Cold War Timeline by GAVIN SAUPE

Yalta (Ялта) Conference Drafts Post-war Plan (Feb 1945)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-17 19:34:28 UTC

FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt), Joseph Stalin, and Winston Churchill held a meeting to decide the best course of action for Europe now that Germany was Defeated. The Soviets were granted land in Asia and economic influence in China in exchange for joining the fight against Japan.

Two Nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Aug 1945)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-17 19:49:31 UTC

On August 6th, 1945 the United States drops the first nuclear bomb(nicknamed Little Boy) on Hiroshima, Japan, completely leveling the city with the biggest explosion ever seen at the time. Three days later, the U.S. dropped another bomb called Fat Man on Nagasaki, Japan, the destruction was so severe that Japen surrendered. Both bombs leveled 2 cities and killed over 300,000 people.

Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech in Fulton, MO (March 5th, 1946)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-17 19:52:41 UTC

Winston Churchill gives his famous "Iron Curtain" speech. This speech outlined the dangers of Russian aggression.

Truman Doctrine first applied in the Greek Civil War (Mar 12th, 1947)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-18 18:35:19 UTC

The Truman Doctrine was applied for the first time to the Greek Civil War. The Doctrine was created to Ally with non-communist parties in other countries to prevent communists from taking power and preventing the spread of communism. This gave $400 million to Greece and Turkey, who were both in civil wars against a communist party.

The Marchall Plan is announced to rebuild Europe (June 1947)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-18 18:39:21 UTC

George C. Marshall announces his plan to send economic aid to Ally-controlled areas of Europe to help Europe rebuild. Billions of dollars are given to Europe without needing to be repaid. The only stipulation is that the money can only be spent on American products. Further blocking the spread of communism.

Berlin Blockade and Airlift begin (June 1948)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-18 18:44:03 UTC

The Soviet Union begins a Blockade around Western Berlin, keeping communist citizens out and separating it from the rest of Germany, going as far as to separate East and West Berlin with a concrete wall. The U.S. begins an airlift to deliver supplies to Western Berlin, that they are unable to get otherwise.

NATO is Formed (Apr 4th, 1949)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-18 18:56:29 UTC

Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States all come together and form the North Atlantic Treaty Orginization (NATO). The purpose of this alliance was to combat the growth of communism and spread capitalism.

Russia Tests it's First Nuclear Bomb (Aug 20th, 1949)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-18 19:02:05 UTC

With information gathered from spies in the U.S. The Soviet Union creates their own nuclear bomb. The first of Which was tested at the Semipalatinsk (Семипалатинск) Nuclear Test Site in Kazakhstan. This put the U.S. and the USSR on even ground, eliminating the leverage the U.S. had by being the only one with nukes.

Mao Zedong Wins the Chinese Civil War, creating the Peoples Republic of China, a Communist State (Oct 1st, 1949)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-18 19:07:07 UTC

Communist leader Mao Zedong wins the Chinese Civil War. He creates the People's Republic of China, a communist state. This spreads paranoia among NATO as Soviet Russia now has a new ally, creating a new problem for NATO.

McCarthyism and the Red Scare begins in the U.S. (Feb 1950)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-18 19:10:53 UTC

Joseph McCarthy spreads paranoia about communist spies in America. This causes a nation wide witch hunt for communist sympathisers and spies, out of fear of them taking over and giving nuclear secrets to the USSR.

The Korean War (1950 - 1953)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-18 19:14:36 UTC

The U.S. joins capitalist South Korea in a war against communist North Korea, to prevent the spread of communism. The war ends in a stalemate resulting in both Koreas being divided at the 38th Parallel.

U.S. Tests First Hydrogen Bomb (Mar 1st, 1954)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-18 19:19:18 UTC

The Hydrogen Bomb, a more powerful version of a nuclear bomb is first tested on an Island in the Pacific by the U.S.

KGB is Established (March 1954)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-18 19:21:46 UTC

The KGB was Formed to serve as the Primary security and intelligence force in the Soviet Union.

CIA Helps Overthrow Unfriendly Governments in Iran and Guatemala (March 1954)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-23 18:49:17 UTC

Mohammad Mosaddeq is appointed as premier. He then begins attacking British oil companies in the country, angering the pro-western elites of Iran. The CIA funds the Iranian military to overthrow Mosaddeq and reinstate the Shah of Iran and making Iran an ally of the U.S. for the rest of the Cold War. Similar events also occurred in Guatemala

The Warsaw Pact is Formed (May 14th, 1955)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-23 18:57:04 UTC

To combat the formation of NATO the Soviets form their own alliance under the Warsaw Pact. Although called an alliance, many of the countries that signed were puppet governments under the USSR that were under Russian control, making the Warsaw Pact more of a symbolic entity.

The Transfermium Wars Begin (1955)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-23 19:03:17 UTC

Elements 104, 105, and 106 on the Periodic Table, caused a controversy between Soviet researchers at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research and American researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory regarding which group had discovered them first. Both parties suggested their own names for elements 104 and 105, not recognizing the other's name.

Hungarian Rebellion Put Down (Nov 1956)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-23 19:07:07 UTC

The People of Hungary attempt a revolution to overthrow the Hungarian People's Republic a communist puppet state of the USSR. The Revolution failed and Hungary would remain communist for the rest of the Cold War.

The Soviet Union Announces the Creation of the First ICBM (Aug 1957)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-23 19:12:18 UTC

The Soviets claim to have created the first Intercontinential Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Claimed to have the range to reach anywhere in the world. Many Americans doubted this however because Soviet Russia refused to provide proof.

Sputnik Launched (Oct 4th, 1957)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-25 18:37:26 UTC

The Soviet Union becomes the first nation to launch an object into orbit. This object was the Sputnik Satalite. Sputnik (Спутник) held no scientific instruments, only a transmitter that sent beeps back to Earth.

Fidel Castro Takes Power in Cuba (Jan 1959)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-25 18:43:04 UTC

Fidel Castro, a communist leader in Cuba, takes power. He turns the Cuban government communist and declares himself El Comandante, dictator of Cuba. This brought the threat of communism closer to home than most Americans had ever seen, further causing paranoia among the American people.

U2 Spyplane Shot Down Over Russia (May 1960)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-25 18:47:39 UTC

Pilot Gary Powers was flying over Russia on a reconnaissance Mission. Seen by Soviet Air Defense, the Russians opened fire. The Plane crashed near Sverdlovsk (Свердловск), where the pilot was captured by the Soviets.

Failed Invasion of The Bay of Pigs (Apr 1961)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-25 18:51:01 UTC

The Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961 was a failed attack launched by the CIA to push Cuban leader Fidel Castro from power. The CIA launched what its leaders believed would be the definitive strike: a full-scale invasion of Cuba by 1,400 American-trained Cubans who had fled their homes when Castro took over. The invaders were badly outnumbered by Castro’s troops, and they surrendered after less than 24 hours of fighting.

Construction of the Berlin Wall Begins (Aug 17th, 1961)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-25 18:55:51 UTC

To Keep Soviet controlled citizens from leaving and becoming capitalist sympathisers, The Soviet Union builds a wall splitting Berlin in half. Guards were posted to keep people from crossing, keeping family and friends separated for years.

The Cuban Missile Crisis (Oct 1962)

gsaupe25 — 2024-04-25 19:02:45 UTC

American Spies notice Soviet missiles in Cuba, aimed at the U.S. The American government begins to panic and negotiations begin with Russia. Russia agrees to remove the missiles if America removes theirs from Turkey. This was the closest nuclear war ever got to happening.

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Signed (Fall 1963)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-03 18:39:13 UTC

On August 5th, Russia and Britain both sign the treaty to ban the testing of nuclear weapons. President Kennedy convinces the Senate to allow him to sign the treaty on Sept 23rd. He finally signed it Oct 7th.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident (August 1964)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-03 18:48:52 UTC

Unprovoked, North Vietnamese boats send two torpedos toward two U.S. destroyers, The Maddox, and the Turner Joy. This event further escalated the Cold War.

U.S. Marines Sent to Dominican Republic (Apr 1965)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 18:36:28 UTC

The U.S. Marines were sent to the Dominican Republic to intervene in their civil war. The purpose of this operation was to stop the communist party from taking control of the Dominican Republic.

U.S. Deploys 200,000 Soldiers to Vietnam (July 1965)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 18:40:25 UTC

Because of the threat of communist North Vietnam taking control of all of Vietnam, the U.S. sends 200,000 troops to Vietnam to combat the Vietcong forces, beginning the Vietnam War.

Operation Rolling Thunder (1966)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 18:43:07 UTC

The U.S. deployes B-52 bomber planes to carpet bomb North Vietnam. The purpose was to destroy supply routes to the Frontline to make it harder for the Vietcong to advance into South Vietnam.

USSR Red Army Crush Czechoslovakian Revolt (Aug 1968)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 18:47:41 UTC

The Red Army of the USSR crushed a revolt staged in Czechoslovakia. This resulted in Czechoslovakia staying as a puppet state of the USSR.

Apollo 11 Spacecraft is Launched (July 20th, 1969)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 18:50:07 UTC

The U.S. launches the Apollo 11 rocket. This mission put the first man on the moon and won the space race for the United States.

Publication of the Pentagon Papers (1971)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 18:53:29 UTC

The New York Times publishes the Pentagon Papers. These Documents contained secret documents about the Vietnam War.

President Nixon Visits China (Feb 1972)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 18:55:26 UTC

U.S. President Richard Nixon, visits the Great Wall of China to discuss talks of peace and trade between the two countries.

SALT 1 Signed (1972)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 18:59:21 UTC

The U.S. and USSR agree to a limitation of nuclear arms. This resulted in a Treaty called SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty). This limited the amount of nuclear weapons each country could have as well as banned above-ground testing.

U.S. Supported Coup Overthrows Chilean Government (Sept 1973)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 19:01:40 UTC

The U.S. sends support to a coup in Chile to help overthrow the local communist government.

Egypt and Syria Attack Israel (Oct 1973)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 19:04:49 UTC

Egypt and Syria ask for Soviet aid to help attack Israel. The Soviets would refuse resulting in an Israeli victory.

S. Vietnam Falls to N. Vietnam (Apr 17th, 1975)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 19:06:48 UTC

Communist N. Vietnam finally conquers S. Vietnam, turning all of Vietnam Communist.

Soviet and Cuban Forces Install a Communist Government in Angola (Feb 1976)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 19:10:54 UTC

A communist government is installed in the country of Angola by the Soviets with the help of the Cubans.

US and China officially establish diplomatic relations and trade & Panda Diplomacy (Jan 1979)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-07 19:14:14 UTC

Trade and diplomatic relations were established between the U.S. and China using Panda Diplomacy. This was where China would send pandas to other countries as a gift.

Sino-Vietnam War (Feb 1979)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-08 19:28:58 UTC

Pol Pot the communist leader of Cambodia begins a genocide. Communist Vietnam invades to intervene and overthrow Pol Pot. China who was Cambodia's ally declares war on Vietnam

Shah of Iran Overthrown & Iranian Hostage Crisis (Nov 1979)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-08 19:38:09 UTC

The U.S. gets involved in Iran to get oil. The Shah is Overthrown and he flees to America. New leaders are an anti-western theocracy. They want the shah back for an execution. Iranian college students storm U.S. Embassy. They take 60 embassy staff hostage for 444 days. They wish to trade staff for Shah. President Carter sends special forces on a rescue mission. Helicopter crashes. Carter fails to save the hostages. Ronald Reagan gets hostages released within three hours of being elected.

Soviet Forces Invade Afghanistan (Dec 1979)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-08 19:47:08 UTC

Citizens revolt to overthrow communist government in Afghanistan. Soviets intervene to stop rebellion. Soviets fail and communists fall, due to American support of the rebellion.

U.S. Defeats USSR in Hockey at Winter Olympics (Feb 22nd, 1980)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-08 19:51:18 UTC

The U.S. as the underdogs beat the Soviets in a hockey game in spite of the Soviets being believed to be the superior team.

U.S. Boycotts Summer Olympics in Moscow (Summer 1980)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-08 19:57:43 UTC

Many Countries refuse to compete in the Summer Olympics hosted in Russia. This angers the Soviets.

Reagan Proposes SDI or "Star Wars" (1983)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-10 18:34:48 UTC

Defensive area around the U.S. to protect from nukes. Located in the Mountains the facility is called Norad.

U.S. invades Grenada (Oct 1983)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-14 19:24:58 UTC

The U.S. invaded and occupied the island nation of Grenada within a few days. This invasion was provoked when the People's Revolutionary Government executed the former leader, leading the U.S. to install an interim government.

The Eastern Bloc Boycotts the LA Olympics (July 1984)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-14 19:28:51 UTC

The Nations of the Eastern Bloc boycott the Olympics in L.A. This was because the USSR was offended that the U.S. boycotted the Moscow Olympics. Due to all of the countries in the Eastern Bloc being Soviet controlled or puppet states, they also boycotted the Olympics along with Russia.

Gorbachev Begins Glastnost and Perestroika (1985)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-14 19:37:34 UTC

In an effort to reform the USSR Gorbachev begins both Glasnost (гласность) and Perestroika (перестройка). Glasnost meaning publicity in english was a policy to allow more freedom of information and transparency of the government. Perestroika meaning restructuring, was a reformation of the USSR's economic and political system, allowing the USSR to remain communist but also have a slightly more free and open market, allowing a few capitalist ideals.

Soviet Troops Withdraw From Afghanistan (Jan 1989)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-17 18:34:34 UTC

After 10 long years of fighting to install a communist government, the Soviet troops begin to leave Afghanistan. This is due to the war being far to costly to continue. This withdraw allowed the Muslim rebels to take control.

Poland, Hungary, Czecheslovakia, and Romania Oust Communist Governments (1989)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-17 18:43:12 UTC

All eastern European Soviet puppets behind the iron curtain revolt. this leads to several countries overthrowing their communist Governments. Described as the falling of the Iron Curtain.

Tiananmen Square Massacre (June 1989)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-17 18:50:48 UTC

Protests break out in China to lobby for more freedoms. In response the Chinese government sends tanks and troops to quell the riots. This ended in the deaths of thousands. The topic is heavily censored and denied in China to this day.

Berlin Wall Falls (Nov 1989)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-17 18:57:15 UTC

Due to the fall of communism in Germany, the Berlin Wall is no longer guarded. This leads the people of Berling to rush and ttear down the wall symbolizing the end of comminism in Germany.

Boris Yeltsin Elected as Russian President (May 1990)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-17 19:02:08 UTC

Boris Yeltsin is elected as the new president of Russia. He was a believer in democracy and began reforming Russia.

Germany Reunited (Oct 3rd, 1990)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-17 19:03:59 UTC

Germany is finally reunited as one nation. They adopt a capitalist government and rebuild Germany

USSR Dissolved (Aug 1991)

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-17 19:06:56 UTC

The USSR is finally dissolved leading 15 nations including Russia to become indepenent democracies. This signified the end of the Cold war and the end of Communism in Russa, and Eastern Europe.

ScreenCast

gsaupe25 — 2024-05-17 19:44:23 UTC