The Soviet Union installs a puppet government in Romania.

Tags: Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Romania, Satellite State, Occupation, Post-War, Iron Curtain, Cold War Origins

Josip Broz Tito is installed as the head of the provisional government of Democratic Federal Yugoslavia.

Tags: Yugoslavia, Tito, Communist, Balkans, Post-War, Government, Eastern Europe, Cold War

Roosevelt dies; Vice President Harry S. Truman takes over with little knowledge of current diplomatic efforts, no knowledge of the atomic bomb, and a...

Tags: United States, Truman, President, Leadership, Cold War Origins, Diplomacy, Atomic Bomb, Post-War, Foreign Policy

Benito Mussolini dies.

Tags: World War II, Italy, Mussolini, Axis Powers, Death, War, Resistance, Fascism, End of War

Adolf Hitler dies.

Tags: World War II, Germany, Hitler, Nazi, Death, War, Axis Powers, End of War

start of occupation of Trieste by Yugoslav forces, although challenged by the 2nd New Zealand Division under General Freyberg and the city remained pa...

Tags: Trieste, Yugoslavia, Italy, Occupation, Cold War Origins, Territorial Disputes, Post-War, Conflict

The Italian Civil War ends.

Tags: Italy, Civil War, World War II, War, Resistance, Post-War, End of War

Germany surrenders. End of World War II in Europe (VE Day).

Tags: World War II, Germany, Surrender, Victory, End of War, Europe, War, Post-War

Potsdam Conference - At the Potsdam Conference, Truman informs Stalin that the United States has nuclear weapons.

Tags: Potsdam Conference, Truman, Stalin, Nuclear Weapons, Atomic Bomb, Cold War, Diplomacy, Arms Race

Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - Truman follows the advice of Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and gives permission for the world's first ...

Tags: Atomic Bomb, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Japan, World War II, Nuclear Weapons, War, End of War, United States

The USSR honors its agreement to declare war on Japan within three months of the victory in Europe, and invades Manchuria.

Tags: USSR, Japan, Manchuria, World War II, Invasion, Asia, Soviet Union, Military

With no Japanese response to his ultimatums, Truman gives permission for the world's second and last military use of an atomic weapon, against the Jap...

Tags: Atomic Bomb, Nagasaki, World War II, Nuclear Weapons, Japan, United States, War, Military, Hiroshima

Japanese forces in Korea surrender to Soviet and American armies.

Tags: Korea, Japan, World War II, Surrender, Soviet Union, United States, Asia, Military

Proclamation of Indonesian Independence - Indonesia declares its independence from the Dutch. This marked the beginning of the Indonesian National Rev...

Tags: Indonesia, Independence, Netherlands, Decolonization, Asia, Nationalism, Revolution, Post-War

Surrender of Japan - The Empire of Japan surrenders unconditionally to the United States, officially ending World War II. General Douglas MacArthur pr...

Tags: Japan, Surrender, World War II, United States, Occupation, Asia, War, Military, Post-War

Igor Gouzenko, a Soviet agent working in the Soviet embassy in Canada, defects and provides proof to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of a Soviet spy...

Tags: USSR, Soviet Union, Spying, Canada, United States, Cold War, Intelligence, Espionage, Defection

Taiwan is transferred to the Republic of China from Japan. Initially the public is supportive of the transfer but later becomes less so as the newly a...

Tags: Taiwan, Republic of China, Japan, Asia, Transfer, Politics, Post-War, China

Iran crisis of 1946 - Stalin refuses to relinquish Soviet-occupied territory in Iran, beginning the Iran Crisis. Two short-lived pro-Soviet states, th...

Tags: Iran, USSR, Soviet Union, Crisis, Cold War, Middle East, Politics, Occupation

The Nuremberg trials begin.

Tags: Nuremberg Trials, War Crimes, World War II, Justice, Germany, Culture, International Law, Trials

Chinese Civil War resumed between Communist and Nationalist forces.

Tags: China, Civil War, Communism, Nationalism, War, Asia, Politics, Military, Chinese Civil War

The Republic of Austria is reconstituted, with its 1937 borders, but divided into four zones of control: American, British, French, and Soviet.

Tags: Austria, Occupation, Post-War, Soviet Union, US, UK, France, Divided Control

Enver Hoxha declares the People's Republic of Albania, with himself as Prime Minister.

Tags: Albania, Communism, People's Republic, Enver Hoxha, Eastern Europe, Soviet Influence, Post-War

Joseph Stalin makes his Election Speech, in which he states that capitalism and imperialism make future wars inevitable.

Tags: Stalin, Speech, Cold War Ideology, Soviet Union, Capitalism, Imperialism, War, Ideology

George F. Kennan writes his Long Telegram, describing his interpretation of the objectives and intentions of the Soviet leadership.

Tags: George Kennan, Long Telegram, Containment, Cold War Strategy, Soviet Union, US Foreign Policy, Ideology, Intelligence

The Greek Civil War reignites between the communists and the Kingdom of Greece.

Tags: Greece, Civil War, Communism, Monarchy, Proxy War, Soviet Influence, US Influence, Europe

British soldiers withdraw from their zone of occupation in southern Iran. Soviet soldiers remain in their northern sector.

Tags: Iran, Occupation, Soviet Union, UK, Post-War, Asia, Cold War, Geopolitics

Winston Churchill warns of the descent of an Iron Curtain across Europe. Named by Winston Churchill, the aim of the Iron Curtain was to create a divi...

Tags: Winston Churchill, Iron Curtain, Cold War, Ideology, Europe, Soviet Union, Division, Politics

The Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, alongside the Communist Party of Slovakia, receive 38 percent of the vote in the 1946 parliamentary election, b...

Tags: Czechoslovakia, Election, Communism, Post-War, Soviet Influence, Eastern Europe, Politics

Following a referendum, the Italian Republic is born.

Tags: Italy, Republic, Referendum, Post-War, Europe, Politics, Democracy

The Philippines gains independence from the United States, and begins fighting communist Huk rebels (Hukbalahap Rebellion). The Telangana Rebellion oc...

Tags: Philippines, Independence, US, Decolonization, Hukbalahap, Rebellion, Asia, Cold War

In a speech known as the Restatement of Policy on Germany in Stuttgart, James F. Byrnes, United States Secretary of State repudiates the Morgenthau Pl...

Tags: Germany, Post-War Policy, Occupation, United States, Diplomacy, Cold War Origins, Morgenthau Plan

In a referendum, Bulgaria votes for the establishment of a People's Republic, deposing King Simeon II. Western countries dismiss the vote as fundament...

Tags: Bulgaria, Eastern Europe, Soviet Influence, Referendum, People's Republic, Cold War, Political Transition

Harry S. Truman is presented with the Clifford-Elsey Report, a document which lists Soviet violations of agreements with the United States.

Tags: United States, Soviet Union, Diplomacy, Cold War Origins, Intelligence, Report, Policy

Nikolai Vasilevich Novikov writes a response to Kennan's Long Telegram, known as the 'Novikov Telegram', in which he states that the United States wer...

Tags: Soviet Union, United States, Cold War Origins, Telegram, Propaganda, Ideology, Geopolitics

The Nuremberg trials conclude.

Tags: Germany, Nuremberg Trials, War Crimes, Justice, Post-War, Trials, Nazi Germany, Europe

After the Nuremberg trials, 11 Nazi leaders are sentenced to death and executed by hanging. Hermann Göring commits suicide before his execution is car...

Tags: Germany, Nuremberg Trials, Execution, Nazi Leaders, War Crimes, Justice, Post-War, Hermann Göring

The Soviet Union withdraws from Iran. Both the Azerbaijan People's Government and the Republic of Mahabad are dissolved.

Tags: Soviet Union, Iran, Middle East, Withdrawal, Cold War, Geopolitics, Territorial Dispute

French landings in Indochina begin the First Indochina War. They are resisted by the Viet Minh communists, who want national independence.

Tags: Indochina, Vietnam, France, Colonialism, War, Decolonization, Viet Minh, Asia

The American and British zones of control in Germany are united to form the Bizone, also known as Bizonia.

Tags: Germany, Post-War, Occupation, Bizone, United States, Great Britain, Europe, Economic Development

Establishment of the neutral state Free Territory of Trieste.

Tags: Italy, Trieste, Yugoslavia, Territorial Dispute, Post-War, Europe, Neutral State, Cold War

Prussia was de jure abolished.

Tags: Germany, Prussia, Post-War, Territorial Changes, Allied Control

The February 28 incident begins in Taiwan lasting until mid-March.

Tags: Taiwan, China, Civil Unrest, Nationalist, Repression, Post-War

Paraguayan Civil War begins.

Tags: Paraguay, Civil War, South America, Political Instability, Cold War Influence

President Harry Truman announces the Truman Doctrine starting with the giving of aid to Greece and Turkey in order to prevent them from falling into t...

Tags: Truman Doctrine, Containment, Cold War, Greece, Turkey, Foreign Policy, Communism, US

Bernard Baruch, in a speech given during the unveiling of his portrait in the South Carolina House of Representatives, coins the term "Cold War" to de...

Tags: Cold War, Propaganda, US, Soviet Union, Ideology, Terminology, Politics

US extends $400 million of military aid to Greece and Turkey, signalling its intent to contain communism in the Mediterranean.

Tags: US Aid, Greece, Turkey, Containment, Military Aid, Cold War, Foreign Policy

Secretary of State George Marshall outlines plans for a comprehensive program of economic assistance for the war-ravaged countries of Western Europe. ...

Tags: Marshall Plan, Economic Aid, Europe, Post-War Reconstruction, US, Containment, Foreign Policy, Western Europe

The US announces new occupation policies in Germany. The occupation directive JCS 1067, whose economic section had prohibited "steps looking toward th...

Tags: Germany, Occupation, Post-War, US Policy, Economic Policy, Allied Control, Reconstruction

Partition of India: Pakistan gains independence from the United Kingdom.

Tags: Pakistan, Independence, Decolonization, India, United Kingdom, Partition, South Asia

Partition of India: India gains independence from the United Kingdom.

Tags: India, Independence, Decolonization, United Kingdom, Partition, South Asia

The Soviet Union forms the Communist Information Bureau (COMINFORM) with which it dictates the actions of leaders and communist parties across its sph...

Tags: USSR, Cominform, Eastern Bloc, Ideology, Soviet Union, Cold War, Propaganda, Political Control

Stanisław Mikołajczyk, leader of the non-communist Polish People's Party, flees the country ahead of impending arrest. Organized, legal political oppo...

Tags: Poland, Communism, Political Repression, Soviet Influence, Eastern Europe, Cold War, Opposition, Exile

The United Nations passes a resolution calling for the withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Korea, free elections in each of the two administrations, a...

Tags: Korea, UN, Cold War, Divided Nations, Elections, Asia, Post-War, International Relations

The United Nations Partitions Palestine.

Tags: Palestine, UN, Partition, Middle East, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Zionism, 1948 War, Conflict

1947–1949 War and Civil War in Palestine.

Tags: Palestine, War, Civil War, Middle East, Arab-Israeli Conflict, 1948 War, Conflict, Violence

In Romania, King Michael I of Romania is forced to abdicate by Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej, the monarchy is abolished and the Romanian People's Republic is...

Tags: Romania, Communism, Monarchy, Soviet Influence, Eastern Europe, Cold War, Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej, Political Change

Burma (today Myanmar) becomes independent from the UK through the Burma Independence Act 1947.

Tags: Burma, Myanmar, Independence, Decolonization, UK, Asia, Post-War, Self-determination

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated.

Tags: India, Gandhi, Assassination, Nonviolence, Independence, Decolonization, World Leaders, Political Violence

The Communist Party takes control in the Czechoslovak coup d'état of 1948.

Tags: Czechoslovakia, Coup, Communism, Soviet Influence, Eastern Europe, Cold War, Political Violence, Prague Spring

The Berlin Crisis intensifies, according to General Lucius D. Clay

Tags: Berlin, Cold War, Crisis, Germany, Soviet Union, US, Blockade, Tensions

Czechoslovak Foreign Minister Jan Masaryk is reported having committed suicide.

Tags: Czechoslovakia, Eastern Europe, Politics, Communism, Soviet Influence, Death, Cold War

The Costa Rican Civil War begins.

Tags: Costa Rica, Civil War, Latin America, Politics, Violence, Instability, Regional Conflict

The Treaty of Brussels, an agreement is signed by Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, creating a collective defense alliance. (...

Tags: Western Europe, Alliance, Collective Defense, NATO, Cold War, Military, International Relations

Truman signs the Marshall Plan into effect. By the end of the programs, the United States has given $12.4 billion in economic assistance to Western Eu...

Tags: United States, Western Europe, Economics, Aid, Cold War, Recovery, Foreign Policy, Marshall Plan

La Violencia begins in Colombia between the Colombian Conservative Party and the Colombian Liberal Party.

Tags: Colombia, Civil War, Latin America, Politics, Violence, Instability, Regional Conflict

A parliamentary vote in southern Korea sees the confirmation of Syngman Rhee as President of the Republic of Korea, after a left-wing boycott.

Tags: Korea, Politics, Elections, Cold War, Asia, Division, Anti-Communism

The State of Israel is formed, with David Ben-Gurion as its first Prime Minister.

Tags: Israel, Middle East, War, Independence, Politics, Conflict, Creation, Zionism

1948 Arab–Israeli War.

Tags: Israel, Arab World, War, Middle East, Conflict, Politics, Military, 1948 War

Mátyás Rákosi becomes General Secretary of the Hungarian Working People's Party and, therefore, the de facto leader of Communist Hungary.

Tags: Hungary, Eastern Europe, Communism, Politics, Soviet Influence, Cold War, Leadership

A communist insurgency in Malaya begins against British and Commonwealth forces.

Tags: Malaya, Colonialism, Insurgency, War, Asia, British Empire, Cold War, Communism

In Germany, the British zone and the French zone launch a common currency, the Deutsche Mark.

Tags: Germany, Currency, Post-War, Economic, Cold War, British, French, West Germany

Stalin orders the Berlin Blockade, closing all land routes from West Germany to Berlin, in an attempt to starve out the French, British, and American ...

Tags: Berlin, Blockade, Airlift, Cold War, Soviet Union, Stalin, West Germany, East Germany, US, UK, France

The Soviet Union expels Yugoslavia from the Communist Information Bureau (COMINFORM) for the latter's position on the Greek Civil War.

Tags: Yugoslavia, COMINFORM, Soviet Union, Stalin, Tito, Cold War, Communism, Eastern Europe, Greek Civil War

Stalin attempts to starve West Berlin with a blockade. The Berlin Airlift begins.

Tags: Berlin, Blockade, Airlift, Cold War, Soviet Union, Stalin, West Germany, East Germany, US, UK, France

French zone of occupation created in Germany and Berlin.

Tags: Germany, France, Occupation, Post-War, Berlin, Cold War, Zones

The United States declares the Republic of Korea to be the legitimate government of the Korean Peninsula, with Syngman Rhee installed as the leader.

Tags: Korea, US, Recognition, Syngman Rhee, Cold War, Asia, Government

The Soviet Union declares the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to be the legitimate government of all of the Korean Peninsula, with Kim Il Sung i...

Tags: Korea, Soviet Union, Kim Il Sung, Cold War, Asia, Government, Divided Korea

Muhammad Ali Jinnah dies.

Tags: Pakistan, India, Jinnah, Partition, Decolonization, South Asia, Politics

India annexes Hyderabad under the code name, Operation Polo.

Tags: India, Hyderabad, Annexation, Operation Polo, Decolonization, South Asia, Politics

In Indonesia, the Madiun Affair, an uprising carried out by the People's Democratic Front (FDR), begins led by Musso, of the Communist Party of Indone...

Tags: Indonesia, Madiun Affair, Communist Party, Uprising, Sukarno, Cold War, Asia, Rebellion

The American consul and his staff in Mukden, China, are made virtual hostages by communist forces in China. The crisis does not end until a year later...

Tags: China, US-China relations, Diplomacy, Hostage Crisis, Cold War

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is founded by Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Por...

Tags: NATO, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Military alliance, Cold War, Europe, US, USSR, Containment

The Soviet blockade of Berlin ends with the re-opening of access routes to Berlin. The airlift continues until September, in case the Soviets re-estab...

Tags: Berlin Blockade, Berlin Airlift, Germany, Cold War, USSR, Europe, Containment

In Germany, the Bizone merges with the French zone of control to form the Federal Republic of Germany, with Bonn as its capital.

Tags: Germany, Federal Republic of Germany, Post-War, Europe, Cold War, West Germany

The Soviet Union tests its first atomic bomb. The test, known to Americans as Joe 1, succeeds, as the Soviet Union becomes the world's second nuclear ...

Tags: Nuclear weapons, Atomic bomb, USSR, Arms race, Cold War, Joe 1, Nuclear proliferation

The USSR vetoes the United Nations membership of Ceylon, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Jordan, and Portugal.

Tags: USSR, United Nations, Veto, Cold War, International relations

Konrad Adenauer becomes the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Tags: Germany, West Germany, Konrad Adenauer, Politics, Post-War, Cold War, Europe

Mao Zedong declares the foundation of the People's Republic of China, adding a quarter of the world's population to the communist camp.

Tags: China, People's Republic of China, Communism, Mao Zedong, Asia, Cold War, USSR

The Soviets declare their zone of Germany to be the German Democratic Republic, with its capital at East Berlin.

Tags: Germany, East Germany, German Democratic Republic, Cold War, USSR, Europe

Nikos Zachariadis, leader of the Communist Party of Greece, declares an end to the armed uprising. The declaration brings to a close the Greek Civil W...

Tags: Greek Civil War, Greece, Civil War, Communism, Containment, Cold War, Europe

Sovereignty is handed over to United States of Indonesia from the Netherlands following the Dutch-Indonesian Round Table Conference with Sukarno as th...

Tags: decolonization, Indonesia, Netherlands, Sukarno, Round Table Conference, independence, nation-building, Southeast Asia

The UK recognizes the People's Republic of China. The Republic of China severs diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom.

Tags: China, UK, diplomatic recognition, Cold War, Asia, Republic of China, Taiwan, international relations

China officially diplomatically recognizes Vietnam as independent from France.

Tags: Vietnam, China, independence, France, Indochina, Cold War, Asia, diplomatic recognition

The last Kuomintang soldiers surrender on continental China.

Tags: China, Kuomintang, civil war, communism, Asia, People's Republic of China, surrender, military

President Truman announces the beginning of the development of a hydrogen bomb.

Tags: nuclear weapons, hydrogen bomb, arms race, Cold War, US, Soviet Union, nuclear proliferation, deterrence, Truman

Soviet Union establishes diplomatic relations with Indonesia through an exchange of telegrams between Indonesian Vice-president, Mohammad Hatta and So...

Tags: Soviet Union, Indonesia, diplomatic relations, Cold War, Asia, Southeast Asia, international relations

Senator Joseph McCarthy first claims without evidence that Communists have infiltrated the U.S. State Department, leading to a controversial series of...

Tags: McCarthyism, anti-communism, Cold War, US, politics, communism, Red Scare, inquiry, Senate

The Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China sign a pact of mutual defense.

Tags: Soviet Union, China, alliance, Cold War, Asia, mutual defense, communist bloc, international relations

Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek moves his capital to Taipei, Taiwan, establishing a stand-off with the People's Republic of China.

Tags: Taiwan, China, Chiang Kai-shek, civil war, Cold War, Asia, Republic of China, People's Republic of China

United States State Department Director of Policy Planning Paul Nitze issues NSC 68, a classified report, arguing for the adoption of containment as t...

Tags: NSC-68, containment, Cold War, US, foreign policy, strategy, policy planning, national security

Robert Schuman describes his ambition of a united Europe. Known as the Schuman Declaration, it marks the beginning of the creation of the European Com...

Tags: European Integration, Schuman Declaration, European Community, Coal and Steel, Post-War Europe, France, Germany, Economics, Alliances

North Korea invades South Korea, beginning the Korean War. The United Nations Security Council votes to intervene to defend the South. The Soviet Unio...

Tags: Korean War, North Korea, South Korea, Invasion, United Nations, Cold War, Asia, Proxy War, Containment, Soviet Union, China

North Korean forces capture Seoul.

Tags: Korean War, Seoul, North Korea, South Korea, Military Advance, City Capture, Asia, Warfare

The first bombing attack on North Korea was approved by General Douglas MacArthur

Tags: Korean War, Bombing, North Korea, Military Action, US, Air Force, Warfare

United Nations forces engage North Korean forces for the first time, in Osan. They fail to halt the North Korean advance, and fall southwards, towards...

Tags: Korean War, Osan, United Nations, Military Engagement, South Korea, Warfare, Pusan Perimeter, Containment

United Nations forces land at Inchon. Defeating the North Korean forces, they press inland and re-capture Seoul.

Tags: Korean War, Inchon Landing, Seoul, United Nations, Military Offensive, Turning Point, Asia, Warfare

United Nations forces cross the 38th parallel, into North Korea.

Tags: Korean War, 38th Parallel, North Korea, United Nations, Military Advance, Asia, Warfare, Border

Forces from the People's Republic of China enter Tibet, with the goal of annexing the region into China itself.

Tags: China, Tibet, Invasion, Annexation, Asia, Cold War, Border Dispute, People's Liberation Army

Stalin agrees to send MiG-15 fighters to provide air cover for Chinese forces moving into North Korea.

Tags: Stalin, Soviet Union, MiG-15, Air Support, Korean War, China, Air Force, Cold War

Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, falls to United Nations forces.

Tags: Korean War, Pyongyang, North Korea, United Nations, Military Victory, Asia, Warfare, Capital

China intervenes in Korea with 300,000 soldiers, catching the United Nations by surprise. However, they withdraw after initial engagements.

Tags: Korean War, China, United Nations, Military Intervention, Asia, Cold War, October, Invasion

United Nations forces approach the Yalu River. In response, China intervenes in Korea again, but with a 500,000 strong army. This offensive forces the...

Tags: Korean War, China, United Nations, Offensive, Asia, Cold War, November, Military Strategy

Chinese soldiers capture Seoul.

Tags: Korean War, China, Seoul, Capture, Asia, Cold War, January, City, Military Action

United Nations forces recapture Seoul during Operation Ripper. By the end of March, they have reached the 38th Parallel, and formed a defensive line a...

Tags: Korean War, United Nations, Seoul, Recapture, 38th Parallel, Asia, Cold War, March, Defensive Line, Military Strategy

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are convicted of espionage for their role in passing atomic secrets to the Soviets during and after World War II; they were...

Tags: Espionage, Rosenberg Trial, Atomic Secrets, USSR, Cold War, US, Nuclear, Espionage, June

U.S. President Harry S. Truman fires Douglas MacArthur from command of US forces in Korea due to him demanding nuclear weapons to be used on the enemy...

Tags: Korean War, Truman, MacArthur, US, Military, Cold War, April, Leadership, Nuclear Weapons

The European Coal and Steel Community is formed by the Treaty of Paris.

Tags: European Union, Coal and Steel, Treaty of Paris, Economics, Europe, Cold War, April, Integration, Post-War

American journalist William N. Oatis is arrested in Czechoslovakia for alleged espionage.

Tags: Espionage, Czechoslovakia, Cold War, Journalist, USSR, April, Propaganda, Eastern Europe

The Seventeen Point Agreement is signed between Tibet and the People's Republic of China, formally annexing Tibet into China itself.

Tags: Tibet, China, Annexation, Asia, Cold War, May, Sovereignty, People's Republic of China

Australia, New Zealand, and the United States sign the ANZUS Treaty. This compels the three countries to cooperate on matters of defense and security ...

Tags: ANZUS, Australia, New Zealand, US, Alliance, Pacific, Cold War, September, Defense

President Harry S. Truman signs the Mutual Security Act, announcing to the world, and its communist powers in particular, that the U.S. was prepared t...

Tags: US Foreign Policy, Military Aid, Cold War, Containment, Anti-Communism, Truman, International Relations

President Harry Truman asks Congress for U.S. military and economic aid for the communist nation of Yugoslavia.

Tags: Yugoslavia, US Aid, Cold War, Tito, Eastern Europe, International Relations, Geopolitics

The International Authority for the Ruhr lifts part of the remaining restrictions on German industrial production and on production capacity.

Tags: Germany, Industrial Production, Post-War Recovery, Ruhr Valley, Economics, Manufacturing, European Integration

George VI dies and Princess Elizabeth becomes Queen of the United Kingdom and of the British Dominions beyond The Seas.

Tags: United Kingdom, Monarchy, Elizabeth II, Succession, Culture, British Empire, Commonwealth

Greece and Turkey join NATO.

Tags: NATO, Greece, Turkey, Cold War, Military Alliance, Geopolitics, Security, International Relations

The Treaty of San Francisco, signed by Japan on September 8, 1951, comes into effect, and Japan signs the Treaty of Taipei, formally ending its period...

Tags: Japan, Post-War, Sovereignty, San Francisco Treaty, Asia, US Occupation, International Relations

Strategic Air Command begins Reflex Alert deployments of Convair B-36 and B-47 Stratojet long-range nuclear bombers to overseas bases like purpose-bui...

Tags: Strategic Air Command, Nuclear Weapons, Cold War, Deterrence, B-36, B-47, Military, Geopolitics

The United States lays the keel for the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus.

Tags: Nuclear Submarine, USS Nautilus, Nuclear Technology, Cold War, Military, Technology, Naval Power

The Marshall Plan ends, with European industrial output now well above that of 1948.

Tags: Marshall Plan, European Recovery, Post-War, Economics, Aid, International Relations, US Foreign Policy

Gamal Abdel Nasser heads a coup against King Farouk of Egypt.

Tags: Egypt, Nasser, Coup, Middle East, Decolonization, Politics, Gamal Abdel Nasser

The United Kingdom successfully tests its first atomic bomb in Operation Hurricane. The test makes the UK the world's third nuclear power.

Tags: Nuclear Weapons, United Kingdom, Atomic Bomb, Nuclear Test, Cold War, Weapons Development, Operation Hurricane

The United States tests their first thermonuclear fusion bomb, Ivy Mike.

Tags: Nuclear Weapons, United States, Thermonuclear Bomb, H-Bomb, Nuclear Test, Cold War, Weapons of Mass Destruction

Dwight Eisenhower defeats Adlai Stevenson in the 1952 presidential election

Tags: United States, Presidential Election, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Adlai Stevenson, Cold War, Politics, US Foreign Policy

Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes President, with John Foster Dulles as Secretary of State.

Tags: United States, Presidency, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John Foster Dulles, Cold War, Foreign Policy, Secretary of State

The Batepá massacre occurred in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Tags: São Tomé and Príncipe, Colonialism, Massacre, Portugal, Decolonization, Africa

Balkan Pact is signed by Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey. The pact's main objective is to deter Soviet expansionism.

Tags: Balkan Pact, Yugoslavia, Greece, Turkey, Cold War, Alliances, Soviet Union, Eastern Europe

Stalin dies, setting off a power struggle to succeed him. NATO debates possibility of a fresh start.

Tags: Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, Death, Succession, Cold War, USSR, Politics, Leadership

Elizabeth II is crowned Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, at Westminster Abbey.

Tags: United Kingdom, Monarchy, Elizabeth II, Queen, Commonwealth, Culture, Ceremony

Uprising of 1953 in East Germany crushed by Soviet troops.

Tags: East Germany, Uprising, Soviet Union, Cold War, Berlin, Germany, Eastern Europe

the Cuban Revolution begins as the 26th of July Movement led by Fidel Castro attempts to overthrow the government of Fulgencio Batista.

Tags: Cuba, Revolution, Fidel Castro, 26th of July Movement, Fulgencio Batista, Cold War, Latin America, Politics

An armistice agreement ends fighting in the Korean War, after Eisenhower threatens the use of nuclear weapons.

Tags: Korean War, Armistice, Nuclear Threat, Cold War, East Asia, United States, North Korea, South Korea

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the British MI6 assists a royalist coup that restores Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to power as the Shah of Iran and...

Tags: Iran, CIA, MI6, Coup, Operation Ajax, Cold War, Oil, Middle East, Nationalism

Nikita Khrushchev becomes leader of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. His main rival, Lavrentiy Beria, is executed in December.

Tags: USSR, Soviet Union, Khrushchev, Leadership, Communist Party, Politics, Cold War, Beria

The Pact of Madrid is signed by Spain and the United States.

Tags: Spain, United States, Alliance, Cold War, Military, Europe, NATO

The U.S. launches the world's first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus. The nuclear submarine would become the ultimate nuclear deterrent.

Tags: Nuclear, Submarine, USS Nautilus, Military Technology, Cold War, United States, Deterrence

U.S. and Japan Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement is signed by the United States and Japan.

Tags: Japan, United States, Alliance, Defense, Cold War, Asia, Military

The KGB is created as the successor agency of the NKVD.

Tags: KGB, NKVD, Soviet Union, Intelligence, Secret Police, Cold War, USSR, Security

the Viet Minh defeat the French at Dien Bien Phu. France withdraws from Indochina, leaving four independent states: Cambodia, Laos, and what became No...

Tags: Vietnam, France, Dien Bien Phu, Indochina, Decolonization, Cold War, Asia, Geneva Accords, Viet Minh

The Hukbalahap revolt in the Philippines is defeated.

Tags: Philippines, Hukbalahap, Revolt, Cold War, Asia, Guerrilla Warfare, Insurgency

Senator Joseph McCarthy claims that communists have infiltrated the CIA and the atomic weapons industry.

Tags: McCarthyism, Communism, CIA, Atomic Weapons, Cold War, United States, Politics, Red Scare

The elected leftist Guatemalan government is overthrown in a CIA-backed coup. An unstable rightist regime installs itself. Opposition leads to a guerr...

Tags: Guatemala, CIA, Coup, Cold War, Latin America, Human Rights, Interventionism, Guerrilla War

Col. Carlos Castillo Armas is elected president of the junta that overthrew the administration of Guatemalan President Jacobo Arbenz Guzman.

Tags: Guatemala, Politics, Coup, Cold War, Latin America, Castillo Armas, Dictatorship

India annexes the Portuguese territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Tags: India, Portugal, Annexation, Decolonization, Asia, Post-Colonialism, Territorial Disputes

The Taiwan Strait Crisis begins with the Chinese Communist shelling of Taiwanese islands. The US backs Taiwan, and the crisis resolves itself as both ...

Tags: Taiwan, China, US, Cold War, Asia, Conflict, Taiwan Strait, Proxy War

Foundation of the South East Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO) by Australia, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines, the United King...

Tags: SEATO, Alliances, Cold War, Asia, US, Anti-Communism, Containment

The Free Territory of Trieste is dissolved.

Tags: Trieste, Italy, Yugoslavia, Europe, Territorial Disputes, Post-War

The Jebel Akhdar War begins in Oman.

Tags: Oman, War, Middle East, Cold War, Conflict, Insurgency

The fight for independence in French Algeria begins.

Tags: Algeria, France, Decolonization, War, Cold War, Africa, Independence, Nationalism

Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty, is signed between the United States and the Republic of China.

Tags: US, China, Taiwan, Cold War, Asia, Alliances, Defense Treaty, Anti-Communism

Suriname becomes a Dutch constituent state.

Tags: Suriname, Netherlands, Decolonization, South America, Politics, Constituent State

The Baghdad Pact is founded by Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. It is committed to resisting Communist expansion in the Middle Ea...

Tags: Cold War, Middle East, Anti-Communism, Military Alliance, Regional Security, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, United Kingdom

Soviet aid to Syria begins. The Syrians will remain allies of the Soviets until the end of the Cold War.

Tags: Cold War, Syria, Soviet Union, Aid, Middle East, Proxy War, Geopolitics, Alliances

The Non-Aligned Movement is pioneered by Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Sukarno of Indonesia, Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt and Kwame Nk...

Tags: Cold War, Non-Alignment, Third World, Neutrality, India, Indonesia, Yugoslavia, Egypt, Ghana, Geopolitics

The Asia-Africa Conference (also known as the Bandung Conference) is first held in Bandung, Indonesia.

Tags: Cold War, Asia, Africa, Non-Alignment, Decolonization, Third World, Indonesia, Conference

The Allies end the military occupation of West Germany.

Tags: Cold War, Germany, Occupation, Allies, West Germany, Post-War, Europe, Sovereignty

The United States begins formal diplomatic relations with West Germany, followed soon after by the United Kingdom and France.

Tags: Cold War, United States, Germany, Diplomacy, West Germany, Europe, Alliances

West Germany joins NATO and begins rearmament.

Tags: Cold War, NATO, Germany, West Germany, Military Alliance, Europe, Rearmament

The Warsaw Pact is founded in Eastern Europe and includes East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Albania, Bulgaria, and the Soviet Un...

Tags: Cold War, Warsaw Pact, Eastern Europe, Military Alliance, Soviet Union, NATO, Europe, East Germany

The Austrian State Treaty is signed by the Allied powers.

Tags: Cold War, Austria, Treaty, Occupation, Europe, Sovereignty, Allies

President Dwight D. Eisenhower of the United States, Prime Minister Anthony Eden of the United Kingdom, Premier Nikolai A. Bulganin of the Soviet Unio...

Tags: Cold War, Summit, Geneva, Diplomacy, United States, Soviet Union, France, United Kingdom, Khrushchev

Austria becomes an independent country after the end of the Allied occupation. The last allied troops leave the country in October.

Tags: Austria, Independence, Occupation, Post-War, Europe, Allied Powers, Cold War

The First Sudanese Civil War begins between the north and the south.

Tags: Sudan, Civil War, Africa, Conflict, North Africa, Post-Colonial, Cold War

Official beginning of the Vietnam War.

Tags: Vietnam, War, Indochina, Southeast Asia, Cold War, US Involvement, Communism

Nikita Khrushchev delivers the speech "On the Personality Cult and its Consequences" at the closed session of the Twentieth Party Congress of the CPSU...

Tags: USSR, De-Stalinization, Khrushchev, Communist Party, Political Reform, Eastern Europe, Cold War

Tunisia becomes independent from France.

Tags: Tunisia, Independence, France, Decolonization, North Africa, Post-Colonial, Cold War

In Poznań, Poland, anti-communist protests lead to violence.

Tags: Poland, Protests, Eastern Europe, Anti-Communism, USSR, Cold War, Social Unrest

The United States and the United Kingdom cancel offers of aid on the construction of the Aswan Dam in Egypt due to its arms purchases from the Eastern...

Tags: Egypt, Suez Canal, Nationalization, Economics, Middle East, Nasser, Cold War, International Relations

Hungarian Revolution of 1956: Hungarians revolt against the Soviet dominated government. They are crushed by the Soviet military, which reinstates a C...

Tags: Hungary, Revolution, Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Cold War, Intervention, Communism, Protests

Suez Crisis: France, Israel, and the United Kingdom attack Egypt with the goal of removing Nasser from power. International diplomatic pressures force...

Tags: Suez Crisis, Egypt, Israel, France, UK, United Nations, Peacekeeping, Middle East, Cold War, International Relations

Dwight Eisenhower wins re-election, defeating Adlai Stevenson for the second time in the 1956 presidential election

Tags: US, Presidential Election, Eisenhower, Politics, Cold War, Domestic Affairs, Adlai Stevenson

Viet Cong insurgency begins in South Vietnam, sponsored by North Vietnam.

Tags: Vietnam, Insurgency, Cold War, Proxy War, Guerrilla Warfare, Southeast Asia, Communism, North Vietnam, South Vietnam

The Eisenhower Doctrine commits the United States to defending Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan from Communist influence.

Tags: United States, Doctrine, Middle East, Cold War, Foreign Policy, Containment, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan

Israeli forces withdraw from the Sinai, which they had occupied the previous year.

Tags: Israel, Sinai, Middle East, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Withdrawal, UN, Suez Crisis

Andrei Gromyko begins his long tenure as Foreign Minister of the Soviet Union.

Tags: Soviet Union, USSR, Foreign Minister, Diplomacy, Cold War, Gromyko, Politics

Ghana becomes independent from the UK under Commonwealth status.

Tags: Ghana, Independence, Decolonization, United Kingdom, Africa, Commonwealth, Self-determination, Nkrumah

Senator Joseph McCarthy succumbs to illness exacerbated by alcoholism and dies.

Tags: United States, McCarthyism, Cold War, Politics, Anti-Communism, Red Scare, Senate

The United Kingdom detonates its first hydrogen bomb.

Tags: United Kingdom, Nuclear Weapons, Hydrogen Bomb, Cold War, Arms Race, Nuclear Deterrence, Weapons of Mass Destruction

Malaya gains independence from the United Kingdom.

Tags: Malaya, Independence, Decolonization, United Kingdom, Southeast Asia, Cold War, Commonwealth

The Strategic Air Command initiates 24/7 nuclear alert (continuous until termination in 1991) in anticipation of a Soviet ICBM surprise attack capabil...

Tags: United States, SAC, Nuclear Alert, Cold War, Nuclear Deterrence, ICBM, Arms Race, Military

Sputnik 1 satellite launched. The same day the Avro Arrow is revealed.

Tags: Soviet Union, Space Race, Sputnik, Cold War, Technology, Satellite, USSR, Avro Arrow, Canada

Sputnik 2 was launched, with the first living being on board, Laika.

Tags: Space Race, Soviet Union, Satellite, Animal in Space, Technology, Cold War, Scientific Advancement

The final report from a special committee called by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to review the nation's defense readiness indicates that the United ...

Tags: US Defense, Missile Gap, Fallout Shelters, Cold War, Civil Defense, Arms Race, Nuclear Threat

Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev claims that the Soviet Union has missile superiority over the United States and challenges America to a missile "shoot...

Tags: Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev, Missile Race, Cold War, Propaganda, Arms Race, Nuclear, Threat

Mao Zedong initiates the Great Leap Forward.

Tags: China, Mao Zedong, Great Leap Forward, Communism, Asia, Economic Policy, Social Engineering, Famine, Cold War

NASA was founded.

Tags: NASA, Space Race, United States, Space Exploration, Science, Technology, Cold War, Government Agency

The U.S. Army launches Explorer 1, the first American artificial satellite.

Tags: Space Race, United States, Satellite, Technology, Cold War, Scientific Advancement, Explorer Program

The United Arab Republic is formed.

Tags: Pan-Arabism, Egypt, Syria, Alliance, Cold War, Regional Politics, Nasser, Political Union

The United States imposes a arms embargo on Cuba

Tags: Cuba, United States, Arms Embargo, Cold War, International Relations, Trade Restrictions, Cuban Revolution

On a bombing mission in support of the anti-Sukarno Permesta Rebellion, a B-26 bomber supplied by the CIA is shot down in Ambon, Indonesia. The pilot,...

Tags: CIA, Indonesia, Permesta Rebellion, Cold War, Covert Operations, Interventionism, Southeast Asia, War, US

A C-118 transport, hauling freight from Turkey to Iran, is shot down. The nine crew members are released by the Russians little more than a week later...

Tags: Soviet Union, Turkey, Iran, Cold War, Air Incident, International Relations, War, US, USSR

A coup in Iraq, the 14 July Revolution, removes the pro-British monarch. Iraq begins to receive support from the Soviets. Iraq will maintain close tie...

Tags: Iraq, Coup, Middle East, Soviet Union, Cold War, Pro-Soviet, Anti-British

A political crisis occurred in Lebanon.

Tags: Lebanon, Political Crisis, Middle East, Civil Unrest, Regional Conflict, Instability

Thor IRBM deployed to the UK, within striking distance of Moscow.

Tags: Nuclear Weapons, IRBM, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, Strategic Arms, Cold War, Military Buildup, Deterrence

Second Taiwan Strait Crisis begins when China begins to bomb Quemoy.

Tags: Taiwan, China, Quemoy, Strait Crisis, Cold War, Asia, Proxy War, US Involvement

Iceland expands its fishing zone. United Kingdom opposed the action and eventually deploy some of its navy to the zone, thus triggering the cod wars.

Tags: Iceland, United Kingdom, Fishing Rights, Cod Wars, Economic Conflict, Territorial Disputes, North Atlantic

the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA is formed.

Tags: NASA, Space Race, United States, Science, Technology, Cold War, Space Exploration

Guinea becomes independent from France.

Tags: Guinea, Independence, Decolonization, France, Africa, Post-Colonial, Self-determination

Pioneer 1 was launched.

Tags: Space Race, Pioneer Program, United States, Space Exploration, Science, Technology, Artificial Satellite

Pioneer 2 was launched.

Tags: Space Race, Pioneer Program, United States, Space Exploration, Failed Mission

Start of the 1958–1959 Berlin crisis, Nikita Khrushchev asks the West to leave Berlin.

Tags: Berlin, Cold War, Soviet Union, Khrushchev, Germany, Europe, East Germany, Checkpoint Charlie

Pioneer 3 was launched.

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Soviet Union, Satellite, Exploration, Technology, Cold War

Fidel Castro wins the Cuban Revolution and becomes the dictator of Cuba. In the next several years Cuban-inspired guerrilla movements spring up across...

Tags: Cuba, Revolution, Castro, Communism, Latin America, Guerrilla Warfare, Cold War, US Relations

Luna 1 is launched in an attempt to impact the Moon but due to an error in device's control systems, resulted in the device missing its target by 5,99...

Tags: Space Race, Soviet Union, Luna Program, Moon, Exploration, Technology, Cold War

Pioneer 4 was launched in an attempt to photograph the Moon. The probe failed to achieve its intended target of 32,000 kilometres (20,000 mi) from th...

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Moon, Photography, Exploration, Technology, Cold War

New Republic government of Iraq leaves Central Treaty Organization.

Tags: Iraq, CENTO, Middle East, Cold War, Alliance, Politics, Regional Conflict

The Laotian Civil War begins.

Tags: Laos, Civil War, Southeast Asia, Cold War, Proxy War, Communism, Vietnam War

During the opening of the American National Exhibition in Moscow US Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet First Secretary Khrushchev openly debate t...

Tags: US, USSR, Cold War, Nixon, Khrushchev, Propaganda, Culture, Ideology, Debate

The Basque conflict officially begins, with the aim of creating an independent state for the Basque people.

Tags: Spain, Basque Country, ETA, Nationalism, Europe, Conflict, Terrorism

Explorer 6 is launched into orbit to photograph the Earth.

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Satellite, Earth Observation, Technology, Cold War, Exploration

Khrushchev visits U.S. for 13 days, and is denied access to Disneyland. Instead, he visits SeaWorld (then known as Marineland of the Pacific).

Tags: Khrushchev, US, Cold War, Diplomacy, Politics, Travel, Culture, Propaganda

Luna 2 is launched and becomes the first man-made object to reach the surface on the Moon.

Tags: space race, Soviet Union, moon landing, exploration, technology, science, satellite, cosmonautics

The Rwandan Revolution begins.

Tags: Africa, decolonization, revolution, Rwanda, ethnic conflict, independence, Hutu, Tutsi

British prime minister Harold Macmillan delivers his first 'Wind of Change' speech in Accra. His speech hints at a move towards decolonisation of Brit...

Tags: decolonization, Africa, British Empire, Harold Macmillan, speech, independence, political change, colonialism

The United States and Japan sign the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, a defence treaty allowing the US to maintain military bases in Japan.

Tags: US, Japan, alliance, defense treaty, Cold War, Asia, military, security, post-war

Skirmishes on the Chinese-Indian border cause the deaths of 12 Indian soldiers.

Tags: China, India, border dispute, Asia, conflict, military, Sino-Indian War, Himalayas

France successfully tests its first atomic bomb, Gerboise Bleue, in the middle of the Algerian Sahara Desert.

Tags: nuclear weapons, France, atomic bomb, nuclear testing, Algeria, Cold War, proliferation, military, Gerboise Bleue

Jupiter IRBM deployment to Italy begins, placing nuclear missiles within striking range of Moscow (as with the Thor IRBMs deployed in the UK).

Tags: nuclear weapons, Italy, IRBM, missiles, Cold War, NATO, nuclear deterrence, military, Soviet Union

South Korean President Syngman Rhee is forced out of office and replaced by a democratic government.

Tags: South Korea, coup, Syngman Rhee, democracy, political change, Asia, Cold War, government

American pilot Francis Gary Powers is shot down in his U-2 spy plane while flying at high altitude over the Soviet Union, resulting in the U-2 Inciden...

Tags: U-2 Incident, spy plane, US, Soviet Union, Cold War, espionage, Eisenhower, politics, intelligence

Sino-Soviet split: the Chinese leadership, angered at being treated as the "junior partner" to the Soviet Union, declares its version of Communism sup...

Tags: Sino-Soviet split, China, Soviet Union, Cold War, communism, ideology, politics, geopolitics, third world

A Soviet fighter jet shoots down an RB-47 reconnaissance plane over the Barents Sea, resulting in the 1960 RB-47 shootdown incident.

Tags: USSR, US, Espionage, Cold War, Aviation, Military, Barents Sea, Incident, Reconnaissance

The Congo Crisis begins.

Tags: Africa, Congo, Civil War, Decolonization, Cold War, Proxy War, Politics, Violence, Independence

Communist insurgents in Malaya are defeated.

Tags: Asia, Malaya, Insurgency, Communism, Anti-Communism, Southeast Asia, Military, Conflict, Politics

Niger becomes independent from France.

Tags: Africa, Decolonization, France, Independence, Politics, Niger, Post-Colonialism, Self-determination

Cuban leader Fidel Castro orders the nationalisation of all American-owned property.

Tags: Cuba, US, Economics, Nationalization, Cold War, Politics, Property, Castro, Revolution

The Pathet Lao (communist) revolt in Laos begins.

Tags: Asia, Laos, Communism, Cold War, Insurgency, Conflict, Southeast Asia, Military, Politics

Chad becomes independent from France.

Tags: Africa, Decolonization, France, Independence, Politics, Chad, Post-Colonialism, Self-determination

Gabon becomes independent from France.

Tags: Africa, Decolonization, France, Independence, Politics, Gabon, Post-Colonialism, Self-determination

Sukarno gives a speech in front of the fifteenth United Nations General Assembly titled "To Build The World Anew" in which he criticizes the United Na...

Tags: Indonesia, UN, Cold War, Politics, Sukarno, Diplomacy, International Relations, Criticism

While addressing the United Nations, Soviet Leader Nikita Khrushchev becomes agitated at criticisms of Soviet policies in eastern European. Khrushchev...

Tags: USSR, UN, Cold War, Khrushchev, Politics, Diplomacy, International Relations, Symbolism, Eastern Europe

The US places a partial embargo on Cuba, banning the export of all items except food and medicine.

Tags: Cuba, Embargo, Trade, Cold War, US, Restrictions

the Guatemalan Civil War begins.

Tags: Guatemala, Civil War, Conflict, Insurgency, Cold War, Latin America

Mauritania becomes independent from France.

Tags: Mauritania, Independence, Decolonization, France, Africa, Nationalism

The National Liberation Front, a nationalist-communist insurgency, is formed in South Vietnam.

Tags: Vietnam, NLF, Viet Cong, Insurgency, Cold War, Asia, Communism

Formation of the NLF (often called Viet Cong) by North Vietnam. It is a Communist insurgent movement that vows to overthrow the anti-communist South V...

Tags: Vietnam, Viet Cong, NLF, North Vietnam, Insurgency, Cold War, Communism

President Eisenhower severs diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Tags: Cuba, US, Diplomacy, Cold War, Politics, Foreign Relations

Patrice Lumumba, elected President of the Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville) is assassinated with the support of the CIA in the context of the Congo...

Tags: Congo, Lumumba, Assassination, CIA, Cold War, Africa, Coups, Political Intrigue

John F. Kennedy becomes President of the United States.

Tags: US, Kennedy, President, Politics, Cold War, Leadership

Ham is launched into space as a part of Project Mercury, a mission to successfully place a human into orbit and return them safely.

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Project Mercury, Space Exploration, US, Technology

Angolan nationalists, including communists, begin an insurgency against Portuguese rule. This marked the beginning of the Portuguese Colonial War.

Tags: Angola, Portugal, Colonial War, Insurgency, Decolonization, Africa, Cold War

Venera 1 is successfully launched by the Soviet Union with the intention of conducting a flyby mission to Venus.

Tags: space race, USSR, Venus, planetary exploration, Soviet Union, early spaceflight

Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space and first to orbit the Earth when the Soviet Union successfully launches Vostok 1.

Tags: space race, USSR, Yuri Gagarin, first orbit, Soviet Union, human spaceflight, Vostok 1

Sierra Leone becomes independent from the UK under Commonwealth status.

Tags: decolonization, Africa, Sierra Leone, Commonwealth, independence, United Kingdom

Alan Shepard becomes the first American to go into space when Freedom 7 is launched successfully.

Tags: space race, US, Alan Shepard, Freedom 7, human spaceflight, Project Mercury, United States

Venera 1 successfully reaches Venus being the first spacecraft to do so, but is unable to transmit any data.

Tags: space race, USSR, Venus, planetary exploration, Soviet Union, early spaceflight, Venera program

John F. Kennedy announces the US intention to put a man on the Moon – kickstarting Project Mercury, America's first human spaceflight program.

Tags: space race, US, John F. Kennedy, moon landing, Project Mercury, United States, space exploration, Cold War

Jupiter IRBM deployment to Turkey begins, joining the Jupiters deployed to Italy as well as the Thor IRBMs deployed to the UK as nuclear missiles plac...

Tags: Cold War, nuclear weapons, missile deployment, Turkey, US, USSR, nuclear arms race, IRBM

Kennedy meets with Khrushchev in Vienna.

Tags: Cold War, Kennedy, Khrushchev, summit, US-USSR relations, Vienna, diplomacy

North Korea and China sign a defensive treaty, the Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty.

Tags: Cold War, China, North Korea, treaty, alliance, Asia, Sino-North Korean Treaty

The Nicaraguan Revolution begins.

Tags: Cold War, Nicaragua, revolution, Central America, US influence, Latin America, political unrest

The Berlin Wall is built by the Soviets following the breakdown in talks to decide the future of Germany.

Tags: Berlin, Germany, Cold War, USSR, Europe, Division, Iron Curtain, East Germany

Alliance for Progress aid to Latin America from the United States begins.

Tags: Latin America, US, Aid, Development, Cold War, Foreign Policy, Kennedy, Economics

The Soviet Union resumed testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere. The Eritrean War of Independence begins.

Tags: Nuclear Tests, USSR, Arms Race, Cold War, Eritrea, War, Decolonization, Africa

John F. Kennedy signs the Foreign Assistance Act.

Tags: US, Foreign Policy, Aid, Kennedy, Cold War, International Relations

UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld dies in a plane crash on his way to negotiate a ceasefire in Katanga amidst the Congo crisis

Tags: UN, Congo Crisis, Decolonization, Africa, Cold War, Peacekeeping, International Relations

Syria withdraws from the United Arab Republic.

Tags: Syria, Egypt, USSR, Arab World, Nationalism, Cold War, Middle East

22nd Soviet Party Congress held in USSR.

Tags: USSR, Soviet Union, Communism, Politics, Ideology, Khrushchev, Cold War

Checkpoint Charlie standoff between US and Soviet tanks begins.

Tags: Berlin, Germany, Cold War, US, USSR, Europe, Tensions, Military, Crisis

The Soviet Union detonates the Tsar Bomba, the most powerful thermonuclear weapon ever tested, with an explosive yield of some 50 megatons.

Tags: Nuclear Weapons, USSR, Arms Race, Cold War, Nuclear Tests, Thermonuclear, Tsar Bomba

John F. Kennedy authorizes the deployment of 18,000 military advisors to support the struggle against communist insurgents in South Vietnam.

Tags: Vietnam, US, Asia, Cold War, Military, Intervention, Communism, South Vietnam

Fidel Castro openly describes himself as a Marxist–Leninist.

Tags: Cuba, Castro, Marxism, Leninism, Communism, Ideology, Cold War, Soviet Union, Revolution

Republic of India invades the former Portuguese territory of Goa.

Tags: India, Goa, Portugal, Colonialism, Decolonization, Territorial Dispute, Post-Colonialism, Asia, Military Intervention

Indonesian Armed Forces starts to infiltrate into the Dutch overseas territory of western New Guinea as a part of Operation Trikora, the second and la...

Tags: Indonesia, Netherlands, New Guinea, West Papua, Territorial Dispute, Imperialism, Asia, Operation Trikora, Military Conflict

American pilot Francis Gary Powers is exchanged for senior KGB spy Colonel Rudolf Abel.

Tags: Spy, Espionage, Cold War, USSR, US, CIA, KGB, Prisoner Exchange, U-2 Incident

John Glenn is launched into space aboard Friendship-7 becoming the first American to orbit the Earth. Despite having many delays in the launch itself,...

Tags: Space Race, US, NASA, Space Exploration, Glenn, Orbital Flight, Technology, Cold War, Friendship-7

Rwanda and Burundi become independent from Belgium.

Tags: Rwanda, Burundi, Belgium, Decolonization, Africa, Independence, Post-Colonialism, Colonialism

neutralization of Laos is established by international agreement, but North Vietnam refuses to withdraw its personnel.

Tags: Laos, Vietnam, Neutrality, Cold War, Southeast Asia, International Relations, Conflict, Military

Jamaica is granted independence by the UK.

Tags: Jamaica, UK, Independence, Decolonization, Caribbean, Post-Colonialism, Commonwealth

Mariner 2 is launched to make a flyby of Venus.

Tags: Space Exploration, US, NASA, Venus, Mariner Program, Science, Technology, Cold War

Trinidad and Tobago is granted independence by the UK.

Tags: Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Independence, Decolonization, Caribbean, Post-Colonialism, Commonwealth

Himalayan War: Chinese forces attack India, making claims on numerous border areas.

Tags: China, India, Border Dispute, War, Asia, Territorial Conflict, Cold War

the North Yemen Civil War begins between partisans of the Mutawakkilite Kingdom and supporters of the Yemen Arab Republic.

Tags: Yemen, Civil War, Middle East, Arab World, Republic, Monarchy, Cold War

Uganda becomes independent from the UK under Commonwealth status.

Tags: Uganda, Independence, Decolonization, Commonwealth, Africa, UK, Post-Colonialism

Cuban Missile Crisis: the Soviets have secretly been installing military bases, including nuclear weapons, on Cuba, some 90 miles from the US mainland...

Tags: Cuban Missile Crisis, Cuba, USSR, US, Nuclear Weapons, Cold War, Blockade, Brinkmanship, Kennedy, Khrushchev

the Sino-Indian War begins between India and the People's Republic of China about the disputed Aksai Chin region.

Tags: China, India, War, Asia, Border Dispute, Aksai Chin, Cold War

The Soviet Union successfully launches Mars 1 with the intention of making a flyby of Mars.

Tags: Space Race, USSR, Mars, Space Exploration, Technology, Cold War, Science

End of the Sino-Indian War. The People's Republic of China ends up withdrawing from most of the land it occupies but does end up occupying 14,700 squa...

Tags: China, India, War, Asia, Border Dispute, Aksai Chin, Cold War, Withdrawal

The Brunei People's Party launched a rebellion against the British protectorate of Brunei. This event was considered to be one of the first stages of ...

Tags: Brunei, Rebellion, Malaysia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Cold War, British Protectorate

Mariner 2 reaches Venus, becoming the first US spacecraft to reach Venus and another planet.

Tags: Space Race, US, Venus, Space Exploration, Technology, Cold War, Science

Indonesia declares that it rejects the formation of Malaysia, through the statement of their then-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Subandrio. Sukarno hims...

Tags: Indonesia, Malaysia, Confrontation, Southeast Asia, British Empire, Sukarno, Cold War

Kim Philby, the leader of the Cambridge Five, defects to the Soviet Union from Beirut. The fight for independence in Portuguese Guinea begins.

Tags: Espionage, Cold War, Soviet Union, Defection, Cambridge Five, Decolonization, Portuguese Guinea, Africa

the overthrow of Abd al-Karim Qasim.

Tags: Iraq, Coup, Middle East, Politics, Cold War, Ba'ath Party, Regional Conflict

The Dhofar Liberation Front wages a war in Oman known as the Dhofar Rebellion.

Tags: Oman, Rebellion, Middle East, Insurgency, Cold War, Regional Conflict, Dhofar Liberation Front

Mars 1 likely reaches Mars conducting flyby. Yet, radio contact was lost with the probe on March 21.

Tags: Space Race, Soviet Union, Mars, Space Exploration, Technology, Cold War

Vostok 6 was launched, with Valentina Tereshkova becoming the first woman in space.

Tags: Space Race, Soviet Union, Space Exploration, Women in Space, Cold War, Vostok Program, Technology

The United States agrees to set up a hotline with the USSR, thus making direct communication possible.

Tags: Cold War, US, Soviet Union, Communication, Nuclear Threat, De-escalation, Hotline

France announces that it is withdrawing its navy from the North Atlantic fleet of NATO.

Tags: France, NATO, Cold War, Europe, Military, Alliance, Politics

U.S. President John F. Kennedy delivers his "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech in Berlin.

Tags: US, Cold War, Berlin, Germany, Kennedy, Politics, Rhetoric, Europe

The Manila Accord was signed by the Republic of Indonesia, the Federation of Malaya (soon to become Malaysia), and the Philippines. This agreement con...

Tags: Asia, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Politics, Self-determination, Decolonization, Regional Cooperation

The Partial Test Ban Treaty is signed by the US, UK and USSR, prohibiting the testing of nuclear weapons anywhere except underground.

Tags: Nuclear, Treaty, Cold War, US, Soviet Union, UK, Arms Control, Nuclear Weapons, Non-Proliferation

Malaysia was formed, with Tunku Abdul Rahman as its first prime minister. This was considered to have violated the Manila Accord because Malaysia was ...

Tags: Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Decolonization, Political Conflict, Manila Accord, Independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sabah, Sarawak

A border war was fought between Morocco and Algeria.

Tags: Morocco, Algeria, Border Dispute, War, Africa, Cold War Proxy, Conflict

The Aden Emergency begins against British rule.

Tags: Aden, Yemen, United Kingdom, Decolonization, Insurgency, Middle East, Colonialism, Conflict

South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem is assassinated in a coup. CIA involvement is suspected.

Tags: Vietnam, South Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem, Coup, Assassination, US Involvement, Cold War, Southeast Asia, Political Instability

John F. Kennedy is shot and killed in Dallas. There has been some speculation over whether communist countries, or even the CIA, were involved in the ...

Tags: United States, John F. Kennedy, Assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson, Political Turmoil, Cold War, US History, Dallas

Kenya becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Kenya, United Kingdom, Independence, Decolonization, Africa, Colonialism, Jomo Kenyatta

the Arab-dominated government of the Zanzibar Sultanate is overthrown by John Okello, establishing the new people's republic. The new regime orders a ...

Tags: Zanzibar, Tanzania, Revolution, Massacre, Post-Colonialism, Cold War, Africa, Political Violence

France recognizes the People's Republic of China. The Republic of China severs diplomatic relations with France on February 10.

Tags: France, China, Diplomacy, Cold War, International Relations, People's Republic of China, Republic of China

U.S. President Lyndon Johnson in New York, and Soviet First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev in Moscow, announce simultaneously plans to cut back productio...

Tags: United States, USSR, Nuclear Arms Race, Arms Control, De-escalation, Cold War, Nuclear Weapons, Disarmament, Lyndon B. Johnson, Nikita Khrushchev

Jawaharlal Nehru dies. The Colombian conflict begins.

Tags: India, Jawaharlal Nehru, Colombia, Conflict, Political Transition, Cold War, Asia, Latin America

The Rhodesian Bush War begins when African nationalist / Marxist insurgents rebel against colonial rule in Rhodesia (modern -day Zimbabwe). Malawi bec...

Tags: Africa, Colonialism, Insurgency, Marxism, Zimbabwe, Civil War, Nationalism, Cold War

U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson claims that North Vietnamese naval vessels had fired on two American destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin. Although there...

Tags: Vietnam War, Gulf of Tonkin, US Foreign Policy, Escalation, Southeast Asia, Cold War, Military Intervention, Lyndon B. Johnson

Malta becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Malta, Independence, Decolonization, UK, Europe, Post-Colonialism, Self-determination

The Mozambican War of Independence begins in Portuguese Mozambique.

Tags: Mozambique, Portugal, Colonialism, Independence, Africa, War of Independence, Cold War, Insurgency

The first spaceflight to carry multiple crewman into orbit was conducted by Voskhod 1.

Tags: Space Race, USSR, Voskhod, Spaceflight, Technology, Cosmonauts, Cold War, Innovation

Leonid Brezhnev succeeds Khrushchev to become General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, with Alexei Kosygin as his Premier.

Tags: USSR, Brezhnev, Khrushchev, Leadership, Politics, Cold War, Communist Party, Soviet Union

China tests its first atomic bomb. The test makes China the world's fifth nuclear power.

Tags: China, Nuclear Weapons, Atomic Bomb, Cold War, Nuclear Proliferation, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Asia, Deterrence

Zambia becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Zambia, Independence, Decolonization, Africa, UK, Post-Colonialism, Self-determination

Mariner 4 was launched.

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Mariner Program, Mars, Space Exploration, Technology, US, Cold War

Winston Churchill dies.

Tags: Winston Churchill, UK, World War II, Politics, Cold War, Leadership, Statesman, History

The Gambia becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Decolonization, Africa, Independence, United Kingdom, Post-Colonialism

Alexei Leonov conducts the first extravehicular activity or spacewalk in history from his spacecraft, Voskhod 2 in space.

Tags: Space Race, USSR, Space Exploration, Technology, Extravehicular Activity

Ranger 9 transmitted live footage of the surface of the Moon before crashing into its surface.

Tags: Space Race, US, Moon Landing, Technology, Space Exploration

Dominican Civil War: Forces loyal to former President Juan Bosch overthrow current leader Donald Reid Cabral.

Tags: Civil War, Dominican Republic, US Intervention, Latin America, Cold War

Ed White conducts the first American spacewalk from his spacecraft, Gemini IV.

Tags: Space Race, US, Space Exploration, Technology, Extravehicular Activity

Beginning of the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965.

Tags: War, Asia, India, Pakistan, Cold War, Kashmir

Singapore gains independence after being expelled from Malaysia.

Tags: Decolonization, Asia, Independence, Singapore, Malaysia

Six Indonesian generals are killed by the 30 September Movement during an abortive coup d'état later blamed on the Communist Party of Indonesia. Mass ...

Tags: Indonesia, Coup d'état, Mass Killings, Communism, Political Violence, Asia

The Chadian Civil War was waged between rebels and the Chadian government.

Tags: Civil War, Africa, Chad, Political Instability, Cold War

The white-dominated government of Rhodesia declares its independence which was regarded as an illegal proclamation by British Prime Minister Harold Wi...

Tags: Decolonization, Africa, Rhodesia, Apartheid, United Kingdom, Ian Smith

DN Aidit, Chairman of Communist Party of Indonesia, is executed by the Indonesian Army in Boyolali after becoming a fugitive as a consequence of the 3...

Tags: Indonesia, communism, Cold War, coup, anti-communism, 30 September Movement, political violence

Venera 3 was launched.

Tags: space race, USSR, exploration, Soviet Union, Venus, planetary probe

The Gemini 7 completes 206 orbits around the Earth, equating to roughly one trip to the Moon.

Tags: US, space race, NASA, orbital flight, manned spaceflight, technology

Luna 9 is launched.

Tags: space race, USSR, Moon, exploration, lunar probe, Soviet Union

Luna 9 successfully lands on the Moon becoming the first spacecraft to softly land on another extraterrestrial body.

Tags: space race, USSR, Moon landing, exploration, lunar probe, Soviet Union, technology

Venera 3 becomes the first man-made object to impact another planet.

Tags: space race, USSR, Venus, planetary probe, exploration, Soviet Union, impact

France withdraws from NATO command structure.

Tags: NATO, France, Cold War, alliances, de Gaulle, Europe, military

President Sukarno of Indonesia signs a document, handing over authority to Major General Suharto. This led to Suharto later establishing the pro-weste...

Tags: Indonesia, coup, Cold War, anti-communism, Suharto, New Order, Asia, political transition

Communist China detonates a third nuclear device.

Tags: China, nuclear weapons, Cold War, nuclear proliferation, Asia, nuclear test

Guyana becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Guyana, decolonization, UK, independence, Caribbean, post-colonialism

Surveyor 1 is launched.

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Moon Exploration, Scientific Advancements, Technology, Cold War Competition

Surveyor 1 becomes the first American spacecraft to softly land on another extraterrestrial body.

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Moon Landing, Exploration, Technology, Cold War, Scientific Discovery

The Jakarta Accord is signed by the Indonesian Foreign Minister Adam Malik and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Razak ending the hostility ...

Tags: Indonesia, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Regional Conflicts, Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution

South African Border War begins.

Tags: South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Cold War Conflicts, Regional Conflict, Apartheid, Guerrilla Warfare

Botswana becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Botswana, Independence, Decolonization, British Empire, Africa, Self-determination

Beginning of low-level armed clashes in Korean DMZ between North Korea and South Korea backed by the United States.

Tags: Korea, DMZ, Cold War Conflicts, Proxy War, United States, North Korea, South Korea

Barbados becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Barbados, Independence, Decolonization, British Empire, Caribbean, Self-determination

The Cambodian Civil War begins with the Samlaut Uprising.

Tags: Cambodia, Civil War, Southeast Asia, Communism, Vietnam War, Regional Conflict, Khmer Rouge

General Soeharto officially overthrows Sukarno and appointed as president of Indonesia. Indonesia switches sides from being friendly with Eastern Bloc...

Tags: Indonesia, Coup, Soeharto, Sukarno, Cold War, Anti-Communism, New Order, US Influence, Foreign Policy

33 Latin American and Caribbean countries sign the Treaty of Tlatelolco in Mexico City, which seek the prohibition of nuclear weapons in Latin America...

Tags: Nuclear Weapons, Latin America, Treaty, Non-Proliferation, Nuclear Disarmament, Cold War, Regional Security

Yuri Andropov becomes chairman of the KGB.

Tags: USSR, KGB, Intelligence, Cold War, Politics, Security, Soviet Union, Andropov

Egypt blocks the Straits of Tiran, then expels UN peacekeepers and moves its army into the Sinai Peninsula in preparation for possible attack on Israe...

Tags: Middle East, Egypt, Israel, Straits of Tiran, Six-Day War, Military, Conflict, Sinai

Uprising in Naxalbari, India marking the expansion of Maoism as a violent, anti-US and anti-Soviet, revolutionary movement across a number of developi...

Tags: India, Naxalbari, Maoism, Communism, Insurgency, Revolution, Developing World, Asia

The Nigerian state of Biafra secedes from the rest of Nigeria, declaring itself as the Republic of Biafra.

Tags: Nigeria, Biafra, Secession, Decolonization, Civil War, Africa, Ethnic Conflict, Independence

In response to Egypt's aggression, Israel invades the Sinai Peninsula, beginning the Six-Day War.

Tags: Israel, Egypt, Six-Day War, War, Middle East, Military, Conflict, 1967

China detonates its first hydrogen bomb.

Tags: China, Nuclear Weapons, H-Bomb, Cold War, Arms Race, Weapons, Nuclear, Politics

U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson meets with Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin in Glassboro, New Jersey for a three-day summit.

Tags: US, USSR, Summit, Cold War, Diplomacy, Johnson, Kosygin, Detente

Beginning of the War of Attrition.

Tags: Middle East, War of Attrition, Egypt, Israel, Conflict, Military, War, 1967

The Nigerian Civil War begins in response to Biafra's declaration of independence.

Tags: Nigeria, Civil War, Biafra, War, Africa, Conflict, Politics, Ethnic Conflict

Bangkok Declaration is established to quell the communist threat in Southeast Asia. This creates ASEAN.

Tags: ASEAN, Southeast Asia, Alliances, Politics, Economics, Cold War, Regionalism, Asia

Che Guevara is captured in Bolivia by U.S. trained Bolivian rangers.

Tags: Cold War, Latin America, Guerrilla Warfare, Cuba, Bolivia, Anti-Communism, CIA, Insurgency

Che Guevara is executed after being captured the day before.

Tags: Cold War, Latin America, Guerrilla Warfare, Cuba, Bolivia, Assassination, Anti-Communism, Symbolism, Ideology

Robert McNamara announces that he will resign as U.S. Secretary of Defense to become President of the World Bank.

Tags: US Politics, Vietnam War, Pentagon, Secretary of Defense, World Bank, Foreign Policy, Cold War

Tet Offensive in South Vietnam begins.

Tags: Vietnam War, Military Offensive, Tet Offensive, South Vietnam, North Vietnam, US Military, Turning Point, Cold War

The years of Lead start in Italy with the Battle of Valle Giulia clash between far-right and far-left militants.

Tags: Italy, Student Protests, Political Violence, Far-Right, Far-Left, Social Unrest, Years of Lead, 1968

Mauritius becomes independent from the UK under Commonwealth status.

Tags: Decolonization, Mauritius, UK, Commonwealth, Independence, Africa, Post-Colonialism

The Moro conflict begins in Southern Philippines.

Tags: Philippines, Moro People, Conflict, Insurgency, Muslims, Asia, Political Violence

Johnson suspends bombings over North Vietnam and announces he is not running for reelection.

Tags: Vietnam War, US Politics, Bombing Halt, Presidential Election, North Vietnam, Cold War, Political Decision

Tet Offensive ends; while an American military victory, it raises questions over America's military chances in Vietnam.

Tags: Vietnam War, Tet Offensive, Military Victory, US Military, Turning Point, Public Opinion, Cold War

The Second Malayan Emergency begins.

Tags: Malaysia, Communist Insurgency, Emergency, Southeast Asia, Cold War, Guerrilla Warfare

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is opened for signature.

Tags: nuclear weapons, non-proliferation, arms control, treaty, Cold War, global security, diplomacy, United Nations

Abdul Rahman Arif, the President of Iraq at that time was overthrown by a coup staged by Iraq Ba'athist Party. The revolution eventually lead to the i...

Tags: Iraq, coup, Ba'ath Party, Middle East, politics, government, regional conflict, Cold War proxy

Prague Spring Reforms in Communist Czechoslovakia result in Warsaw Pact, led by Soviet Red Army, crushing Czechoslovakian revolt.

Tags: Czechoslovakia, Prague Spring, Soviet Union, Warsaw Pact, invasion, Cold War, Eastern Europe, communism, political repression

Swaziland becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Swaziland, independence, decolonization, United Kingdom, Africa, self-determination, political transition

Peruvian General Juan Velasco Alvarado overthrows President Fernando Belaunde Terry in a military coup.

Tags: Peru, coup, military, Latin America, politics, government, Cold War, socialism

Equatorial Guinea becomes independent from Spain.

Tags: Equatorial Guinea, independence, decolonization, Spain, Africa, self-determination, political transition

The captain and crew of the USS Pueblo are released by North Korea.

Tags: USS Pueblo, North Korea, Korean War, Cold War, navy, prisoner release, espionage, international incident

Richard Nixon becomes President of the United States.

Tags: Richard Nixon, US President, Cold War, politics, United States, Vietnam War, foreign policy, domestic policy

Border clashes between the Soviet Union and China.

Tags: China, Soviet Union, border conflict, Cold War, communism, Sino-Soviet split, Asia, ideology

the U.S. begins bombing Communist sanctuaries in Cambodia.

Tags: Cambodia, Vietnam War, United States, bombing, Cold War, Asia, secret war, military intervention

Apollo 11 is launched.

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Moon Landing, Technology, Exploration, Cold War, US

the U.S. accomplishes the first crewed Moon landing, Apollo 11. Crewed by Neil Armstrong, "Buzz" Aldrin, and Michael Collins.

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Moon Landing, Technology, Exploration, Cold War, US, Armstrong, Aldrin

Apollo 11 returns to Earth.

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Moon Landing, Technology, Exploration, Cold War, US, Spaceflight

"Vietnamization" begins with U.S. troop withdrawals from Vietnam and the burden of combat being placed on the South Vietnamese.

Tags: Vietnam War, US, Withdrawal, South Vietnam, War, Military, Cold War, Asia

Muammar Gaddafi overthrows the Libyan monarchy and expels British and American personnel. Libya aligns itself with the Soviet Union.

Tags: Libya, Gaddafi, Coup, USSR, Cold War, Africa, Soviet Influence, Politics

North Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh dies. It was a significant and decisive event for both the Vietnam War and the Sino-Soviet border conflict.

Tags: Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh, North Vietnam, Asia, Cold War, Politics, Sino-Soviet Split

Siad Barre overthrows the government of Somalia in a bloodless coup. He declares himself President of Somalia and reorganizes the country into a one-p...

Tags: Somalia, Coup, Siad Barre, Africa, Cold War, Politics, Communism, USSR

The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks begin in Helsinki.

Tags: SALT, Nuclear Arms, Cold War, USSR, US, Negotiations, Arms Control, Nuclear, Diplomacy

A bomb planted by far-right extremists sets off in a bank in Milan, Italy, killing 17 people and injuring 88. This event (remembered as the Piazza Fon...

Tags: Italy, Terrorism, Bombing, Europe, Politics, Cold War, Years of Lead, Extremism

The Nigerian Civil War ends with Biafra being re-integrated into Nigeria.

Tags: Nigeria, Civil War, Biafra, Africa, Decolonization, Politics, War, Post-Colonialism

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, ratified by the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union and the United States, among others, enters into ...

Tags: nuclear weapons, treaty, arms control, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, United States, proliferation, Cold War, diplomacy

Lon Nol takes power in Cambodia and establishes the Khmer Republic. Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese Communists attack the new regime, which wants to end No...

Tags: Cambodia, coup, Khmer Republic, Khmer Rouge, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, Cold War, war, politics

The War of Attrition ends with a ceasefire.

Tags: Egypt, Israel, War of Attrition, ceasefire, Middle East, Cold War, war, conflict, diplomacy

The Soviet Union and West Germany sign the Treaty of Moscow.

Tags: Soviet Union, West Germany, treaty, Moscow, Eastern Bloc, Europe, Cold War, diplomacy, politics

Venera 7 is launched.

Tags: Venera 7, Soviet Union, Venus, space exploration, space race, science, technology, USSR

Black September begins in Jordan.

Tags: Jordan, Black September, Palestinians, PLO, civil war, Middle East, Cold War, conflict, terrorism

Salvador Allende becomes president of Chile after being confirmed by the Chilean congress.

Tags: Chile, Salvador Allende, election, socialism, Cold War, Latin America, politics, coup

United States' aid to Cambodia to support the Lon Nol regime begins.

Tags: United States, Cambodia, Lon Nol, aid, Cold War, Southeast Asia, politics, war

Venera 7 lands on Venus becoming the first spacecraft to softly land on another planet.

Tags: Venera 7, Venus, Soviet Union, space exploration, space race, science, technology, USSR, planetary exploration

Idi Amin launches a successful coup d'état against Milton Obote in Uganda and declares himself President of Uganda. Under Amin, Uganda would switch al...

Tags: Uganda, Idi Amin, coup, Eastern Bloc, Soviet Union, Africa, Cold War, politics, decolonization

South Vietnamese forces enter Laos to briefly cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Tags: Vietnam War, Laos, Military Operation, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Southeast Asia, Intervention, Cold War

Seabed Arms Control Treaty is signed banning the placement of nuclear weapons outside of a country's 12-mile (22.2  km) coastal zone.

Tags: Arms Control, Nuclear Weapons, Treaty, Disarmament, Cold War, International Relations, Ocean, Military

Dominion of Ceylon declared under emergency conditions after communist People's Liberation Front attacks the American embassy.

Tags: Sri Lanka, Ceylon, Emergency, Communist Insurgency, Cold War, Asia, Politics, Internal Conflict

Bangladeshi Declaration of Independence And Bangladesh Liberation War Begin

Tags: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Independence, Liberation War, Decolonization, Cold War, Asia, Conflict, Civil War

Salyut 1 is launched becoming the first space station.

Tags: Space Race, USSR, Space Station, Salyut, Technology, Cold War, Exploration, Astronomy

Anwar Sadat's Corrective Revolution purges Nasserist members of the government and security forces, and eventually expels Soviet military from Egypt.

Tags: Egypt, Anwar Sadat, USSR, Cold War, Politics, Middle East, Soviet Influence, Expulsion, Nasserism

Mars 3 is launched.

Tags: Space Race, USSR, Mars, Planetary Exploration, Technology, Cold War, Exploration

Mariner 9 is launched.

Tags: Space Race, US, Mars, Planetary Exploration, Technology, Cold War, Exploration, NASA

105 Soviet officials expelled from Great Britain by Prime Minister Edward Heath in Operation FOOT.

Tags: UK, USSR, Espionage, Cold War, Diplomacy, Politics, Europe, Intelligence

Four-Power Agreement on Berlin is signed by the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, France, and the United States.

Tags: Berlin, Germany, Cold War, Treaty, US, USSR, Europe, International Relations, Divided Germany

Nikita Khrushchev dies.

Tags: USSR, Soviet Union, Khrushchev, Leadership, Cold War, Politics, De-Stalinization, Eastern Bloc

Salyut 1 burns up in the atmosphere.

Tags: Space Race, USSR, Salyut 1, Space Station, Aerospace, Technology, Orbital Decay

The United Nations General Assembly passes Resolution 2758, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China, cau...

Tags: China, United Nations, Taiwan, PRC, International Relations, Diplomacy, Asia, Cold War

Mathieu Kérékou takes control of the Republic of Dahomey, renaming it Benin and declaring it a Marxist–Leninist state.

Tags: Benin, Dahomey, Marxism, Socialism, Africa, Cold War, Ideology, Coups, Decolonization

Mariner 9 arrives at Mars orbit becoming the first spacecraft to orbit another planet.

Tags: Space Race, NASA, Mars, Mariner Program, Planetary Exploration, Space Exploration, Technology, Astronomy

Mars 3 arrives in Mars orbit and deploys its lander. The lander is successful in becoming the first spacecraft to softly land on Mars but transmits fo...

Tags: Space Race, USSR, Mars 3, Mars Landing, Planetary Exploration, Space Exploration, Technology, Astronomy

India enters the Bangladesh Liberation War after Pakistan launches preemptive air strikes on Indian airfields.

Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War, India, Pakistan, War, Asia, Cold War, Conflict, Military, Decolonization

Lt. Gen A. A. K. Niazi, CO of the Pakistan Army forces located in East Pakistan surrenders unconditionally by signing the Instrument of Surrender whic...

Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War, India, Pakistan, War, Asia, Cold War, Independence, Military, Decolonization, Surrender

Nixon visits China, the first visit by a U.S. president since the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Tags: China, US, Nixon, Diplomacy, Cold War, International Relations, Asia, Politics, Ping Pong Diplomacy

Viet Cong (also called the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, or NLF) goes to the offensive in South Vietnam, only to be repulsed by the Sout...

Tags: Vietnam War, Viet Cong, South Vietnam, US, War, Asia, Cold War, Military, Conflict

The Ikiza mass killings occurred in Burundi committed by the Tutsi-dominated army against the Hutus.

Tags: Burundi, Rwanda, Africa, Genocide, Ethnic Violence, Civil War, Tutsi, Hutu, Mass Killings

Biological Weapons Convention is signed banning the production, development and stockpiling of biological weapons.

Tags: Weapons of Mass Destruction, Biological Warfare, Arms Control, International Law, Treaty, Disarmament, Cold War, USSR, US

Richard Nixon attends Moscow Summit (1972), becoming the first US President to visit Moscow.

Tags: Nixon, USSR, Summit, Détente, Cold War, Diplomacy, Moscow, US President, Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, SALT I

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) agreement signals the beginning of détente between the U.S. and USSR.

Tags: SALT I, Arms Control, Nuclear Weapons, Détente, USSR, US, Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, Cold War, Superpowers

Bobby Fischer defeats Russian Boris Spassky in a chess match in Reykjavík, Iceland, becoming the first official American chess champion (see Match of ...

Tags: Chess, Bobby Fischer, Boris Spassky, Match of the Century, Cold War, Iceland, Culture, Sports, Competition, United States

Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos declares martial law, officially in response to the growing communist threat in the Philippines.

Tags: Philippines, Martial Law, Ferdinand Marcos, Asia, Communism, Authoritarianism, Cold War, US Influence, Political Instability

The short border war occurred between the Yemen Arab Republic and South Yemen.

Tags: Yemen, Border War, Arab World, Middle East, Conflict, Civil War, Yemen Arab Republic, South Yemen, Regional Conflict

Richard Nixon announces the beginning of a massive bombing campaign in North Vietnam.

Tags: Vietnam War, Bombing, North Vietnam, Nixon, Air War, Cold War, US Military, Indochina, Escalation

The Paris Peace Accords end American involvement in the Vietnam War. Congress cuts off funds for the continued bombing of Indochina.

Tags: Vietnam War, Paris Peace Accords, Peace Treaty, US Withdrawal, End of War, Cold War, Indochina, Diplomacy, War, Congress

Balochi separatists launched a five-year long guerilla war against the Pakistani government in order to create a separate Balochistan nation.

Tags: Balochistan, Pakistan, Separatism, Insurgency, Guerilla Warfare, Asia, Conflict, Ethnic Conflict, Civil War, Regional Instability

Vientiane Treaty is signed as a cease-fire agreement for the Laotian Civil War. The treaty calls for the removal of all foreign soldiers from Laos . T...

Tags: Laos, Civil War, Southeast Asia, Ceasefire, Cold War, Coalition Government, Foreign Intervention

West Germany and East Germany are each admitted to the United Nations.

Tags: Germany, United Nations, Cold War, Divided Germany, International Relations, Diplomacy

The Bahamas becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Bahamas, Independence, Decolonization, United Kingdom, Caribbean, Commonwealth

Chilean coup d'état — The democratically elected Marxist president of Chile, Salvador Allende, is deposed and dies of a gunshot wound during a militar...

Tags: Chile, Coup d'état, Salvador Allende, Augusto Pinochet, Cold War, Latin America, Marxism, Military Dictatorship

Yom Kippur War — Israel is attacked by Egypt and Syria, the war ends with a ceasefire.

Tags: Yom Kippur War, Israel, Egypt, Syria, Middle East, War, Cold War, Ceasefire

An uprising occurred in Thailand.

Tags: Thailand, Uprising, Southeast Asia, Political Unrest, Protests, Cold War

Egypt defects to the American camp by accepting a U.S. cease-fire proposal during the October 1973 war.

Tags: Egypt, United States, Ceasefire, Yom Kippur War, Cold War, Middle East, Diplomacy, American Influence

The Soviet Union announces that, because of its opposition to the recent overthrow of the government of Chilean President Salvador Allende, it will no...

Tags: Soviet Union, Chile, Soccer, Boycott, Cold War, Politics and Sports, International Relations

Grenada becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Grenada, Independence, Decolonization, United Kingdom, Caribbean, Commonwealth

Portuguese Armed Forces revolt against the authoritarian regime of Estado Novo. Fascism in Portugal officially ended, and Spain became the last and on...

Tags: Portugal, Carnation Revolution, Fascism, Estado Novo, Revolution, Europe, Political Change, Spain

SEATO formally ends after France leaves the organization.

Tags: SEATO, Cold War Alliances, France, Southeast Asia, Military Alliances, International Relations, Diplomacy

NATO holds a summit in Brussels, the first one since 1957 to be held.

Tags: NATO, Brussels, Summit, Cold War, Europe, Military Alliance, Politics, International Relations

The Moscow Summit begins.

Tags: Moscow, Summit, USSR, Cold War, Detente, Diplomacy, International Relations, Negotiations

Turkey invaded Cyprus after the coup d'état conducted by the Greek junta.

Tags: Cyprus, Turkey, Invasion, Cold War, Greece, War, Conflict, Geopolitics, Coups

Gerald Ford becomes President of the United States upon the resignation of Nixon.

Tags: Gerald Ford, US President, Nixon, Resignation, Cold War, Politics, United States, Leadership, Government

The United States and East Germany begin diplomatic relations.

Tags: East Germany, US, Diplomacy, Cold War, Germany, International Relations, Politics, Detente

The pro-Western monarch of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, is ousted by a Marxist military junta known as the Derg.

Tags: Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, Derg, Marxist, Coup, Cold War, Africa, Decolonization, Politics, Revolution

The SALT II Agreement is drafted at the Vladivostok Summit Meeting on Arms Control.

Tags: SALT II, Arms Control, Nuclear Weapons, Cold War, USSR, US, Detente, Vladivostok, Negotiations, Nuclear Disarmament

The Trade Act of 1974, including the Jackson–Vanik amendment, is signed into law in the United States.

Tags: Trade Act of 1974, Jackson-Vanik Amendment, Economics, Cold War, US, USSR, Human Rights, Trade, Politics

Tensions between the Maronite Christians and Muslims ignited the Lebanese Civil War.

Tags: Lebanese Civil War, Lebanon, Maronite Christians, Muslims, Cold War, Middle East, Conflict, War, Politics, Geopolitics

The communist Khmer Rouge, under the leadership of Pol Pot, take power in Cambodia. Beginning of the Cambodian genocide.

Tags: Cambodia, Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, Genocide, Asia, Communism, Civil War, Cold War

North Vietnam wins the Vietnam War. The South Vietnam regime falls with the surrender of Saigon and the two countries are united under a Communist gov...

Tags: Vietnam War, North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Communism, Saigon, Asia, Cold War, War

Mayagüez incident: the Khmer Rouge seize an American naval ship, prompting American intervention to recapture the ship and its crew. In the end, the c...

Tags: Mayagüez, US, Khmer Rouge, Cambodia, Asia, Cold War, Military, Diplomacy

Venera 9, a Soviet uncrewed space mission to Venus, is launched.

Tags: USSR, Space Race, Venus, Venera, Space Exploration, Cold War, Technology, Science

Portugal withdraws from Angola and Mozambique, where Marxist governments are installed, the former with backing from Cuban troops. Civil war engulfs b...

Tags: Decolonization, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Civil War, Africa, Cold War, Communism, Cuban Involvement

Cape Verde becomes independent from Portugal.

Tags: Cape Verde, Decolonization, Portugal, Africa, Independence, Cold War

Comoros becomes independent from France.

Tags: Comoros, Decolonization, France, Africa, Independence, Cold War

São Tomé and Príncipe becomes independent from Portugal.

Tags: São Tomé and Príncipe, Decolonization, Portugal, Africa, Independence, Cold War

The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project takes place. It is the first joint flight of the US and Soviet space programs. The mission is seen as a symbol of détent...

Tags: Apollo-Soyuz, Space Race, US, USSR, Détente, Space Exploration, Cold War, Cooperation

Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe signed by the United States, Canada, the Soviet Union and Europe.

Tags: Helsinki Accords, Europe, US, USSR, Détente, Cold War, Security, Human Rights, Alliances

Andrei Sakharov is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Tags: Soviet Union, Dissidents, Human Rights, Nobel Prize, Cold War, Propaganda, Freedom of Speech, Andrei Sakharov

Western Sahara War begins between Morocco, Mauritania and Polisario Front.

Tags: War, Africa, Morocco, Mauritania, Polisario Front, Decolonization, Territorial Disputes, Cold War Proxy Conflict

Operation Condor begins in South America.

Tags: South America, Human Rights, Political Repression, Cold War, US Foreign Policy, CIA, Dictatorship, Anti-Communism, Operation Condor

The Angolan Civil War begins immediately after Angola achieved independence from Portugal.

Tags: Angola, Civil War, Decolonization, Cold War Proxy Conflict, Portugal, Soviet Union, Cuba, US, Africa

Francisco Franco dies, and under Juan Carlos I, Spain becomes a democracy.

Tags: Spain, Democracy, Dictatorship, Franco, Transition, Europe, Cold War, Juan Carlos I

Suriname officially gains independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Tags: Suriname, Independence, Netherlands, Decolonization, South America, Cold War, Post-Colonial

After a small-scale civil war, Timor-Leste underthe Fretilin declares its independence.

Tags: Timor-Leste, Independence, Fretilin, Indonesia, Decolonization, Asia, Cold War, Invasion

Pathet Lao takes power in Laos.

Tags: Laos, Pathet Lao, Communism, Vietnam War, Cold War, Asia, Civil War

In Operation Seroja, the Indonesian National Armed Forces invades East Timor. The day before, US President Gerald Ford had given the green light for t...

Tags: Indonesia, East Timor, Invasion, Human Rights, Cold War, US Foreign Policy, Asia, Occupation, Genocide

Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai dies of cancer.

Tags: China, Zhou Enlai, Premier, Politics, Cold War, Asia, Mao Zedong, Chinese Communist Party

Soviet and Cuban forces install a communist government in Angola.

Tags: Angola, Cuba, Soviet Union, Cold War, Proxy War, Africa, Communism, Intervention

The National Reorganization Process takes power in Argentina following a successful military coup and launches military action against Argentine-based...

Tags: Argentina, Military, Coup, Dictatorship, Videla, Latin America, Human Rights, Guerrilla Warfare

The Corsican conflict begins, with the aim of an independent Corsican state against the French government by Corsican nationalists.

Tags: Corsica, France, Nationalism, Insurgency, Europe, Separatism, Conflict

Seychelles becomes independent from the UK, as a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Tags: Seychelles, Independence, UK, Decolonization, Commonwealth, Africa

Vietnam was reunited.

Tags: Vietnam, Reunification, War, Asia, Communism, Cold War, Southeast Asia

U.S. Military personnel withdraw from Thailand.

Tags: Thailand, US, Military, Withdrawal, Asia, Cold War, Southeast Asia

Inception of Safari Club.

Tags: Safari Club, Intelligence, Alliances, Cold War, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, International Relations

Death of Mao Zedong.

Tags: China, Mao Zedong, Communism, Asia, Politics, Cold War, Leadership, Ideology

Insurgency in Aceh begins. Jean-Bédel Bokassa proclaimed himself as Emperor of the Central African Empire.

Tags: Central African Republic, Bokassa, Dictatorship, Africa, Politics, Emperor

Charter 77 is signed by Czechoslovakian intellectuals, including Václav Havel.

Tags: Czechoslovakia, Charter 77, Human Rights, Dissidents, Cold War, Culture, Eastern Europe, Intellectuals

Jimmy Carter becomes President of the United States.

Tags: US Politics, Presidency, Cold War, Human Rights, Foreign Policy

A rebellion occurred in the Shaba Province, Zaire.

Tags: Africa, Zaire, Rebellion, Cold War Proxy Conflicts, Regional Instability

The Mozambican Civil War begins.

Tags: Africa, Mozambique, Civil War, Cold War Proxy Conflicts, Socialism, Insurgency

U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance assures skeptics that the Carter administration will hold the Soviet Union accountable for its recent crackdowns o...

Tags: US-USSR Relations, Human Rights, Cold War, Diplomacy, Détente, Soviet Union

Djibouti becomes independent from France.

Tags: Africa, Decolonization, France, Independence, Cold War

The Carter administration cancels the planned Rockwell B-1 Lancer bomber.

Tags: US Military, Arms Race, Cold War, Defense Spending, Carter Administration

The Ogaden War begins when Somalia attacks Ethiopia.

Tags: Africa, Somalia, Ethiopia, War, Cold War Proxy Conflicts, Soviet Union, Cuban Involvement

The Chadian–Libyan conflict begins over the Aouzou Strip.

Tags: Africa, Chad, Libya, Conflict, Cold War Proxy Conflicts, Territorial Dispute

The Ogaden War ends with a cease-fire.

Tags: Africa, Somalia, Ethiopia, War, Cold War Proxy Conflicts, Cease-fire, Soviet Union

Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro is kidnapped in Rome by a far-left extremist terrorist group called the Red Brigades. His body would be found on the ...

Tags: Italy, Terrorism, Red Brigades, Cold War, Europe, Politics, Kidnapping

President of Afghanistan Sardar Mohammed Daoud's government is overthrown when he is murdered in a coup led by pro-communist rebels.

Tags: Afghanistan, coup, communism, Cold War, Soviet Union, political instability

The second rebellion in the Shaba Province, Zaire occurred.

Tags: Zaire, Africa, rebellion, Cold War, proxy war, Katanga

Tuvalu becomes independent from the UK as a member of the Commonwealth.

Tags: Tuvalu, independence, decolonization, Commonwealth, Pacific Islands

Dominica becomes independent from the UK.

Tags: Dominica, independence, decolonization, Commonwealth, Caribbean

Deng Xiaoping announces the reform and opening up of China.

Tags: China, economic reform, Deng Xiaoping, opening up, communism, globalization, market economy

A communist regime is installed in Afghanistan. Vietnam invades Cambodia.

Tags: Afghanistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, communism, Cold War, invasion, Soviet Union, proxy war

The United States and China normalize diplomatic relations.

Tags: United States, China, diplomacy, normalization, Cold War, strategic alliance

Vietnam deposes the Khmer Rouge and installs a pro-Vietnam, pro-Soviet government known as the People's Republic of Kampuchea.

Tags: Cambodia, Vietnam, Khmer Rouge, invasion, Cold War, proxy war, communism, Soviet Union

The Iranian Revolution ousts the pro-Western Shah, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, and installs a theocracy under Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The Centra...

Tags: Iran, revolution, Islamic Republic, Khomeini, Cold War, Middle East, CENTO, Shah