Date: June 24, 1948 – May 12, 1949

Overview: The Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin, leading to the Allies launching a massive airlift to supply the city with food and necessities. This event highlighted the tensions between the democratic West and the communist East.

Date: June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953

Overview: North Korean forces, supported by China and the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea. The United Nations, led by the United States, intervened to support South Korea. The war ended in an armistice, with the Korean Peninsula remaining divided along the 38th parallel.

Date: October 16-28, 1962

Overview: The United States discovered Soviet ballistic missiles in Cuba, leading to a tense standoff. The crisis brought the superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. Eventually, the U.S. and Soviet Union reached an agreement, and the missiles were removed from Cuba.

Date: November 1, 1955 – April 30, 1975

Overview: The conflict between communist North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, and non-communist South Vietnam, backed by the United States and its allies. The war ended with the fall of Saigon and the reunification of Vietnam under communist control.

Date: December 24, 1979 – February 15, 1989

Overview: The Soviet Union intervened in Afghanistan to support the communist government against a growing insurgency. The conflict drew in the United States and other Western countries, with the mujahideen receiving support. The Soviet withdrawal marked the end of a costly and unsuccessful intervention.