The Cold War
(1947 – 1991) by Nina Moorman
Starring the United States and the Soviet Union
After a tense but intense union as allies in WW ll, these two nations are at a standoff. America is uncomfortable with the Soviet's communism, and its leader, Stalin, especially in the light of the Soviet's expansion after the war. The Soviet is bitter after America delayed the legitimacy of the USSR in the international social circle, resulting in millions of Russian deaths.
Containment
The defense strategy against the Soviet union. Basically, since neither nation was going to find an agreement, America would watch over the Soviets and contain their expansion and communism.
"Iron Curtain"
This was the imaginary line between the communist Europe and the not-communist Europe during the Cold War.
Truman Doctrine: 1947
Basically an unofficial declaration of the Cold War. It delineated the parameters of the Cold War foreign policy, naming the Soviets as the source and concentration of communism.
Marshall Plan: 1948- 1951
European Recovery Program. Gave billions of dollars to help Europe recover WW2.
Berlin Airlift
This was a military operation, that took place in the western part of Berlin, whose purpose was to get food and other necessities to the populace which had been cut off by German supply routes.
NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Alliance between Europe and North America, to balance out the Soviet Union and Warsaw pact.
Korean War: 1950
South Korea, backed by America, fought North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union. This marked the first military reaction, by Americans, in the Cold War.
McCarthyism
One of the most notable anticommunist politician who instigated a check of all government employees to ascertain whether any was a communist or affiliated with communists.
Space Race
Exploring space became a competition between the two sides, with Sputnik's launch starting the race.
U-2 Incident: 1960
The spy plane of Francis Gary Power was shop down in Soviet territory.
Eisenhower Doctrine: 1957
This required Congress to let the president take immediate action in order to respond to any war threats. Through this doctrine, measures were taken to protect the Middle East from communist country attacks. This doctrine was a result of the USSR's attempt to entering Egypt using the Suez War as an excuse.
Brinkmanship
This is basically the threat of going to war if the opposing side becomes aggressive.
Cuban Missle Crisis
Closest to nuclear war that America has ever come. Negotiations were made so that the Soviets removed their missiles from Cuba and in return the US would not invade Cuba and would remove the quarantine, as well as removing the US's missiles from Turkey.
Bay of Pigs Invasion: 1961
Failed American attempt at getting Castro out of power by invading the Bay of Pigs.
What even is the Cold War?
Military and political tensions after WW2.