Answer:
1. Containment
Begun by President Truman in 1947. US will give economic & military aid to stop spread of Communism. Aligns with domino theory that communism would spread.
Explanation:
Truman realized that the greatest danger for US after the war came from Soviet Union. That is why he focused his attention on preventing the spread of Communism especially in those countries where States had zone of influence. Marshall’s plan was one of the ways they tried to help European countries.
2. Issues in Berlin
Soviet block access to Berlin in 1948. US & UK respond with the massive airlift of supplies to Eastern Berlin. Soviets demand American forces leave Berlin. US refuses and the Soviets begin building the Berlin War in 1961.
Explanation:
The major crisis during the Cold War in Europe happened in Germany. This is a place where interest of two countries collided. When the wall was built in 1961, the peak of the crisis was achieved. Many people who tried to escape from Eastern to Western Berlin were killed on that wall.
3. Brinkmanship
Pres. Eisenhower threatens “massive retaliation” if provoked. Hopeful this would prevent any Soviet strike. Like a game of chess. “Mutually Assured Destruction” if bombs ever used. Pres. Kennedy made it part of his political doctrine.
Explanation:
Eisenhower was US general during the war. He realized how danger Soviets were. That is why he created a policy according to which States will go to the end if needed to prevent the Soviet Union in their policy of spreading the communism in the West. This policy was later embraced by Kennedy, who had the same opinion on this issue.
4. The Potsdam Conference (1945)
Summer 1945. Followed the Yalta Conference in Feb. US, UK & Soviet Union continue plans for postwar Europe & division of Germany.
Explanation:
The participants were the Soviet Union, UK, and the US. German reparations agreed. German and Polish borders. Remove Nazi party from every aspect of German life. Soviets wanted control over Ruhr - USA rejected. Soviet Union wanted a share in the occupation of Japan - Truman rejected. US and UK wanted a greater say in Easter Europe: Stalin rejected.
5. The Space Race
Began with Soviet launch of Sputnik satellite in 1957. Soviets send 1st astronaut (Yuri Gagarin) into space in 1961. US catches up with Apollo 11 - sending first men to the moon in 1969.
Explanation:
The Space race was one of the most important aspects of the Cold War. Both countries wanted to prove their technological advantage in comparison to the other one. Soviets were leading the race with Sputnik and Gagarin. But the things changed in 1969. Names of Apollo 11 and Neil Armstrong were the synonym for American victory in this race.
6. Revolution
Protests begin the Communist Republics. Soviet states break away and attempt democracy. Berlin Wall torn down in 1989. Soviet Union collapses and becomes Commonwealth of Independent States.
Explanation:
The fall of Berlin Wall meant the fall of Communism in Europe. Most of Communist regimes were overthrown in Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia… It also happened with Soviet Union. The Baltic states were the first ones to proclaim independence. Others followed. Russia tried to economically bond them later.
7. Détente
An easing of tension after years of both nations on edge. Begun by Nixon & Brezhnev in the 1970s. More talks & treaties until the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
Explanation:
Nixon said more than once that policy of Détente was one of his greatest achievements. He managed to sit with Brezhnev around the same table and to discuss one of the most important issues. That was the question of nuclear weapon. Two leaders managed to agree that two countries should reduce their nuclear arsenal for the sake of both countries.
8. Glasnost
Russian policy of social reforms in the 1980s. Mikhail Gorbachev promotes greater transparency. Free trade allows for some private companies.
Explanation:
This policy of economical reforms came too late, historians agree. Economy of Soviet Union was under the strict control of the country. That led to economical drop, which Gorbachev wanted to prevent. But it was too late. The situation was terrible and no reforms were not enough. Just a couple of years later Soviet Union collapsed.
9. Vietnam War
Long, slow building Vietnam war from 1950s to 1973. Increased with the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964. The 1968 Revolution turned many against the war in the US. US involvement ended in 1975 but Vietnam united under communism in 1977.
Explanation:
The greatest conflict during the Cold War led to unification of Vietnam under the Communist regime. But not only that. The participation of United States was also important part of the war. Many American soldiers died in the war and the public was against it. It was at the end the greatest defeat of US in their history.
