asia (aka Vietcong) sought to unite Vietnam under one socialist flag. The Vietcong, partially endorsed by the USSR, fought western-backed south Asia. Fearing the spread of communism, the United States later entered the war to support the south. In the US, protests against the war movement became increasingly problematic. Eventually, the US had to withdraw from the War. The war technically resulted in North Vietnam's victory; however, both sides experienced significant losses. -
1960 Presidential Election
In the 1960 Presidential Election, former Vice President and Republican nominee, Richard Nixon, ran against the Democratic nominee, John F. Kennedy. The election resulted in Kennedy's victory. However, Historians speculate that Nixon lost because he came across poorly during the first televised presidential debate. -
Bay of Pigs
In April of 1961, the CIA launched an attack on Cuba in an attempt to remove its newly established communist leader, Fidel Castro. The attack took place during the Kennedy administration and ultimately failed. Due to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, the Soviet Union allied with Cuba and sent missiles into Cuba. It could be argued that the Bay of Pigs indirectly caused the Cuban Missile Crisis that nearly resulted in a nuclear war. -
First Man in Space
As a result of the Space Race that took place during the Cold War, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin became the first human being to travel into space in 1961. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
In 1962, the Soviet Union covertly moved some of its missiles into Cuba to help protect them against another attack from the United States. When President Kennedy found out, it took a great deal of negotiating between the two sides to find a peaceful solution. The Cuban Missile crisis was the height of the Cold War and almost resulted in a nuclear war. The conflict finally ended when the USSR agreed to remove their missiles if the US agreed not to invade Cuba. -
"I Have A Dream"
Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I have a dream" speech in August of 1963. Martin Luther delivered his speech during the March on Washington for jobs and freedom. He called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States. -
Kennedy's Assasination
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, at 12:30 in the afternoon. He was riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, on a campaign visit when Lee Harvey Oswald shot him. -
First Man on the Moon
As a result of the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon in 1969.
