Cold War Map by LUCAS SKIDMORE

Feb 1945: Yalta Conference drafts Post-War plan.

lskidmore251 — 2024-03-27 13:50:58 UTC

a pivotal meeting among the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union during World War II. Taking place in the Crimean town of Yalta, the conference aimed to discuss the postwar reorganization of Germany and Europe. Key decisions were made regarding collective security, self-determination for liberated nations, and the shape of the postwar world. The conference’s impact reverberated throughout history, especially as the Cold War tensions escalated .

August 1945: Hiroshima

lskidmore251 — 2024-03-27 13:53:47 UTC

On August 6, 1945, an American B-29 bomber dropped the world’s first atomic bomb over the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The explosion immediately killed an estimated 80,000 people; tens of thousands more would later die of radiation exposure

August 1945: Nagasaki

lskidmore251 — 2024-03-27 13:56:02 UTC

On August 9, 1945, the United States detonated the “Fat Man” atomic bomb over the Japanese city of Nagasaki. This event marked the second and final use of nuclear weapons in warfare during World War II—also, marking the end of the war in the Pacific.

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

lskidmore251 — 2024-03-27 14:04:00 UTC

On March 5, 1946, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered his “Iron Curtain” speech in Fulton, Missouri. In this historic address at Westminster College, Churchill emphasized the need for the United States and Britain to act as guardians of peace and stability against the menace of Soviet communism. He vividly described the “iron curtain” that the U.S.S.R. had drawn across Europe, creating a political, military, and ideological barrier between the East and the West.

March 12, 1947 : Truman Doctrine first applied in Greek Civil War

lskidmore251 — 2024-03-27 14:08:49 UTC

U.S. goal to contain the spread of communism as if it were a virus. Thus, the Marshall Plan implemented was to carry out military aid and help countries struggling right out of World War 2 against armed revolts supporting communism, taking away the USSR's upper hand. Gaining the U.S. favor with new allies, it started to help.

June 1947 : Marshall Plan is announced to rebuild Europe

lskidmore251 — 2024-03-27 14:21:04 UTC

Used just like the Truman Doctrine to win favor within Europe and curb the spread of communism. It aimed to rebuild economies, prevent political instability, and promote democracy. The U.S. provided substantial financial assistance, totaling $13.3 billion. Key participants included countries like France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The plan played a crucial role in Europe’s recovery and remains a significant chapter in post-war history.

June 1948: Berlin Blockade and Airlift Begins

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-10 13:34:23 UTC

In June 1948, the Berlin Blockade began when the Soviet Union blocked access to the Allied-controlled areas of Berlin. This city, though entirely within the Soviet-occupied zone, was divided into Western and Eastern parts. The Western Allies found themselves cut off from their sectors in Berlin, leaving approximately 2.5 million civilians without access to essential goods like food, medicine, fuel, and electricity. In response, the Western powers launched an unprecedented airlift operation that lasted nearly a year. U.S. and British planes transported over 2.3 million tons of supplies into West Berlin through more than 270,000 flights, ensuring vital relief for the city’s residents.

April 4, 1949: NATO Alliance formed

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-10 13:36:49 UTC

On April 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established. This military alliance was formed by the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, also known as the Washington Treaty. The treaty brought together 12 countries from North America and Western Europe in Washington, D.C. The primary purpose of NATO was to promote stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and safeguard the freedom of its people based on the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. This significant development reflected a crucial change in American foreign policy during the Cold War era.

Aug 20, 1949: Russia tests its first atomic bomb

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-10 13:39:39 UTC

On August 29, 1949, the Soviet Union achieved a momentous milestone by successfully detonating its first atomic bomb. Code-named “First Lightning,” this test took place at a remote site in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan. To assess the blast’s effects, Soviet scientists constructed buildings, bridges, and other structures nearby. The explosion, equivalent to approximately 20 kilotons, obliterated those structures and incinerated the animals. This marked the beginning of the Arms Race; a competition between the USA and the USSR to see who can build the biggest and meanest weapons.

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

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-10 13:45:16 UTC

In 1949, after years of intense conflict, Mao Zedong emerged victorious in the Chinese Civil War. His Communist forces defeated the Nationalist government. On October 1, 1949, Mao proclaimed the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This momentous event marked the end of the Nationalist era and the beginning of Communist rule in China

Feb, 1950: McCarthyism and the Red Scare takes hold in the US

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-10 13:47:57 UTC

In the early 1950s, the Red Scare swept through the United States, fueled by fears of Communist infiltration during the Cold War. Senator Joseph R. McCarthy played a central role in this era of paranoia. His relentless pursuit of alleged Communists within the U.S. government led to investigations, blacklists, and widespread anxiety. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and McCarthy targeted suspected subversives, including those in Hollywood. Although the climate of fear eventually eased, McCarthyism left a lasting impact on American society and politics.

1950-1953: Korean War

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-10 13:50:43 UTC

The Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953, was a conflict between North Korea (supported by China) and South Korea (aided by the United Nations). The war resulted in the loss of at least 2.5 million lives. It began when North Korea, armed with Soviet tanks, invaded non-Communist South Korea by crossing the 38th Parallel. The war included significant events such as the Inch’ŏn landing, the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, and the Battle of Kapyong. Technically, the war is still ongoing today as there is only a cease-fire that was signed and no formal declaration of peace.

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

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-10 13:55:08 UTC

On March 1, 1954, the United States conducted a momentous test of an improved hydrogen bomb over the tiny island of Namu in the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Carried by a B-52 bomber, the bomb was released, and this hydrogen bomb was far more powerful than previous tests. This successful test indicated that hydrogen bombs were viable airborne weapons, significantly escalating the nuclear arms race.

March 1954: KGB established

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-10 14:03:46 UTC

The KGB, also known as the Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti, was the foreign intelligence and domestic security agency of the Soviet Union. Established in 1954, it succeeded a series of security agencies, including the Cheka, NKVD, and MGB. The KGB’s responsibilities included intelligence, protection of political leadership, border supervision, and general population surveillance.

March 1954: CIA helps overthrow unfriendly gov't in Iran and Guatemala

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-11 01:47:36 UTC

In 1953, the CIA orchestrated the overthrow of Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh. The operation, code-named “Operation Ajax,” aimed to protect Western interests by reinstating a pro-Western leader. The coup led to the return of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who ruled with U.S. support until the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

The 1954 Guatemalan coup deposed the democratically elected President Jacobo Árbenz. Tas largely the result of a CIA covert operation called “PBSuccess.” The military dictatorship of Carlos Castillo Armas was installed, marking the end of the Guatemalan Revolution. These actions took place because of the communist tendencies that were taking place and the US acted in fear of these spreading. Communist tendencies are like state-sponsored intervention within economics and the relevant of human rights for an "easier" life.

May 1955: Warsaw Pact formed

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-11 02:08:02 UTC

The Warsaw Pact, formally known as the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, was a collective defense treaty signed in Warsaw, Poland in May 1955 during the Cold War. It originally included the Soviet Union and seven other Eastern Bloc socialist republics from Central and Eastern Europe. The pact aimed to provide mutual defense against NATO and facilitated a unified military command with Soviet military units stationed in participating states.

1955: The Transfermium Wars Begin

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-11 13:08:12 UTC

During the 50's there is a scientific race to expand the periodic table between the USA and the USSR and whenever they found these new elements that could be weaponized they would name them after patriotic things belonging to them. The Americans founded Americium and the Soviets found Mendeleevium. Creating the great periodic race for placing their country and its values above the other.

Nov 1956: Rebellion put down in Hungary

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-11 13:15:38 UTC

On October 23, 1956, the revolution ignited in Budapest when university students rallied at the Hungarian Parliament Building. They protested against the Soviet Union’s control over Hungary through the Stalinist government. A delegation of students broadcasting their sixteen demands for political and economic reforms was detained by security guards. Hungarians formed revolutionary militias to fight against the AVH (State Protection Authority). Local communist leaders and AVH policemen were captured and summarily killed or lynched. The uprising lasted 12 days before being crushed by Soviet tanks and troops on November 4, 1956. Thousands were killed, wounded, and nearly a quarter of a million Hungarians fled the country. Although initially willing to negotiate the withdrawal of the Soviet Army, the USSR ultimately repressed the revolution. The Hungarian Uprising resulted in the deaths of 2,500 Hungarians and 700 Soviet Army soldiers. Around 200,000 Hungarians sought political refuge abroad, mostly in Austria¹².

Aug 1957: USSR launches first ICBM

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-11 13:20:40 UTC

The first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) of the USSR was the R-7 Semyorka. It was developed under the direction of rocket pioneer Sergey Korolyov during the 1950s. The R-7 was capable of delivering a heavy nuclear warhead to American targets.

The first launch of the R-7 took place on 15 May 1957, but it led to an unintended crash 400 km from the site. The first successful test followed on 21 August 1957; the R-7 flew over 6,000 km and became the world’s first ICBM. The first strategic-missile unit became operational on 9 February 1959 at Plesetsk in north-west Russia. An improved version, the R-7A, reached operational status on the 12 September 1960.

Oct 4, 1957: Sputnik launched into orbit

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-11 13:24:02 UTC

Sputnik was the Soviets first launched and successfully operated space vehicle that sent and received information. This Launch in Oct. 4, 1957 marked an important milestone for the Soviets and more importantly started the Space Race between the USA and the USSR driving each to be more competitive to assert their dominance over the other.

Jan 1959: Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-11 13:27:59 UTC

in January of 1959, the new leader Fidel Castro seized power after a Cuban Revolution. Although at the beginning of the Revolution Fidel's troops did not hold the upper hand, later they indeed gained that. Forcing the troops of the then current dictator out and holding elections; instating himself as prime-minister of Cuba.

May 1960: U2 spy plane shot down over the USSR

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-11 13:54:05 UTC

In May of 1960 Gary Powers was shot down in his U2 Spy Plane. He was later recovered by the USSR and set on trial for espionage. The USA would end up having to swap with a Russian spy. This was a big embarrassment for the USA.

April 1961: Failed Bay of Pigs Invasion

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-11 14:04:12 UTC

The Bay of Pigs invasion. The CIA rounds up Anti-Communist Cuban Exiles, who are then secretly trained in Guatemala. All to overthrow Fidel Castro because the USA is worried that a Communist country is 90 miles of the coast of the USA. When the rebels are dropped off at the Bay of Pigs the US air support was supposed to give aid but Kennedy fearing blames of involvement decided against it. Leaving the Rebels stranded and not making it off the beach.

Aug 17, 1961: Construction of Berlin Wall begins

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-14 23:29:44 UTC

On August 13, 1961, GDR (aka. East Berlin) initiated construction of the Berlin wall. Made of barbed wire and concrete and was meant to keep the "fascists out." The Berlin Wall stood as a division of the city, but further more it stood as a division between economic empires. The wall remained in place until 1989, when the end of separation between families, businesses, and Germany ended.

Oct, 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-14 23:40:49 UTC

The Cuban Missile Crisis, was a 13-day long confrontation between the Soviet rented Cuban land, and the not so distant 90 mile away American homeland. Where the world was on the brink of total nuclear wipeout. This is the product of secret planting of nuclear missiles by Russia in Cuba in retaliation to the US planting missiles in Turkey. Negotiation although at the most tense in the Cold War worked and the deal of Russian missile removal and American Missile removal from Cuba and Turkey respectively. This can be seen as the critical turning point of power and the socio-political statuses of Russia and the US.

July 1963: Nuclear Test Ban Treaty ratified

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-14 23:53:24 UTC

In July 1963, a significant milestone in the nuclear arms race was the signing and ratification of the Limited Test Ban Treaty. This treaty was signed between the Soviet Union, USA, and Britain. The goal was to ban testing in certain areas such as the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. While it did not ban underground tests, it stipulated that such explosions should not release radioactive debris beyond the territorial limits of the state conducting them. This treaty marked a crucial point in the Arms race turning it down to preserve the environment

August 1964: Gulf of Tonkin incident and resolution

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-15 00:00:56 UTC

In August of 1964, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was passed by the US congress after an alleged attack on two US naval destroyers, stationed of the coast of Vietnam. This resolution gave LBJ the powers seen when Caesar was in charge of Rome. LBJ was given liberties to do whatever was necessary to repel any and all armed attack against the US to prevent further aggression by the communist gov't of North Vietnam. This resolution was passed unanimously in the House and with only two opposing votes in the Senate. Despite doubts of the second attack the resolution marked the beginning of the US's full scale involvement in the conflict.

April 1965: US Marines sent to Dominican Republic to fight Communism

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-15 00:13:56 UTC

Amidst the political turmoil, the Dominican Republic was plunged into civil war following a failed coup attempt by army officers on April 25th. In response, President LBJ ordered 23,000 American Troops to the island on April 28th. These forces were aimed to prevent the rise of Communist-oriented rebels. This struggle kept the Dominican Republic from their sovereignty as a Caribbean Nation.

July 1965: US announcement to dispatch 200,000 US troops to Vietnam

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-15 00:33:33 UTC

In July 1965, LBJ announced the increase of US military forces deployed to Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000. Additionally, monthly draft calls were raised from 17,000 to 35,000. This decision came in response from General Westmoreland, the U.S. commander in Saigon. LBJ said the counter for communism was important but also that peace was important as well, calling the UN to restore stability. The US force would reach 180,000 by the end of the year impacting the course of the war.

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

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-15 00:42:15 UTC

Operation Rolling Thunder, a sustained aerial bombardment campaign, unfolded between March 2, 1965, and November 2, 1968, during the Vietnam War. The Objectives were to boost moral, cease North Vietnamese support of southern communist insurgents, Destroy North Vietnamese support lines; halting the flow of materials (man and weapons). Challenges arose from Cold War constraints and the backing of the North by Russia and China. Outcome, was limited and varied in some spots. Making it a variable success or the Americans.

Aug 1968: Red Army crush Czechoslovakian revolt

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-24 13:13:09 UTC

In August 1968, the Soviet Union led Warsaw Pact troops in an invasion of Czechoslovakia to suppress reformists trends in Prague. Commonly referred to as the "Prague Spring" this brief period of liberalization in the communist country approximately 200,000 troops and 5,000 tanks were deployed to crush the uprising from the democratic leaning gov't. Although many protests were held the democratic reforms were repealed and implemented a period of "normalization." This invasion had lasting affects on the unity of the Communist Bloc.

July 20, 1969: Apollo 11 lands on the moon

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-24 13:20:37 UTC

Apollo 11 was the American space flight that first landed humans on the Moon, on July 20 1969, Commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin landed Apollo Lunar Module Eagle at 20:17 UTC. Armstrong became the first person to step onto the Moon's surface; spending 135 mins exploring Tranquility Base. This was all apart of the ongoing Space Race that was a Cold War competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve domination of the stars. It began with the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviets and them sending the first people and organisms into space. However ended with the victory of the Americans reaching the moon.

1971: Publication of the Pentagon papers

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-24 13:27:31 UTC

The Pentagon Papers were a collection of documents commissioned by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara in 1967. They contain a detailed history of the U.S. role in Vietnam and World War 2. These papers were published by the NYT and given to them by a senior research associate at MIT. Starting on June 13, 1971, the NYT published a series of articles based on the study, which was classified as "top secret" by the gov't. The Supreme Court made a landmark decision in favor of publishing the papers. These papers later revealed the decisive decisions made by recent presidents.

July 1972: SALT I signed

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-24 13:34:25 UTC

In July 1972, the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks resulted in the signing of an important agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union. This treaty aimed to limit the growth of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems. Key provisions were; Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty, Interim Agreement on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, Freeze on Total Number of Launchers, and Verification Measures. All these measures made it to where both nations agreed to limit the deployment of anti-ballistic missile systems and the number of Strategic nuclear delivery vehicles while freezing the total number of launchers and creating verification procedures.

Sept. 1973: US supported coup overthrows Chilean government

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-24 13:42:33 UTC

On September 11, 1973, the Chilean military overthrew the socialist government of president Salvador Allende in a CIA-supported coup, installing a ruthless 17-year dictatorship by General Augusto Pinochet. Salvador Allende, a democratic socialist, had been elected as Chile's president in 1970. His gov't implemented progressive policies, including the nationalization of industries and land reforms. However, tensions escalated due to economic challenges, political polarization, and opposition from conservative forces, including the United States. Thus the Chilean armed forces staged a coup against Allende's gov't, bombing the presidential palace and killing the president the military junta took power. Later released documents in 2023 show the Nixon administration and Henry Kissinger were aware of the plans and the United States branded Allende as a dangerous communist. The Junta's rule was characterized by repression, human rights abuse, and thousands of deaths lasting until 1990.

Feb 1972: President Nixon visits China

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-29 13:07:31 UTC

In February 1972, President Nixon embarked on a historic visit to the People's Republic of China. This visit significantly altered the balance of power within the world. Relations between the U.S. and China were Ice-Cold for two decade. Nixon's visit aimed to thaw these icy conditions and became known as the week that changed the world. During this visit he met with Mao Zedong. During this visit Panda Diplomacy became a thing where China gifted two pandas to American zoos, and Nixon gifted two musk oxen. These gifts and talks marked a significant milestone and a great growth in development.

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

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-29 13:14:42 UTC

In October 1973, during the Yom Kippur War, Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel to reclaim territories lost in the Six-Day War. Facing near-certain defeat at the hands of the Soviet-backed Arabs, Israel urgently sought aid from the U.S.. The Soviets responded by resupplying Egypt and Syria with weapons, airlifting thousands of tons of supplies to Egypt and Syria, meanwhile the U.S. reluctantly but eventually aided the Israelis.

April 17, 1975: S. Vietnam falls to Communist N. Vietnam

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-29 13:21:07 UTC

On April 30, 1975, the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese Army effectively ending the Vietnam War. In the days before, U.S. forces evacuated thousands of Americans and South Vietnamese. The fall of Saigon marked the last major event of the Vietnam War and effectively signaled the unification of Vietnam.

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

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-29 13:26:08 UTC

In February 1976, the Soviet Union and Cuba played a pivotal role in installing a communist gov't in Angola during the Angolan civil war. The People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola that gained popularity after the severing of Portugal and Angola. The MPLA aligned with the communists, sought control. With Cuban soldiers on the ground and Soviet Support the MPLA became the defacto gov't and took control.

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

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-29 13:31:04 UTC

On January 1, 1979, a significant chapter in international relations was reached, where the U.S. officially recognized the PRC as the sole legal gov't of China and withdrew from Taiwan and the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty. This also set in place many things outlined seven years ago with the Nixon administration.

Feb 1979: Sino-Vietnamese War

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-29 13:35:19 UTC

The Sino-American War, fought between the People's Republic of China and the Socialists Republic of Vietnam from February 17 to March 16, 1979, was a brief but intense conflict. China launched an offensive in response to Vietnam's invasion and occupation of Cambodia in 1978, which had ended the rule of the Chinese-backed Khmer Rouge. The conflict lasted for about a month, with China withdrawing its troops in March 1979.

Nov. 1979: Shah of Iran overthrown; Iran Hostage Crisis begins

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-29 13:42:35 UTC

In November 1979, a pivotal moment unfolded between the Iranians and the U.S., the Iran Hostage Crisis. On November 4th, a group of Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, seizing more than 60 American Hostages. The immediate cause was President Jimmy Carter's decision to allow the deposed pro-western autocrat Shah of Iran to seek cancer treatment in the U.S.. However the crisis represented the breaking of ties with America and elevating tensions. The Hostages were held for 444 days and released when Ronald Reagan was inaugurated for President.

Dec. 1979: Soviet forces invade Afghanistan

lskidmore251 — 2024-04-29 14:02:25 UTC

In December of 1979, the Soviet Union launched a full scale military action into Afghanistan and on the night of December 14, Soviet troops crossed the border and sent around 30,000 troops. Their objective was to support the Afghan Communist government in its conflict with anti-communist Muslim guerrillas during the Afghan war. When the Khalq and Parcham party united although uneasily to form a new gov't the tribal and rural people who were devout Muslims and anti-communists started to fight back and arrive to fight known as the mujahideen. However the intervention of the Soviet Union to restore civil actions much resistance was faced and the Soviets ended up backing out.

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

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 13:10:12 UTC

On February 22, 1980, during the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York an unforgettable ice hockey game between the United States and the Soviet Union unfolded. Despite being the lesser ranked team the U.S. beat the 4 time gold defending champions the USSR in a 4-3 victory. This was a sign that the US dominance was here and in full affect.

June-Aug 1980: US Boycotts Summer Olympics in Moscow

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 13:13:19 UTC

In the summer of 1980, the United States led a boycott of the Summer Olympic Games in Moscow to protest the late 199 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. A total of 65 nations refused to participate in the games, whereas 80 other countries sent representatives.

1983: Reagan proposes SDI or “Star Wars”

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 13:17:31 UTC

IN 1983, President Ronald Reagan proposed the Strategic Defense Initiative to combat the use of ballistic missiles against the U.S.. The SDI would intercept the missiles at various points in their flights and would consist of space, air, and ground based components. This was controversial and expensive as people didn't believe in its feasibility and furthermore this just showed the level that the U.S. was going to to gain the upper hand.

Oct 1983: US troops invade and overthrow regime in Grenada

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 13:23:51 UTC

In October of 1983, the U.S. launched an invasion of the Caribbean nation of Grenada. This was due to the threat posed to American nationals by the Marxist regime to the ~1000 Americans (many students at the medical university). This was all mostly started from the leftist leader Maurice Bishop seizing power then making close ties with Cuba. So the U.S. allowed for the 2,000 troops to land and seize power ousting the current gov't and installing a new regime that was acceptable for the U.S.

July-Aug, 1984: Eastern Bloc boycotts LA Summer Olympics

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 13:27:40 UTC

The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles faced a boycott by fourteen Eastern Bloc countries, including the Soviet Union and East Germany. This boycott was in response to the American-led boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Interestingly Romania was the only Eastern Bloc country to attend.

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

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 13:35:49 UTC

In 1985, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev initiated two critical reforms movements: Perestroika and Glasnost. These reforms aimed to address the stagnation of the Soviet Economy and the need for political transparency. Perestroika meaning reconstruction in Russian, involved fundamental economic changes and Glasnost meaning openness sought to democratize the political system by revealing past horrors and inefficiencies. These however seen ultimately led to the fall of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Jan 1989: Soviet troops withdraw from Afghanistan

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 13:42:21 UTC

Between May 1988 and 15 February 1989, the Soviet Retreat of the 40th Army by Boris Gromov into the USSR marking the end of the decade long conflict; decision made by Gorbachev. The Soviets tried to aid the People' Democratic Party of Afghanistan consolidation of power against the mujaheddin (Afghan Civil War) until the dissolving of the USSR in 1991 leading to the second Afghan Civil War and the mujaheddin as the Pakistan-backed Taliban took power.

1989: Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria and Romania oust Communist governments

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 13:51:24 UTC

Poland: In June of 1989, Poland held partially free elections, and the Solidarity Trade Union emerged victorious. This victory signaled a significant shift away from Soviet domination and paved the way for democratic reforms.
Hungary: The Hungarian Communist Party dissolved itself, and the country transitioned to a multi-party system. By 1989, Hungary had abandoned its one-party state regime.
Czechoslovakia: In 1989, the Velvet Revolution unfolded in Czechoslovakia. The mass protests demanded political change, and the Communist gov't eventually stepped down and transitioned to democracy.
Bulgaria: Facing economic challenges by 1989, the country was losing its support of Communism, and the Communist Regime lost its power, and change took the nation.
Romania: In December of 1989, mass protests erupted, leading to the overthrow of the brutal regime of Nicolae Ceausescu and his execution marked the end of decades of Communist rule in Romania.

June 1989: Tiananmen Square Massacre

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 13:56:45 UTC

A student-led demonstration in Tiananmen Square, China that lasted for many months and unsuccessful peace resolutions, the Chinese gov't declared martial law and deployed troops to occupy the square causing the massacre. The PLA stormed the square with tanks, crushing protesters with injuries exceeding 3,000 and deaths over 200. The brutal Chinese gov't assault shocked the west and brought sanctions and denunciations from the U.S.

Nov. 1989: Berlin Wall falls one paragraph summary

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 14:01:00 UTC

In November of 1989, the Berlin Wall, a symbol of the Cold War's decision of the East and West, fell. This historic event occurred when the East German gov't announced the free crossing for East German citizens. That night crowds swarmed the wall and tore it apart. This momentous event was a pivotal event in the fall of the Communist Bloc and the German reunification.

May 1990: Boris Yeltsin elected as President of Russia

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 14:04:09 UTC

In May of 1990, Boris Yeltsin was elected as the President of Russia. His election marked a significant change in Russian History, as he became the first popularly elected leader as an advocate for democracy and economic reform. His tenure as president was characterized by political and economic challenges, and he played a crucial role in the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. As the Soviet Union transformed into the Russian Federation, Yeltsin remained in office, navigating a stormy decade until his resignation on the eve of 2000.

Oct. 3, 1990: Germany Reunited

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 14:06:53 UTC

On October 3, 1990, the German Democratic Republic was dissolved. These new states became part of the Federal Republic of Germany, an event known as the German Reunification. This historic moment marked the formal end of World War II, guaranteed the western borders of Poland, inspired a drive toward greater European integration, and ensured the election of Helmut Kohl as the first democratically chosen chancellor of a united Germany since 1932. The reunification process was swift, largely driven by the desire to stem the hemorrhage of young people and skilled workers from East Germany who poured westward after the Berlin Wall was opened on November 9, 1989. The fall of the Berlin Wall and economic unification were pivotal in this transformative period of German history.

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

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-02 14:08:49 UTC

In August 1991, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics faced a pivotal moment that would forever alter its course. The unsuccessful coup attempt against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev sealed the fate of the Soviet Union. Hardline Communists orchestrated the coup, aiming to halt Gorbachev’s reforms. However, their actions backfired: the turmoil led to the central government in Moscow losing influence, ultimately resulting in many republics proclaiming independence in the following days and months. This seismic shift culminated in the dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 31, 1991. Fifteen independent countries emerged from its ashes: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The Soviet era ended, and a new chapter began for these nations, each forging its unique path in the post-Soviet landscape.

Padlet Project Movie

lskidmore251 — 2024-05-23 03:14:09 UTC

Sorry for being slow at times tried to stay within the 10 min time limit but there were people talking near me. Enjoy!!