Cold War Timeline by TOMMY LANE

Yalta Conference (Feb. 1945)

tlane252 — 2024-03-27 13:52:25 UTC

A conference between Churchill, Stalin, and FDR that occurred just before the fall of Germany. It was agreed upon that the Soviet Union would attack Japan so long as they established influence in Manchuria. The conference also agreed upon the fate of Germany, splitting it into four regions of Allied and Soviet control.

Hiroshima (Aug. 6th, 1945)

tlane252 — 2024-03-27 13:55:09 UTC

Sensing the bloodshed awaiting Allied troops if they staged an assault on mainland Japan, the first of two atomic bombs was dropped on Hiroshima. This put the Japanese government in a precarious position: either keep fighting as their code dictated or surrender.

Nagasaki (Aug. 8th 1945)

tlane252 — 2024-03-27 14:02:27 UTC

The second bomb dropped on Japan occurred in Nagasaki. This prompted the Japanese to eventually surrender, and just the day after, the USSR invaded Manchuria.

Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech (Mar. 5, 1946)

tlane252 — 2024-03-27 14:08:13 UTC

Winston Churchill's speech was a turning point in the relations between the USSR and the United States. The speech stated that the USSR was as a nation ruthless and forbidding of the West and that they had placed an iron curtain around the bloc states to keep Western influence from the Union. This soured the public's opinion of the USSR and laid the groundwork of public opinion during the Cold War

Truman Doctrine (Mar. 12, 1947)

tlane252 — 2024-03-27 14:16:38 UTC

Truman's doctrine stated that in order to stop the spread of communism, we need to supply anti-communist forces with weapons and supplies to prevent communism's influence from growing. Over $400 million dollars were given to Turkey and Greece to fight off communists.

Marshall Plan (June, 1947)

tlane252 — 2024-03-27 14:26:50 UTC

The Marshall Plan is announced to repair European economies devastated by war. In total, over $15 billion is poured into Europe, led by Secretary of State George C. Marshall. In return, European countries had to purchase American products and infrastructure. As a result, American exports soar and European economies are revived.

Berlin Blockade and Airlift (Jun. 1948)

tlane252 — 2024-04-08 13:09:30 UTC

Due to the Soviet blockade on Berlin, Allied nations such as the United Kingdom and U.S. begin airlifting supplies to West Berlin. After a year of blockade, the Soviets lift it on May 12, 1949.

NATO Formed (Apr. 4, 1949)

tlane252 — 2024-04-08 13:14:18 UTC

In order to combat the Eastern threat building up in the Soviet Union, countries from Europe and North America form a treaty organization in order to ensure security in case of conflict/war. There were 12 countries who joined NATO including Belgium, the United States, Canada, and Norway.

First Soviet Atomic Bomb Test (Aug. 20, 1949)

tlane252 — 2024-04-08 13:20:11 UTC

Codenamed "First Lightning", The Soviets successfully test their first Atomic Bomb. This ensured the Soviet Union's security against Western nations. The Soviet Union would later go on to produce other bombs such as hydrogen bombs, using the information attained by spies as the basis for all bombs produced.

H-Bomb Tested by USA on Bikini Atoll (Mar. 1, 1954)

tlane252 — 2024-04-08 13:28:37 UTC

On March 1st, 1954 the H-bomb was dropped on Bikini Atoll, detonating with a 15-megaton explosion. The radioactive radius spread so far that a Japanese fishing boat crew became sick with radiation sickness and some even died. To this day the site is still uninhabitable.

Mao Zedong wins Chinese Civil War and creates the PRC (Oct. 1, 1949)

tlane252 — 2024-04-08 14:02:56 UTC

Within the Nationalist Chinese faction, there was a split between Communists and non-Communists, leading to a civil war. Led by Mao Zedong, the Communists win and take control of the country, after the Japanese invasion. By then the Nationalists have become very weak with their leadership, tactics, equipment, and men, making it relatively easy to clean up and take power.

McCarthyism and the Red Scare (Feb 1950)

tlane252 — 2024-04-08 14:16:40 UTC

Led by Joseph McCarthy, McCarthyism was a movement spearheaded by intense paranoia of communism and the spread of it. It engulfs the entire United States, but he goes too far with his accusations of communists and becomes discredited within the government.

Korean War (1950-53)

tlane252 — 2024-04-08 14:17:33 UTC

A proxy war between the Soviet Union and U.S., North and South Korea fight a civil war that is never ended via peace treaty. It begins with a surprise attack by North Korean troops and it almost ended as soon as it begins. But the South Koreans with the help of the United States gather ground back. South Korea and the U.S. fire back at the North, almost decimating the entire army. But the North, with the help of the Chinese, eventually gathers ground back and at this point, it becomes a stalemate and loses steam. ultimately, North Korea becomes a communist nation and South Korea becomes a democratic nation.

KGB Established (March 1954)

tlane252 — 2024-04-10 13:48:09 UTC

The KGB, the espionage agency of the Soviet Union, was established as a means to compete with the United States's CIA. It originally was the Cheka of the Lenin's USSR, a brutally repressive institution. The KGB, although not as brutal, served the totalitarian ways of the USSR.

CIA helps overthrow Iran and Guatemala (March 1954)

tlane252 — 2024-04-10 13:56:03 UTC

In Iran, a government led by Mohammad Mosaddeq came under suspicion by the CIA due to its communist leanings. Acting under the policy of containment, the CIA instigates a coup backing the Shah (Monarch) to overthrow the left-leaning government. In doing so, U.S. based companies receive 40 percent access of Iran's oil. A similar coup backed the CIA as well occurs in Guatemala, wanting to protect the profits of the United Fruit Company.

Warsaw Pact formed (May 1955)

tlane252 — 2024-04-10 13:59:29 UTC

In retaliation to NATO, the Soviet Union along with its puppet states and allies, mainly the bloc/eastern European countries, form a defense pact that ensures that countries will come to each others aid, akin to how NATO works. It also helped to further solidify Soviet influence within Europe, helping with the Soviet Union's blackout of Western media, products, and infrastructure.

Transfermium Wars Begin (1955)

tlane252 — 2024-04-11 13:08:16 UTC

Beginning as a research race, the U.S. and USSR look for new elements for bombs, with further experimentation on existing elements like Uranium. The countries try to name discovered elements after their national symbols, like americium and mendelevium. The goal of the war was to win cultural influence over the world.

Rebellion put down in Hungary (Nov 1956)

tlane252 — 2024-04-11 13:17:47 UTC

Led by Imre Nagy, a former leader who was fired due to bad mouthing Stalin's policies, led a rebellion in Hungary against the USSR for their repressive laws such as silencing the media. He started by establishing peaceful relations with the USSR, convincing them to pull their troops out of Hungary. He then eliminated one party rule and began a withdraw of the Warsaw Pact. The USSR redeployed troops to crush the rebellion, with Nagy being captured and killed later. The Soviet Union put a new leader in charge of Hungary, creating a puppet government. This action surprised the West as Khrushchev was ostensibly pulling back Stalinist policies.

USSR launches first ICBM (Aug 1957)

tlane252 — 2024-04-11 13:22:50 UTC

The R-7 rocket was the first successful ICBM produced by the Soviet Union and in the world. The rocket imitated a nuclear warhead atop and was launched in Kazakhstan. The missile became a template for future space missile programs like Soyuz and Vostok.

Sputnik Launched into Orbit (Oct. 4, 1957)

tlane252 — 2024-04-11 13:29:26 UTC

The USSR beats the U.S. in being the first country to launch an artificial satellite into space, invigorating the space race between the two nations. Sputnik circled the world every hour and a half, and the signals it emitted were so strong that regular radios could pick it up. In 1958, Sputnik's orbit went off course and burned in the atmosphere, followed by the launch of the U.S.'s satellite the Explorer.

Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba (Jan. 1957)

tlane252 — 2024-04-11 13:35:29 UTC

Fidel Castro, along with the help of Che Guevara, revolt against the dictatorship of Batista, spreading communism to Cuba. Castro had many of Batista's supporters tried and executed, and although as a communist he called for democratic elections, he would thwart them indefinitely once he gained power, cementing another dictatorship, albeit communist

U2 Spy Plane Shot Down (May 1960)

tlane252 — 2024-04-11 13:57:05 UTC

A U2, a spy plane, is flying over the Soviet Union taking pictures when it is shot down by Soviet anti-air systems. The pilot, Gary Powers, is tried public of spying and sentenced to 10 years in prison with 7 of those being in a labor camp. Eventually he was swapped for another prisoner and returned to the U.S.

Bay of Pigs Invasion (Apr. 1961)

tlane252 — 2024-04-11 14:04:31 UTC

The CIA rounds up anti-communist Cubans exiled from the current regime to overthrow Castro. They are deployed at the Bay of Pigs, but it fails significantly. There was supposed to be air support, but the president thought it would lead to a direct conflict. The invasion is stopped by Castro's military and the troops are questioned. U.S. involvement is revealed.

Cuban Missile Crisis (Oct. 1962)

tlane252 — 2024-04-24 13:07:11 UTC

In fear of the United States, Castro asks for help from the USSR and the USSR starts stationing nuclear missiles off the coast of Cuba aimed toward the U.S. The U.S. prepares for an invasion, but the president decides for a blockade. Russian ships are inspected for nuclear weapons. Eventually, the USSR and U.S. agree to terms and settle.

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Ratified (July 1963)

tlane252 — 2024-04-24 13:12:53 UTC

The U.S., USSR, and U.K. sign an agreement to ban atomic testing except for those conducted underground. This is done to stop nuclear debris from spreading in the atmosphere and conflicts resulting from testing affecting other states.

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

tlane252 — 2024-04-24 13:15:55 UTC

In order to keep East Berliners from defecting to the West, East Germany/the USSR begin to build a wall between the two sects of Berlin. This adds on to the "Iron Curtain" already being established by the Soviet Union, seeking to cut off all Western influence from Eastern states.

US Marines sent to Dominican Republic to fight communism (April 1965)

tlane252 — 2024-04-24 13:20:08 UTC

With communist fervor rising in the DR, President Johnson sends 20,000 marines there to stop communism from taking over the country, citing that he does not want a communist nation in the western hemisphere of the world.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident and Resolution (August 1964)

tlane252 — 2024-04-24 13:28:25 UTC

As U.S. destroyers are patrolling Asian waters, Vietcong troops attack them. Although there is debate about whether or not this happened, the general agreement is that there was two attacks: the first did not happen and the second did. This serves as a Casus Belli, and the U.S. "declares war" on Vietnam after the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This resolution gives President Johnson power to command the military any way he sees fit.

US Announcement to Dispatch 200,000 US Troops to Vietnam (July 1965)

tlane252 — 2024-04-24 13:36:56 UTC

As a result of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, the president increases the draft numbers per month from 17,000 to 35,000, in an effort to contain communism in North Vietnam. This is seen favorably by many in the U.S. as this sparks the beginning of the wave of troops to be sent to Vietnam to fight the Vietcong.

Apollo 11 lands on the moon (July 20, 1969)

tlane252 — 2024-04-24 13:42:22 UTC

The United States wins the space race against the USSR by being the first country with a man on the moon. After about 100 hours into the launch, Lance Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Micheal Collins make it to the moon and collect samples. After about a day on the moon they make the descent back to Earth and are celebrated as national heroes.

Pentagon Papers Published (1971)

tlane252 — 2024-04-24 13:48:10 UTC

In 1971 Daniel Ellsberg, a military analyst, leaked the Pentagon Papers, a series of documents exposing the propaganda and lies spewed by the United States government over the course of the Vietnam War. The papers indicated the U.S. bombing campaigns had spilled into Cambodia and Laos, and coastal raids on North Vietnam. This lead to the public becoming even more skeptical than they already had been.

B-52s Bomb North Vietnam in Operation Rolling Thunder (1966)

tlane252 — 2024-04-24 13:58:29 UTC

Operation Rolling Thunder was the U.S. military mission to subdue North Vietnam by bombing everything in North Vietnam. Due to the Guerrilla tactics used by the Vietcong, although the bombing campaigns were effective, the Vietcong did not capitulate. The war continues into 1975. By then, the Vietcong had won, taking over the entirety of Vietnam.

Red Army Crush Czechoslovakian Revolt (Aug 1968)

tlane252 — 2024-04-24 14:13:59 UTC

Many states after WW2 become puppet governments of the Soviets. Czechoslovakia is one these states. The USSR begins to fear Czechoslovakia due to the democratic reforms happening the country, stating that a counterrevolution is happening. This results in a souring of relations between the nations, and the Soviet Union invades. Although the Czechoslovak government tells its citizens to show non-resistance, the people revolt anyway. The revolt is crushed and Czechoslovakia's policies are done away with.

President Nixon Visits China (Feb 1972)

tlane252 — 2024-04-29 13:04:55 UTC

In 1972, Nixon visits China to ease cold war tensions between capitalist and communist nations. This is known in the cold war as a detente. Although the U.S. populace was shocked by the decision, overall, Nixon is able to open up diplomacy with China in a amicable way, making the way for economic deals.

SALT I signed (July 1972)

tlane252 — 2024-04-29 13:10:04 UTC

In negotiations with the USSR, the United States is able to secure a treaty known as SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks). This results in both powers promising to limit their missiles in stock and decrease the amount of silos. This was a major effort toward securing peace in the Cold War, and although the treaty would expire in 1977, there was another one signed, further limiting military and nuclear power.

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

tlane252 — 2024-04-29 13:18:15 UTC

As socialism gained power in Chile, under the leadership of Salvador Allende, the U.S. grew wary of the spread of leftist ideas in the Western hemisphere. In turn, the U.S. backs a coup of the newly established socialist government, led by Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet is able to take over the government, ending almost fifty years of democratic rule in Chile, installing a military dictatorship that was arguably fascist in nature.

Egypt and Syria attack Israel; Egypt Requests Soviet Aid (Oct. 1973)

tlane252 — 2024-04-29 13:26:41 UTC

With a series of wars already established between the Arab powers and Israel, Egypt and Syria attack Israel to gain back land lost in the 1967 war. After fighting had commenced, Israel was able to fend off both powers, but did not have enough resources to produce a counteroffensive. As a result, the U.S. decides to support Israel whereas the USSR supports the Arab nations. Eventually the UN established a ceasefire, but the Israels kept fighting. The U.S. applied pressure to them to stop due to Soviet threats and eventually the war was resolved by disengagement agreements.

Vietnam Falls to North Vietnam (April 17, 1975)

tlane252 — 2024-04-29 13:31:16 UTC

The final holdout of the South Vietnamese forces falls in Saigon, after a series of offensives by the Communists in the North. The U.S., already out of the conflict by 1973, are dismayed with the result as the "dominoes keep falling". It is seen as a victory by the USSR, not only due to ideological reasons, but for trade as well. Saigon was effectively renamed to Ho Chi Minh City just a day after the fall to further cement communist ideology in the state.

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

tlane252 — 2024-04-29 13:40:27 UTC

After the Portuguese granted Independence to Angola, the country split off into three factions: The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), a Marxist movement, The National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), a nationalist movement backed by the U.S., and The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), a splinter group of the nationalist party. They agree to a three-way government, but overtime relations soured leading to a civil war. The Soviet and Cuban governments, wanting to spread communism, back the MPLA. The Marxists gain the upper hand in the war, gaining power. This is seen as a dagger for U.S. and Soviet relations, since they had just spent the past decade trying to ease tensions. This stirs back up the distrust and resentment in both sides.

U.S. and China Officially Establish Diplomatic Relations and Trade & Panda Diplomacy (Jan 1979)

tlane252 — 2024-04-29 13:48:06 UTC

At the beginning of 1979, President Carter announces that the U.S. and China have officially recognized each other as states. He lays out certain provisions, that there will be embassies, and terms like staying out of other Asian powers' exchanges and that there will official economic trade between the countries. This also included Panda Diplomacy, figuratively meaning the friendly intentions between two powers to benefit each other, and literally in that China had sent Pandas to the U.S. as a gift of peace. These relations continue well into the 90s.

Sino-Vietnamese War (Feb 1979)

tlane252 — 2024-05-01 13:38:48 UTC

Disputing over borders, Vietnam and China went to war in 1979. The conflict lasted roughly a month and was a stalemate. The combined casualties hover around 75,000. This breaks the narrative of capitalism vs communism in the Cold War as many communists had different ideas of what communism meant/looked like.

Shah of Iran overthrown; Iran Hostage Crisis Begins (Nov 1979)

tlane252 — 2024-05-01 13:46:04 UTC

The United States, attempting to protect Iran and its oil from communism, back a monarchist government led by a Shah. The Shah was pro-western thought, advocating for reforms like women's rights and capitalist economics. The Shah is overthrown in 1979, and Iraq becomes a theocracy. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini becomes the leader and enshrines Shi'a law. They want to put the Shah on trial, but the United States will not extradite him. Followers in the Tehran break into the U.S. embassy and take hostages for over 400 days. U.S. special forces attempt to take the hostages but fail. After Ronald Reagan takes office, the hostages are released.

Soviet Forces Invade Afghanistan (Dec. 1979)

tlane252 — 2024-05-01 14:00:08 UTC

In Dec. 1979, the Soviets invade Afghanistan under the pretext of upholding the Soviet-Afghan Friendship Treaty of 1978. In reality, it was to maintain a newly formed communist government in the country. Within a few days of invasion, the Soviets had control of the capital but could not bring the rest of the country under their control. After a decade of fighting revolutionary forces, they retreat and give up. This was another chip in the friendly relations the U.S. and USSR were trying to build over the previous decades.

Us Hockey Defeats USSR at Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY (Feb. 22, 1980)

tlane252 — 2024-05-01 14:05:46 UTC

By the time of the 1980 Winter Olympics, the USSR was the dominant team in hockey. The United States, although good, were in reality no match for them. They had lost 10-3 against the Soviets in the final exhibition game before the Olympics. Though the United States would prevail and snatch the gold medal from the Soviets, beating them 4-3. This is considered one of the biggest upsets in sports history and bolstered American nationalism.

Us Boycotts Summer Olympics in Moscow (June-Aug 1980)

tlane252 — 2024-05-02 13:03:03 UTC

In 1980, the United States decide to boycott the Olympics in protest to the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan among other reasons (rising tensions). As a result, the Soviet Union destroys the competition, taking home 80 gold medals and 195 medals overall. Reactions were mixed with some citing that the Olympics should be a time of de-politicalization and others stating that it was Americas mission to protest against the USSR.

Reagan Proposes SDI or "Star Wars" (1983)

tlane252 — 2024-05-02 13:10:55 UTC

on March 23, 1983 Ronald Reagan announces a new program entitled SDI (Strategic Defensive Initiative), where air defense systems would be located in space to prevent the United States from being hit by a large nuclear attack. The Reagan administration proposed that this tech could end the Cold War, but many across country expressed concern about the viability and cost of the project. They feared that the technology could not be made and would harm other government programs such as education and welfare. Ultimately, SDI never worked as the technology for it was not ready.

Us Troops Overthrow and Invade Regime in Grenada (Oct 1983)

tlane252 — 2024-05-02 13:17:18 UTC

In October of 1983, a series of U.S. special operatives such as Rangers, Airborne units among other units invade Grenada to stop the communist regime and take home U.S. citizens stationed there. The government collapsed in just a week, and there was a U.S. backed government placed in shortly afterward.

Eastern Bloc Boycotts LA Summer Olympics (July-Aug 1984)

tlane252 — 2024-05-02 13:23:10 UTC

In response to the American boycott in 1980, 14 countries including the Bloc states, East Germany, and the USSR boycott the summer games being held in America. They give the excuse that the competitors of these countries will face possible attacks, verbal and physical. Although the diplomatic significance of the event was very low, America destroyed the competition, taking home 83 gold medals.

Gorbachev Beings "Glasnost" and "Perestroika" in Efforts to Reform the USSR (1985)

tlane252 — 2024-05-02 13:30:13 UTC

In an effort to make the USSR more of a democratic nation, Gorbachev implements the Perestroika, the overall reform of the Soviet government, and the Glasnost, which made government actions more open to the public and allowed them to discuss problems with the country without fear of being suppressed. Allowing opinions to be expressed, many revolutions occur in the USSR and the Perestroika, the reform that was supposed to better the political system and economy, leads to strains and confusion about how exactly these reforms were supposed to work. The attempt to reform served as a catalyst to the eventual collapse of the USSR.

Soviet Troops Withdraw from Afghanistan (Jan 1989)

tlane252 — 2024-05-02 13:35:43 UTC

The Soviet campaign in Afghanistan was ultimately a failure, as the Soviet Union was not able to exhibit full control of the country. In January through to February of 1989, the last Soviet troops withdraw. With the presence of Soviet influence removed, the country descends into anarchy and civil war as many of the factions who fought off the Soviets along with other newly formed factions vie for full control over the state.

Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania Oust Communist Governments (1989)

tlane252 — 2024-05-02 13:46:58 UTC

As citizens grew tired of the one-party rule communist system, many started to protest. These protests broke out into Poland, Hungary, and other bloc states that lead to the ousting of a majority of communist nations. The most infamous of which was Romania, where the dictator Ceaușescu was overthrown after trying to maintain order, given a mock trial where dozens of charges were laid upon him, found guilty of all, and shot along with his wife in just a week.

Tiananmen Square Massacre (June 1989)

tlane252 — 2024-05-02 14:05:45 UTC

In may of 1989, students begin to protest the authoritarian government in China. They advocate for democratic reforms such as freedom of press and freedom of speech. As protests progress, talks between students and the government are scarce and break down quickly and in June, over 200,000 soldiers come to stop the protests for good. The students begin to flee and their push for freedom is lost forever. The Chinese government still refuses to acknowledge their actions today and it remains a crime to reference the incident in any context in China today.

Berlin Wall Falls (Nov 1989)

tlane252 — 2024-05-13 13:10:45 UTC

In Nov 1989, Germans begin to crowd onto the Berlin Wall and destroy it with tools such as hammers. The fall of the wall symbolizes the fall of Soviet oppression and the reunification of Western Europe fully.

Boris Yeltsin elected as President of Russia (May 1990)

tlane252 — 2024-05-13 13:18:25 UTC

As the Soviet Union was collapsing, Boris Yeltsin was elected as president of Russia. Yeltsin began to introduce Western, capitalist policies to align themselves with Western powers in an effort to improve the economy and diplomacy. Though his presidency was marked with corruption, hardship, and a handful of conflicts/wars, this marked the beginning of a freer Russia and the implosion of the Soviet regime.

Germany Reunited (Oct. 3, 1990)

tlane252 — 2024-05-13 13:23:47 UTC

On October 3rd, 1990 a unification treaty is singed between West Germany and East Germany and Germany becomes once again a fully independent state. Though there was economic, political, and social issues to work through, this was another symbol of the Soviet Union losing grip over communism and the puppet states it controlled.

USSR Dissolved - 15 Republics gain Independence, Including Russia (Aug. 1991)

tlane252 — 2024-05-13 13:59:54 UTC

With the writing on the wall, the Soviet Union collapses and all the states comprising the Union withdrew to form their own independent states including Russia, Turkmenistan, Poland, Romania, etc.

https://screencast.apps.chrome/19kZvBfT9vwVeyy5JvezJDHQkKeZeagF2?createdTime=2024-05-22T13%3A55%3A40.715Z

tlane252 — 2024-05-22 14:16:06 UTC