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The Bay of Pigs Invasion

When Fidel Castro came into power over Cuba, he established firm ties with the Soviet Union. The US wanted to remove communism and establish a non-communist government there. They took help from Cuban exiles. These exiles had been trained, and they were led by Jose Miro Cardona. The plan was to use bombings to create diversions while 1400 troops would land in the bay to launch a surprise attack at night. Cuban citizens were expected to help the exiles and fight against Castro. The first problem occurred in the plan on April 15, 1961 when airstrikes failed to hit the correct targets. US involvement in the attack was also revealed. When the forces landed in the bay, they were greeted with attack and many ships and air support were lost immediately. Castro ordered more troops, and Kennedy in turn ordered planes to go help those. Time confusions, however, led to all of the US planes to be shut down. The invasion was shut down. The exiles that didn't flee or die were imprisoned. The captured people were returned back after millions of dollars worth of supplies were given to the Cubans. This had a huge impact on Kennedy administration. The battle between the US and Castro continued.

Causes: The Cubans under Fidel Castro developed communism and allied with the Soviets. This invasion was carried out by the CIA with the help of Cuban exiles to bring a non-communist government.

Events: The invasion took place, but a series of mistakes led to the US loss. The Cubans held the situation together, and took many exiles as prisoners.

Dates: April 17, 1961 was the day when the invasion was launched. 1959 Castro came to power. December 23, 1962, prisoners from the invasion came back to the US.

Individuals/Countries: US, Cuba, Soviet Union. President Kennedy. Fidel Castro. Jose Miro Cardona.

Outcome: The US faced a large defeat, and the Kennedy Administration faced a huge loss as well. Millions of dollars had to be spent to get prisoners back to the US. The struggle with Fidel Castro continued.

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Fall of the Soviet Union

In December of 1991, the Soviet Union officially split apart into 15 different countries, and the cold war came to an end. This collapse was the victory of democracy over totalitarianism and the victory of capitalism over socialism. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the former Russian Empire changed to a socialist nation called the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union had a centralized economy and political system. Many problems arose with this new ideology though. The many different nationalities present in the large empire didn't like the cultural assimilation that took place. Their economy failed to meet the needs of the nation. Finally, communism began to lose popularity as well as influence all over the world. The last Soviet Leader, Mikhail Gorbachev also made two main reforms that contributed to the collapse. The first one was freedom of speech and the second was rebuilding of the empire. Free speech had the worst impact as all of the people of the different parts of the Soviet Union began to speak up against the communist rule. The non-Russian parts of the Empire began to break apart. Soon, as more and more places broke off, the central government lost the ability to stop them. A coup was also organized to help save the Soviet Union, but after the military also changed sides, the coup organizers surrendered. Few months later, the Soviet Union broke off. A new entity was formed in its place called the "Commonwealth of Independent Republics." The 15 newly developed nations then worked to develop their economies, reorganize their politics, and also settle many disputes.

Causes: The many non-Russian ethnicities present in the Soviet Union began to reject the assimilation. The economy also failed to meet the needs of the state. Furthermore, communism lost its influence. When freedom of speech was given, that basically gave permission to criticize the government. So, people did exactly that.

Events: After people began to speak out, protests took place. Slowly, different non-Russian parts of the Soviet Union broke free. This weakened the Soviets. A coup was also organized, but they soon surrendered. Eventually, the entire empire broke into 15 different pieces.

Dates: December 1991, the Soviet Union officially broke into 15 different parts. Mikhail Gorbachev rose to power in 1985. The first movement to break free occurred in the Baltic region in 1987.

Individuals/Countries: Soviet Union, 15 countries that made up the Commonwealth of Independent Republics. Mikhail Gorbachev.

Outcome: This eventually led to the end of the Cold War. Furthermore, 15 independent nations formed in the territory of the Soviet Union. The Commonwealth of Independent Republics was also formed.

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Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a huge wall in the middle of the German capital of Berlin. This wall was a physical barrier that divided the Western capitalist part from Eastern communist part. This divide was done by the Soviet Union to distinguish from their controlled area from the other powers. By building this wall in imprisoning the people inside, the Soviets hoped to get the Western powers to agree to their demands. Instead, the other Allied powers, led by the US, simply airlifted materials into the blocked off city. Millions of Germans fled to the West in search for better lives. The wall was a symbol of the cold war and was constantly protected by guard dogs and soldiers ordered to shoot anyone trying to escape. Around 250 Germans were killed in attempts to flee, thousands were arrested, and about 5,000 succeeded. As Soviet rule in East Germany worsened, thousands of citizens protested and asked for freedom. East Germany became demoralized and bankrupt as well. Therefore, in order to ease the situation, travel restrictions were eased. As soon as this was made official, thousands of East Berliners made their way into the West. Berlin was officially united, and soon after, so was Germany.

Causes: The end of WWII led to a split of Germany and Berlin between the four allied powers. After losing the free elections, the Soviets in West Berlin walled off the city and imprisoned everyone inside. By doing this, the Soviets hoped that they would be able to get their wishes fulfilled.

Events: Overnight, the Berlin Wall was created, and all of the citizens of the city were trapped in there. During this blockade, the Berlin Airlift also occurred. Many people attempted to flee the Soviet rule, and some succeeded, while others failed. Eventually, after tensions in the wall increased, travel restrictions were lifted.

Dates: On August 12, 1961, the construction began just before midnight. By the dawn of August 13, the wall was complete. November 9, 1989, travel restrictions were eased.

Individuals/Countries: Berlin, Germany. Soviet Union. Joseph Stalin, Walter Ulbricht, Gunther Schabowski.

Outcome: Eventually, near the end of the cold war, the Berlin Wall fell and Germany and Berlin were soon united.

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Tiananmen Square Massacre

The Tiananmen Square Massacre took place as a response to protests being carried out against the People's Republic of China (PRC). The PRC chose to take care of the situation through force, and eventually led to the deaths of hundreds to thousands of students. The death of Hu Yaobang led to the protests. Hu was the General Pary Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party. Hu was believed to be a reformer and many people liked him a lot. He was forced to resign from his job because of his policies. When Hu died, proper respect was not given, and people protested against that. They wanted Hu to be officially recognized, and they also wanted other reforms. More and more people began to gather and most just wanted reforms to take place. Soon, the protests got more and more violent. Eventually, the government decided to take action through the use of the military. On June 2, the incident happened and hundreds to thousands of students died. Sanctions were soon placed on China, and protests took place all over the world. Those who left the protests early were either arrested, or they left to another country.

Causes: The death of Hu Yaobang was the direct cause of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

Events: Thousands of students gathered in Beijing, and specifically in Tiananmen Square to ask for reforms. Eventually, military force was used and hundreds to thousands of students were killed.

Dates: Hu Yaobang was forced to resign in 1987. Hu died in April 1989. On April 26, an editorial was published that said to use violence against the protesters. On June 2, 1989, the event occurred.

Individuals/Countries: China, US. Hu Yaobang, Deng Xiaoping.

Outcome: Hundreds of Thousands of people were killed. China gained a lot of hate from all over the world. The US placed sanctions on China immediately after the event occurred.

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The Marshall Plan

After WWII, most countries in Europe faced a lot of economic struggles. The US however, didn't face nearly as many conflicts. Economic and military support was already being given to European countries by the US. The UN was also providing support. At that time, George Marshall, promoted the Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program (ERP). This plan was to help rebuild the economies and spirits of Europe. This was also a way to prevent against the spread of communism. 16 nations were included, and 13 billion USD were spent in the form of food, staples, fuel, machinery, etc. Economies in Europe grew rapidly, and the connections established also led to the formation of NATO.

Causes: The WWII had devastated much of the economies of many European countries. The US remained relatively unharmed. This led to the formation of this plan.

Events: Billions of dollars were given to European countries in the form of food, supplies, and other important things. This significantly improved their economies.

Dates: January 1947, George Marshall was appointed Secretary of State. On June 5, 1947, George Marshall shared his plan to the world. The funding for the Marshall plan ended in 1951. European economies grew in the years 1948 to 1952.

Individuals/Countries: US, 16 European Nations. President Harry Truman, George Marshall.

Outcome: The economies of the European nations grew at huge rates. This eventually helped form NATO, and later on became one of the causes of the European Union.

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Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Eastern Germany 

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Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Eastern Germany 

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Formation of the Eastern Bloc

After WWII, the United States and the Soviet Union both became more concerned with self-preservation. After the War, the Soviet Union formed an alliance of countries on its Western Border that acted as a buffer zone from the West. The Soviet army controlled all of these countries, and they were referred to as the Eastern Bloc. These countries also developed communist beliefs and the Soviets had no desire to withdraw from the countries of the Eastern Bloc. Soon, Yugoslavia broke apart from the Eastern Bloc, and the Soviets didn't do much. When Eastern countries also feared the spread of communism, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed. This was viewed as a direct threat to the Soviets, and as a response, the Soviets created the Warsaw Pact with all countries of Eastern Europe except for Yugoslavia. The countries eventually began to break free from the Eastern Bloc in many ways. In 1989, the Eastern Bloc was fully dissolved.

Causes: After WWII, former allies United States and the Soviet Union looked more towards self-preservation. The Soviets wanted to protect their country from the west. This led them to establish an alliance on their Western border to protect from any possible invasions.

Events: The countries in the Eastern Bloc were all controlled by the Soviets and they also developed communism. As time went on though, countries began to break apart. The NATO and the Warsaw Pact were also formed as alliances for anti-communism and communism. Eventually though, the Soviets were not able to use internal pressure, martial law, or military invasion to keep the countries together. They all eventually broke apart.

Dates: WWII ends in 1945. China, Yugoslavia, and Albania adopt communism in 1940's. On April 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty was drafted. May 14, 1955, the Warsaw Pact was signed. 1989, the Eastern Bloc officially crumbled.

Individuals/Countries: US, Soviet Union, countries of the Eastern Bloc, countries in NATO, countries in Warsaw Pact, Germany.

Outcome: The Eastern Bloc was eventually dismantled. This also led to the formation of the NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

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Cuban Missile Crisis

The Soviet Union began to bring in more and more military equipment into Cuba. The installed SAM launch sites which were capable of shooting U-2 spy planes. President Kennedy at that time lost a lot of popularity in the US regarding Cuban policies, so he simply suggested to avoid flying U-2 planes directly over Cuba. Soon, it was confirmed that Nuclear Weapons were being placed in Cuba. Confusion arose, and President Kennedy called meetings to decide what to do. Many suggestions were put forth, but eventually, it was decided that a naval blockade of Cuba would take place. Army was also positioned to be able to invade when necessary. Soon, as the US began to block Cuba, Nikita Khrushchev asked the US for compromises. Eventually, missiles in Cuba were dismantled, and many other outcomes also followed. This was the first and only nuclear confrontation to take place between the US and the Soviets in the Cold War. This scared both sides and a big change occurred in the way the Cold War took place.

Causes: The Soviet Union began to bring many new weapons into Cuba. This originally began with the introduction of SAM launch sites to bring down U-2 spy planes. Eventually though, when nuclear missiles were introduced to Cuba, action was taken by the US.

Events: After nuclear presence was found, meetings took place to discuss what action must be taken. Many possible options were found, but it was decided that a naval blockade of Cuba will take place. Nikita Khrushchev eventually tries to compromise, and missiles in Cuba were dismantled.

Dates: September 1962, SAM launch sites were discovered. On 15 October 1962, long range missiles were On October 26, the second letter was sent by Khrushchev to Kennedy. Third letter was sent on October 27.

Individuals/Countries: US, Soviet Union, Cuba. Nikita Khrushchev, President Kennedy.

Outcome: Soviets dismantled the missiles in Cuba, and the US removed all nuclear missiles from Turkey and Italy. A direct communication link was established between the two nations, and a test ban treaty was signed. Prisoners from the Bay of Pigs invasion were exchanged for 60 million dollars in materials. The Soviets were determined to become as capable as the US in nuclear power. The gap between China and the Soviet Union also increased. The US also began to believe that the Soviets wouldn't go to war over another communist nation.

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Soviet War in Afghanistan

As the Cold War continued, more and more fear arose of the use of atomic bombs. Furthermore, many spy missions also took place in the United States and the Soviet Union as well. The Soviet-Afghan war was a conflict between the Marxist government and the Islamist Mujahedeen government. The Soviets quickly moved their troops in Afghanistan and also isolated Kabul (the Capital city). The Soviet presence began to grow, and they carried out many attacks against the Afghans. The Soviets soon began to occupy major cities and communication routes, while the Afghans split into small groups and fought Guerrilla Warfare. The war soon also made its way into Pakistan. Soviets began to take more control over the Afghans, but the Mujahedeen's continued to fightback mainly through sabotaging Soviet places. Eventually, the US, UK, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, PRC, and many other countries began to support the Afghan resistance. Financial support, training, as well as information derived from spies were given in form of support. Ground support in terms of armies were generally limited. In the last phase of the war, the Soviets prepared to withdraw from Afghanistan. Mainly defensive operations were carried out except for Operation Magistral. The Soviet withdrawal was generally peaceful.

Causes: Leading up to this conflict, countries all over the world were in constant fear of an atomic attack. Many spy missions were also carried out by the Soviets and the US as well. Eventually, Soviet invasion of Afghanistan caused other countries to also get involved.

Events: Soviet forces rapidly made their ways in Afghanistan and were able to conquer and isolate Kabul. Their presence increased, and continued to fight the Mujahedeen's. However, the Mujahedeen's were able to resist. As the Soviets conquered more and more territory, the Afghans also fought back in the form of sabotage. Eventually, foreign involvement led the Soviets to withdraw.

Dates: On December 7, 1979, the war began. Soviet troops landed in Kabul on December 25. The year 1985 became the bloodiest year of the entire conflict. In the mid 1980's, international countries showed support towards resistance movements.

Individuals/Countries: US, Soviet Union, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and various other countries. The Mujahedeen government. CIA, KGB.

Outcome: The Soviets were not successful in gaining control over Afghanistan. International relations also decreased for the Soviets, as most other countries supported Afghanistan.

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Chinese Communist Revolution

The Chinese communist revolution was the conflict between the Communist Party of China and the Kuomintang (KMT), who were Chinese nationalists. After the end of WWII, neither of the powers were in conflict with the Japanese. The Soviets supported the Communist Party led by Mao Zedong. The US supported the KMT led by Chiang Kai-Shek. In the war, however, the KMT had an unfair advantage because they lost a lot of people in wars against Japan. The communists didn't contribute as much as they claim to. In the beginning, the KMT won majority of the battles, but the Communists eventually showed greater power and eventually also conquered Beijing. The People's republic of China was also founded. This led the KMT and millions of people to leave China and move to Taiwan. Communist victory in China also gave fear to many worldwide. This revolution was also one of the first conflicts in the Cold War. Eventually, relations between China and Russia also worsened, and China gave Russia a communist rival.

Causes: After the end of WWII, neither the communists or the KMT were focused on fighting the Japanese. This led them both to want more control over the country as they had very contrasting beliefs.

Events: When the fight for power originally began, the communists suffered many defeats. As time went on though, the KMT forces began to weaken and the communists gained control of Beijing. Eventually, the KMT and millions of other citizens fled to Taiwan.

Dates: 1949, Beijing collapsed to the communist favor. In October 1949, People's Republic of China was officially declared by Mao Zedong.

Individuals/Countries: China, United States, Soviet Union. Mao Zedong.

Outcome: The Communists eventually gained control over China, and the KMT along with other refugees moved to Taiwan. China also gave Russia competition from another communist country.

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Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a conflict between nationalist forces (who wanted to make Vietnam a communist nation) and the United States (who wanted to prevent this). Vietnam had struggled for many years, and were at one point being ruled by the French and the Japanese. At this time, Vietnamese,  revolutionary ruler Ho Chi Minh, established an independent nation in Vietnam (formally named Democratic Republic of Vietnam). Ho Chi Minh tried to gain support from the US, but US supported the French in fear of the spread of communism. Eventually, the French stepped out of the war and at the Geneva Conference of 1954, Vietnam was temporarily split up into North (communist) and the South (non-communist). Elections held in Vietnam were not supported by the US, and only the south held elections. This had negative outcomes though, and a communist group called Viet Cong was born. As more fighting erupted between the South and the communists, US troops were sent to Vietnam. The US did not fully intervene at first, and wanted to just give support so that the non-communists can take back over. Fighting was very tough in the jungles especially against the Viet Cong. They knew the area better and had an upper hand over US troops. The North then organized an attack on the South, and this was very bad. The enemy was too strong, and eventually, the US decided to no longer escalate the war. President Nixon eventually began the process of pulling US troops out of Vietnam. Eventually, without the aid of the US, the south became too weak and surrendered.

Causes: Decades of fighting had been ongoing in Vietnam, and after both the French and the Japanese controlled them, things got out of hand. Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam independent, but the French fought back. When the French wanted to quit the war, the country was temporarily split into two parts (north - communist and south - non-communist).

Events: The north began to invade the south to unite under communism. The US intervened, but the war proved too difficult. Eventually, the US also left the war, and the south became too weak in front of the north.

Dates: Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam independent on September 2, 1945. US sends aid to France in 1950. In 1954, France pulls out of Vietnam. First ground troops sent to Vietnam by US in March 1965. January 30, 1968, surprise attack was carried out by the north. US troops left Vietnam on March 29, 1973. On July 2, 1976, Vietnam was united under a communist leadership.

Individuals/Countries: France, Japan, US, Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh, President Johnson, President Nixon, Viet Cong.

Outcome: The north was successful in changing the south and reuniting the country. US intervention was questioned, especially by US citizens. A communist country was formed in Vietnam.

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The Korean War

North Korea, a communist nation, led a war to invade South Korea, a democratic nation. South Korea was able to resist and fight back with the help of the United States and the backing of the UN. The conflict began when the Korean Peninsula was split up after WWII. The US controlled the south and the Soviets controlled the north. When these two nations got independence, the north became communist and the south became democratic. Both wanted to unite under their specific belief. The north was unsuccessful at first, but with Chinese intervention, they gained territory. A constant tug of war situation then occurred. Eventually, after a long stalemate, an agreement was made to stop the fighting. Millions of lives were lost, and to this day, the border remains as one of the most heavily militarized borders. South Korea went to for one of the most powerful economies, while North Korea remained in isolation.

Causes: After Korea was liberated from Japan in 1945, it was split into two parts. The north, controlled by the Soviets, and the south, controlled by the US. Each power gained independence and the north became communist, and the south became democratic. Eventually, desires developed among both sides to unite under 1 ideology.

Events: The north invaded the south which led the US and UN to send aid to South Korea. China and Russia supported North Korea. Millions of people died in the war in a constant tug of war over territory.

Dates: War fought from June 1950 to July 1953. Korea was liberated in 1945. North Korea invaded on June 25, 1950. China joined the war on October 1950. Armistice went into affect on July 27, 1953.

Individuals/Countries: US, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, China, United Nations, Japan.

Outcome: The country remained split into two parts: the north and the south. The border continues to be heavily guarded and relations are not so strong. North Korea continued to be a communist and isolated themselves. South Korea remained a democracy and became one of the strongest economies today.

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Cuban Revolution

The Cuban Revolution was the thing that first brought the Cold War to the Western Hemisphere. A lot of US industries were present in Cuba which led the US to face economic hardships. Fidel Castro's mission to overthrow the Cuban dictator was a success. The US placed many sanctions on Cuba at this time, and this led Cuba to ask the Soviet Union for help. Cuba soon gave the Soviets a way to keep an eye on US activities in Texas and Florida. Millions of dollars and other military equipment was given to Cuba. Castro also declared Cuba a Marxist-Leninist country, and the US as well as many Cubans didn't like this. The CIA also carried out a surprise attack on Cuba, but it failed, and US took a lot of hate from many countries around the world.

Causes: Cuba had been under the rule of a corrupt dictator by the name of Fulgencio Batista. He maintained power through the help of the US, and US businesses invested a lot in Cuba. Many Cubans didn't appreciate this.

Events: Fidel Castro and his supporters overthrew Batista. The Soviets also came to help Cuba which brought new threats and the entire Cold War to the Western Hemisphere.

Dates: In Year 1959, the Cuban Revolution happened. In 1960, connections became stronger between Cuba and the Soviet Union. December 1961, Cuba was declared Marxist-Leninist. April 1961, CIA attacked Bay of Pigs.

Individuals/Countries: US, Cuba, the Soviet Union. Fulgencio Batista, Fidel Castro, President Kennedy.

Outcome: Cuba was successful in overthrowing the dictatorship. Their alliance with the Soviets also brought new threats to the Western Hemisphere. America faced a defeated invasion and anti-American demonstrations took place in major cities around the world.

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Germany Post War Occupation and Division

After the German Surrender in WWII, the entire country, and the city of Berlin were split up by the winning powers in WWII. The Allies split up Germany and Berlin if four zones, each governed by one of them: US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union. The split of the country after the war had been discussed many times in previous conferences of the Big Three. The split that was created led many people to move and mass migration happened. Millions of refugees made their ways to the East and many died in the process. The occupying powers also received reparations in the form of goods and industrial equipment. Germany military was also shut down. All of the zones were collectively governed by the Allied Control Council (ACC). The ACC relied on the cooperation of the separate military governors.

Causes: The surrender of the German armed forces allowed the winning allies to take control over German Territory.

Events: Germany was divided into 4 main parts each controlled by one of the following: US, UK, France, the Soviet Union. ACC was formed to oversee all events, but they held no real power.

Dates: May 8, 1945, Germany surrenders. June 5, 1945, allies claim supreme control over German territory.

Individuals/Country: US, UK, France, Soviet Union, Germany.

Outcome: Germany was split up into 4 parts, and all of the 4 powers decided how to control their territory.

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Berlin Blockade / Airlift

After WWII, Germany was split up into control over the 4 main powers: US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union. Germany's capital, Berlin was also split up in the same way. The Soviets were especially fearful that West Germany would gain power and freedom and push the Soviets out of the territory. The UK and the US were convinced that the West German state was needed, and they were to draft their own constitution and establish a form of currency. Stalin refused this, and on June 23-24, 1948, West Berlin was cut off from outside influence. The people in the city couldn't last long without supplies, so things needed to be done quickly. Therefore, the other three powers began to airlift supplies into West Berlin. Thousands of tons of supply were moved daily. The soviets were unsuccessful in stopping the planes, because doing so might lead to war. The Berlin Airlift was a huge success, and Stalin was eventually forced to lift the blockade. This was the first open conflict between the US and the Soviet Union.

Causes: Germany was split up into four powers, and the Soviets feared loss of control.

Events: Soviets blockaded West Berlin, and airlift was done to give resources to people in the city.

Dates: Blockade was issued on night of June 23-24, 1948. Blockade was lifted on May 12, 1949.

Individuals/Countries: US, UK, France, Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin.

Outcome: Airlift was a huge success, and the Soviets lifted the blockade.