Map by LAYNE BERGMARK

Yalta Conference drafts post-war plan (February 4-11 1945)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-26 17:37:32 UTC

As Allied victory neared, the three main Allied nations convened to discuss post-war Europe, the fate of Germany, and the establishment of the United Nations. They agreed on dividing Germany into occupation zones, Soviet involvement in the war against Japan, and free elections in Eastern Europe; Stalin later ignored this promise. The conference set the stage for Cold War tensions.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August, 1945)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-26 17:43:39 UTC

To force a Japanese surrender, President Truman authorized the use of a new weapon. Two atomic bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The cities were completely destroyed, and this power projection and Soviet pressure in the east brought Japan to the negotiating table.

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

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-26 17:46:44 UTC

After being removed from the British government, Churchill travels to President Truman home state at Westminster College in Fulton, MO. He gives an iconic speech against US isolationism and convinces America to stay involved in Europe and take action against the spread of communism.

Truman Doctrine first applied in Greek Civil War( March 12, 1946)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-26 17:49:28 UTC

A war between the Nationalist faction, backed by the US, and the Communist faction, backed by the USSR. This was mainly caused by the Soviets' attempts to expand their influence over the Mediterranean. The US was inclined to support the nationalists who later won in order to prevent this expansion.

Marshall Plan is announced to rebuild Europe (June, 1947)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-26 17:54:49 UTC

Named after Secretary of State George Marshall, a program was approved that provided over $13 billion in economic assistance to help rebuild war-torn nations, stabilize economies, and prevent the spread of Soviet influence. The plan encouraged industrial growth, improved trade relations, and strengthened democratic governments. While the Soviet Union and its allies rejected participation, the aid revitalized Western Europe and reinforced US allies.

Berlin Blockade and Airlift (June 1948)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-27 16:33:59 UTC

In order to prevent defectors from East Germany and force the Allies to give up West Berlin, the Soviet Union blockaded the city by land. The US sends constant cargo planes to the city for a full year. Before the blockade was lifted, there was a plane landing in West Berlin every 3O seconds.

NATO Alliance formed (April 4, 1949)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-27 16:39:40 UTC

To reinforce Europe against Soviet influence, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed. The treaty established collective defense, meaning an attack on one member was considered an attack on all. This helped to unify Europe against a potential attack.

Russia tests its first atomic bomb (Aug 20, 1949)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-27 17:24:49 UTC

After a four-year period of innovation and espionage since the dropping of the first Atomic weapons, the USSR successfully tests its first. Its effectiveness and destructiveness were measured and tested as well.

Mao Zedong wins Chinese Civil War and creates the People’s Republic of China. (Oct 1, 1949)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-27 17:39:48 UTC

After a long civil war from 1927 to 1949, the communist faction in China was led by Mao Zedong. A long ceasefire occurred when the Japanese invaded in the 1930s. After the Japanese are defeated, the destruction allows for the communists to push the Republic of China to the island of Taiwan.

McCarthyism and the Red Scare takes hold in the US (Feb 1950)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-27 17:55:04 UTC

After several Soviet spy rings were found in the US, Senator Joseph McCarthy led aggressive investigations, accusing government officials, Hollywood figures, and others of communist ties, often with little evidence. This period brought out loyalty oaths, blacklisting, and widespread paranoia, as Americans feared infiltration by Soviet spies.

Korean War (1950-1953)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-27 18:07:18 UTC

After World War II, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel, with the North backed by the Soviet Union and China, and the South supported by the U.S. In 1950, North Korea invaded the South, prompting U.S. and UN intervention. China later entered the war, pushing UN forces back into a stalemate until the armistice.

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

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-31 16:24:06 UTC

In the Arms Race against the USSR, the US creates a new kind of atomic bomb, which is thousands of times more powerful and uses both atomic fission and fusion.

KGB established (March 1954)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-31 16:26:48 UTC

In order to expand its influence around the world, the USSR formed its own intelligence agency. The main purpose of which was to further communist interests around the world and to counteract the actions of the United States.

The Transfermium Wars Begin (1955)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-31 17:25:54 UTC

The US and USSR competed to name newly discovered elements after Fermium, and neither agreed with the other and argued over it until the IUPAC was formed to resolve the issue.

Rebellion put down in Hungary (Nov 1956)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-31 17:36:31 UTC

In October 1956, there began massive protests and revolts for Democratic reforms. They were attempting to break away from the influence of the Soviet Union. The Red army was sent in to quell the rebellion, resulting in thousands of deaths and refugees.

USSR launches first ICBM (Aug 1957)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-31 17:39:07 UTC

In an effort to reach the United States without bombers taking a very long time, the USSR designed a long-range nuclear delivery system. The missile had a range of over 8,000 kilometers. Its success marked a major milestone in Cold War military technology and spurred an arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over the delivery of nuclear weapons in addition to payload.

Sputnik launched into orbit (Oct 4, 1957)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-03-31 17:41:22 UTC

Using prior advancements with the USSR`s ICBMs, the Soviets launched a small device into orbit capable of taking pictures from space. Its success shocked the United States, sparking fears of Soviet technological superiority and igniting the Space Race. The event led to the creation of NASA and increased U.S. investments in science and technology.

Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba (Jan 1959)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-02 17:44:12 UTC

After a civil war against the Batista regime, Fidel Castro turned Cuba into a communist state. This poses a massive issue for the US containment policy as Cuba is only 90 miles from the continental United States.

U-2 spy plane shot down over the USSR (May 1960)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-02 17:48:44 UTC

While photographing the USSR, the CIA pilot Francis Gary Powers, flying the top-secret U-2 spy plane, is shot down and captured. He was tried and imprisoned for espionage until he was later freed in a prisoner exchange.

Failed Bay of Pigs invasion (April 1961)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-02 17:58:47 UTC

The United States and the CIA rally Cuban exiles and supply them for an invasion. The invasion fails horribly due to a lack of US involvement and is a massive embarrassment for the United States.

Construction of the Berlin Wall begins (Aug 17, 1961)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-02 18:08:04 UTC

To prevent the loss of population, the USSR constructs a wall to prevent the Germans from fleeing to the west. It is called a defensive wall, but was aimed exclusively to keep people in.

Cuban Missile Crisis (Oct, 1962)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-09 16:46:46 UTC

After a failed US attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro, Cuba appeals to the USSR. The USSR deploys nuclear missiles to the island to counteract the US missile deployments. After a 13-day stand-off, the US and Soviet Union withdrew missiles from Europe and Cuba, respectively. This is the closest the world has ever come to a nuclear war.

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty ratified (July 1963)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-09 16:51:20 UTC

After research into the side effects of nuclear weapons, the UK, US, and USSR meet in Moscow to sign an agreement on how to proceed. The final treaty bans nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, in outer space, and underwater. The only way left to test them was underground to limit fallout.

Gulf of Tonkin incident and resolution (August 1964)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-09 17:44:21 UTC

In 1954, Vietnam gained its independence from France and formed a communist government. Fearing the spread of communism, the US props up the Republic of Vietnam. US Navy vessels are supposedly attacked by torpedo boats, and President Lyndon B Johnson uses this as a reason to send more forces to Vietnam.

US Marines sent to Dominican Republic (April 1965)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-09 17:52:53 UTC

During a civil war in the country US Marines were sent to the Dominican Republic to evacuate US citizens from the country. Later, their goal shifted toward stabilizing the nation and preventing a communist takeover.

US announcement to dispatch 200,000 US troops to Vietnam (July 1965)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-09 17:56:51 UTC

President Lyndon B. Johnson orders an increase in US forces in Vietnam. He stated that they would be increased again if need be, and that the monthly draft would be more than doubled to supply.

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

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-09 18:14:10 UTC

To bring North Vietnam to the negotiating table, the US launches a 3 year long massive bombing campaign. In this campaign, the US drops more bombs than all of WW2 combined. Troop numbers also soar with more and more unrest coming from the draft laws active in the US.

Red Army crush Czechoslovakian revolt (Aug 1968)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-09 18:23:58 UTC

In response to the reforms in its puppet government of Czechoslovakia, the USSR sends in the Red Army to retake control of the country. The USSR feared the reforms to freedom of speech and elected leaders would weaken the Eastern Bloc.

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

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-09 18:32:08 UTC

4 months after the inauguration of J.F.K. promised that the US would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. After initially losing the space race to the Soviets, there were extreme doubts. Additionally, the assassination of J.F.K the Apollo project became a sort of tribute to him. A few months before the deadline the US sent 3 astronauts who planted the US flag and walked around for about 2 hours.

President Nixon visits China (Feb 1972)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-21 16:28:02 UTC

For a long period after the Chinese Civil War, the US cut ties with China. In the 1970s, President Nixon was invited to Communist China. He met with Mao Zedong, the premier, and discussed many subjects of cooperation between the two countries. These trade cooperations would help allow for far greater economic growth in China.

SALT I signed (July 1972)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-21 16:37:51 UTC

During the Cold War, the potential for nuclear Armageddon should war break out was an all too real possibility. To mitigate this, the US and USSR met in Moscow to limit how many nuclear weapons could be allowed in a nation's arsenal.

US supported coup overthrows Chilean government (Sept. 1973)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-21 17:26:31 UTC

After a Marxist president is democratically elected, the United States takes action. The following military coup was sponsored by the US and overthrew the Chilean government, replacing it with a military dictator. During the ensuing 17-year rule of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, more than 3,000 people would be disappeared or killed, and 38,000 would become political prisoners.

Egypt and Syria attack Israel; Egypt requests Soviet aid (Oct. 1973)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-21 17:33:53 UTC

On October 6, 1973, Egypt and Syria launched a coordinated surprise attack on Israeli forces. Israel ultimately repelled the attack and regained lost ground, but only after the United States decided to supply the Israeli military. Meanwhile, the Egyptians and Syrians utilized soviet equipment during the attack. This started cooperation between the the US and Israel and was the first time an Arab nation recognized its sovreignty.

S. Vietnam falls to Communist N. Vietnam (April 17, 1975)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-21 17:41:41 UTC

With extremely reduced US aid after reductions in the early 1970s, the South Vietnamese struggled against the North.

After a large offensive by the formal North Vietnamese army, the capital of the country, Saigon, was captured, and the country crumbled.

Soviet and Cuban forces help to install Communist government in Angola (Feb 1976)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-21 17:49:22 UTC

After gaining its independence from Portugal, the African nation of Angola found itself in a civil war. The US backed the FNLA faction while the soviets and other communist countries backed the Marxist MPLA faction. After Vietnam, the US government didn`t want to take any more major risks and due this lack of support the MPLA won the war.

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

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-21 18:19:10 UTC

After the president visits China, both countries open up trade to each other. This created an environment that allowed a massive amount. One of the key exammples is China renting out pandas to other countries as an exclusive deal.

Sino-Vietnamese War (Feb 1979)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-24 12:54:58 UTC

After the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia, trying to stop Pol Pot, the Chinese attacked Vietnamese forces. The Chinese are stalled in the north, and no major movements occurred. This showed a conflict between two communist nations, showing a lack of coordination and unity.

Shah of Iran overthrown; Iran Hostage Crisis begins (Nov. 1979)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-24 16:18:40 UTC

The Iran hostage crisis began on November 4, 1979, when Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. This was caused by growing resentment toward the U.S. for supporting the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown due to his authoritarian rule, suppression of dissent, and close ties to Western powers, especially the U.S. The crisis ended on January 20, 1981, with the hostages' release after diplomatic negotiations and the signing of the Algiers Accords.

Reagan proposes SDI or ¨Star Wars¨ (1983)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-24 16:30:34 UTC

For a long period of time, the only defense either side of the Cold War had was the threat of nuclear retaliation. President Reagan decided to try to move away from this strategy and work to create a large air defense network to defend the US. Over 10 years, 30 billion dollars were spent to create a system to intercept a nuclear attack. The project was not fully successful.

US troops invade and overthrow regime in Grenada (Oct 1983)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-24 17:17:26 UTC

After a Marxist regime took power on the Caribbean island, President Reagan ordered US troops to invade and protect US nationals currently on the Island and restore the previous democracy. Many sources believe this invasion to be in violation of international law.

Gorbachev begins “glasnost” and “perestroika” in efforts to reform the USSR (1985)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-24 17:25:11 UTC

While trying to keep up militarily with the United States, the USSR is drowning in debt from military spending. The Premier Gorbachev introduces two programs that open up the USSR to elections, freedom of the press, and lessening state authority. These efforts do more harm than help for the stability of the USSR.

Soviet troops withdraw from Afghanistan (Jan 1989)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-24 17:28:23 UTC

After an invasion and 8 8-year occupation aimed at assisting the communist government, Soviet forces withdrew from Afghanistan. The invasion was incredibly costly for the USSR both economically and in lives. The Red Army was not suited to the unconventional tactics of local militias, and the support for the rebels was often underestimated. The occupation was ended by order of Premier Gorbachev in order to ease financial struggles.

Tiananmen Square Massacre

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-24 17:32:59 UTC

1000s of college students begin protesting publicly for more freedoms, like what is occurring in the USSR in Tiananmen Square. The Chinese government sends in armed forces with armored support. There are no confirmed sources on how many were killed.

Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania oust Communist governments (1989)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-04-24 17:48:47 UTC

After decades under the influence of Soviet puppet governments, many nations attempted to free themselves. Due to the strained situation of the USSR, many of these revolts could not be put down, and many Eastern bloc nations were removed from communist control both peacefully and violently.

Soviet forces invade Afghanistan (Dec. 1979)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-01 17:36:49 UTC

In 1979, the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan's radical reforms to the nation had sparked resistance, leading the Soviets to intervene to prop up the struggling government. The invasion triggered a decade-long war, with U.S.-backed mujahideen fighting Soviet forces until their withdrawal in 1989.

US Hockey defeats USSR at winter olympics in Lake Placid, NY. (Feb 22, 1980)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-01 17:41:06 UTC

On February 22, the young American team, mostly college players, defeated the dominant Soviet squad 4-3 in an intense game that symbolized Cold War tensions. The victory was considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history.

US Boycotts Summer Olympics in Moscow (June-Aug 1980).

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-01 17:48:20 UTC

In response to the 1979 invasion of Afghanistan, the 1980 Moscow Olympics were boycotted by the U.S. Over 60 nations joined the boycott, which aimed to pressure the Soviets to withdraw and highlight global opposition to their military actions.

Eastern Bloc boycotts LA Summer Olympics (July-Aug, 1984)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-01 17:53:28 UTC

In retaliation for the boycott of the previous Olympics, the Soviet Union and several Eastern Bloc countries boycotted the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Officially, the Soviets cited security concerns and alleged anti-Soviet sentiment in the U.S., but the boycott was largely seen as a political move.

Berlin Wall falls (Nov. 1989)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-07 17:40:27 UTC

After increasing struggles in the USSR, the East German government allowed for travel between the East and West. In response, large groups of Germans rally at, vandalize, and tear down the wall. The German government would be reunified within the year.

Boris Yeltsin elected as President of Russia (May 1990)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-07 17:44:54 UTC

After major reforms under Gorbachov, Russia democratically elects a non-communist. Many in the Soviet military attempted a coup against the new government. Citizens of Moscow and many soldiers rise up in protest. The military eventually backs down after soldiers disobey orders to control the population, and the new Russian Federation is formed.

Germany Reunited (Oct. 3, 1990)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-07 18:04:07 UTC

By 1990, the Berlin Wall had been toppled. After East Germany broke free of Soviet influence, Communism lost its appeal. Germany was reunified even with concern of the Greatest Generation for the first time since 1945.

USSR dissolved - 15 Republics gain independence, including Russia. (Aug, 1991)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-07 18:12:40 UTC

After the loss of a central authority and the new democratic processes, many soviet republics broke away. Many countries in the Eastern bloc adopted a more Western government style. The power vacuum this caused allowed for extreme corruption in the new governments and the rise of oligarchies in the region.

Publication of the Pentagon papers (1971)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-13 15:21:32 UTC

Commissioned in 1967, the Pentagon Papers were a 47-column set of documents detailing the true scope of US involvement in Vietnam and French Indochina. A researcher named Daniel Ellsberg, who worked on the papers, after becoming disillusioned with the was, leaked the documents to the New York Times. After a Supreme Court case, they were able to publish them to the public,c revealing what was actually happening in Vietnam.

Warsaw Pact formed (May 1955)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-13 15:27:00 UTC

On May 14, 1955, the USSR responded to the formation of NATO. They created their own alliance of communist nations to counter it. The pact allowed for the central Soviet command of all military forces in the alliance, effectively securing Soviet influence in Europe.

CIA helps overthrow unfriendly governments in Iran and Guatemala (March 1954)

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-13 15:33:20 UTC

The CIA orchestrated coups in Iran (1953) and Guatemala (1954) to counter perceived communist influence and protect U.S. interests. In Iran, Mohammad Mossadegh was overthrown after he nationalized British-owned oil. In Guatemala, Jacobo Árbenz was removed due to land reforms that threatened the United Fruit Company, with Carlos Castillo Armas installed as leader. Both coups resulted in long-term political instability and anti-U.S. sentiment in those regions.

The End

lbergmark26_ — 2025-05-14 17:56:08 UTC

The Cold War was fought with means short of direct military confrontation. The most important of which is the Nuclear arms race, the use of intelligence agencies, and numerous proxy wars.