Date: March 5, 1946

Description: Churchill declared that an "Iron Curtain" had descended across Europe, symbolizing the division between democratic Western Europe and communist Eastern Europe.

Date: March 12, 1947

Description: President Truman announced a policy to contain communism by supporting Greece and Turkey against communist threats.

Visuals: A map of Greece and Turkey, a photo of President Truman, and propaganda posters from the era.

Date: June 24, 1948 - May 12, 1949

Description: The USSR blocked Western access to West Berlin. In response, the U.S. and allies organized the Berlin Airlift to supply the city with necessities.

Date: April 4, 1949

Description: Western nations formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a mutual defense alliance against the Soviet Union.

Visuals: A NATO map, a photo of the signing ceremony, and political cartoons about the Cold War alliances.

Date: June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953

Description: North Korea, supported by China and the USSR, invaded South Korea. The U.S. led a United Nations coalition to push back the invasion.

Date: October 16-28, 1962

Description: A U.S.-Soviet standoff over Soviet missile installations in Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. It ended with a negotiated settlement.

Date: August 1980

Description: A workers' movement led by Lech Wałęsa challenged communist rule in Poland, marking a significant crack in the Soviet Bloc.

Date: December 26, 1991

Description: The USSR officially dissolved, ending the Cold War. This collapse resulted from economic struggles, nationalist movements, and reforms under Gorbachev.