Cold War 1945 - 1968

End of World War II and beginning of the Cold War: The Yalta Conference takes place, dividing Europe into spheres of influence.

Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan: The United States implements policies to contain the spread of communism in Europe.

Berlin Blockade and Airlift: The Soviet Union blocks access to West Berlin, leading to a massive airlift by the Western Allies.

Formation of NATO and the Communist takeover of China.

Korean War: The conflict between North and South Korea escalates into a proxy war between the United States and China.

Death of Joseph Stalin: Leadership transition in the Soviet Union.

Warsaw Pact established: A military alliance of Soviet-dominated Eastern European countries.

Hungarian Revolution and Suez Crisis: Hungary attempts to break away from Soviet influence, and the Suez Crisis marks the decline of European colonial powers.

Cuban Revolution: Fidel Castro comes to power in Cuba, leading to tensions with the United States.

Berlin Wall constructed: East Germany erects a barrier to stop the flow of refugees to the West.

Cuban Missile Crisis: Tensions escalate between the United States and the Soviet Union over the placement of nuclear missiles in Cuba.