U.S. President Harry S. Truman delivers a speech to Congress, stating the need to contain the spread of communism. This marks the beginning of the Truman Doctrine, guiding U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.

NATO is established by Western countries as a military alliance to counter any communist aggression.

In response to West Germany joining NATO, the Soviet Union creates the Warsaw Pact, strengthening military alliances in the communist bloc.

The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, inaugurating the space race.

The U.S. discovers Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading to a tense standoff. A diplomatic solution is reached, narrowly avoiding nuclear war.

The U.S. achieves the first moon landing with Apollo 11, showcasing their technological prowess in the space race.

The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan to support a threatened communist government. This escalates tension and increases Western support for Afghan mujahideen.

The U.S. and the Soviet Union engage in a frenzied competition to develop and accumulate nuclear weapons, creating a situation of mutual deterrence.

The Berlin Wall falls, symbolizing the end of the division between East and West. This leads to significant changes in Eastern Europe and marks the beginning of the dissolution of the communist bloc.