Cold+War+Era

=toc= = The Cold War =

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This video shows the spread and fall of communism throughout the world from 1910 to 2000. The Soviet Union was the first country to become communist and began to infiltrate Eastern Europe as well as China. By the 1950's, communism spread to Cuba and Vietnam and slowly went to colonies in Africa as well. By 2000, the only countries that had a communistic government that still exists today are Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, China, and North Korea.

**Definition**
"The Cold War" is a term given to the tension and hostility between the Soviet Union and the United States of America in the time period following the Second World War (approximately 1945-1990). It is known as a cold war because there was never physical contact, due to the fear of nuclear attacks from the opposing side; hot war is an average war, consisting of warfare. The exact definition from Merriam Webster is, "a state of political hostility existing between countries, characterized by threats, violent propaganda, subversive activities, and other measures short of open warfare, in particular The Cold War was the state of hostility that existed between the Soviet bloc countries and the United States which led western powers from 1945 to 1990�(Merriam-Webster). The democratic USA did not want the communist USSR to keep spreading throughout the world. (History Learning Site)

After WWII, the world had begun �globalizing� and countries adapted the same political ideologies, languages, social norms� as other important countries. Two super world powers emerged, USSR on one side and on the other side USA. Both had completely different political ideologies: communism and capitalism and they wanted to spread it all around the world and globalize it with their ideologies.

Without noticing it, tension had begun to rise between USA and USSR and this period of tension is called as the �Cold War� because although there was a lot of tension between them, neither of them attacked seeing they had nuclear weapons that could have destroyed the whole world. There was tension between them because they both wanted to spread their ideologies around the world and become the most powerful nation in the whole world. There was also a state of political tension and military rivalry between them.

America and Russia recognized the tension that grew between them; however they both were not prepared to take on action with one another. In any conflict between nations Military Generals and political leaders have to choose plans and strategies and that will be in their favor at the time of crisis and in the future; however some of their decision may create conflict in the end. Using previous knowledge and information from the Cold War Wiki page wisely answer the following questions that American leaders and or Soviet Union leaders faced during and after WWII that lead to the Cold War. Using the following link to the Cold War Game you may follow the series of events that led and took place before and during the Cold War Era.

__@http://library.thinkquest.org/10826/game.htm__



The U.S.S.R. was trying to reach out to expand communism as much as possible. According to this picture, the U.S.was not much of a threat to the Russians. The bear is there to represent the aggression of the Russians, and Uncle Sam is the symbol for the U.S.trying to control the Russians. Uncle Sam is trying to face the bear but is very tiny, meaning he is not much of a threat to the bear. This picture is a great example of the definition of the Cold War Era, because the Cold War was based on the Russians vs. the U.S.

Origins


This was the symbol for Communism. It’s a hammer and sickle. The hammer and sickle were originally supposed to be on a plough, however, even without the presence of the plough, the symbol still stood for the same thing. It stood for the “unity” of the working class and peasants. This symbol could be featured on badges that commanding officers would proudly wear around. The symbol later became the symbol for Communism and is now recognized throughout history. It is highly ironic that the symbol for Communism originally stood for unity of the working class (Hammer and sickle).

The origins of the Cold War are evident even before the end of World War Two. Although the United States and the Soviet Union were allies during the war, the alliance between the two world powers began to unravel as the war reached its conclusion. During wartime, the two nations were forced to cooperate out of necessity. At the peace conferences of Yalta and Potsdam, however, their deep-seated ideological differences began to conflict. The United States soon became the representative of the Western, democratic ideologies while the Soviet Union embodied the Eastern, communist ideologies. Because of their ideological discrepancies, the United States and the USSR soon began to compete with each other for influence around the world.

 The first major ideological conflicts took place during the Yalta Conference. The issue at hand was what was to be done with the post-war world, in particular what was to be done with Germany. The Soviets � who lost and estimated twenty-eight million in World War II � were determined to subdue Germany and to eliminate any future threat of German aggression. The United States, on the other hand, had lost about three hundred thousand throughout the course of the war, was looking to rebuild Germany and the rest of Europe. Both sides were equally resolute in their plans for the post-war world. Eventually, it was decided that Germany would be divided into four zones: the French zone, the British zone, the American zone, and the Soviet zone. These zones were not colonies, but they were overseen by their respective countries. It was not long before the differences between Soviet-dominated East Germany and Western-dominated West Germany became realized. The two Germanies caused much tension between the Western democracies and the USSR. Indeed, it seemed that unless contained, communism would spread like a wildfire to the rest of Europe.

Another key source of tension between the West and the East arose after World War II when the Soviet Union broke her promise that she made at the Yalta Conference concerning free elections in territories occupied by Soviets. It was agreed upon that, if the USSR were to keep the territories she won during World War II, she was to allow free elections to take place in those territories. After the war, however, communists soon came into power and free elections did not occur. These pro-Soviet governments expanded the Soviet Union�s influence and prevented future invasion. This breach of trust deeply shocked the West. It was clear to the United States, as well as to other Western democracies, that if further spreading of communism was to be prevented an �iron curtain� must be drawn across Europe. Some sources of tension between the East and the West were not ideological. One of these was the arms race between the USSR and the United States. After the first uses of the atomic bomb by the U.S. in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Soviet Union soon made moves to begin their own nuclear projects. This furthered the distrust between the two superpowers, and it was almost immediately realized that some kind of conflict between them was inevitable (Merriman and Winter).

 [|WWII: Behind Closed Doors] PBS recently released the series //WWII: Behind Closed Doors //. Although the series is about the war itself, the link above forwards to a web page on the PBS cite that describes in-depth many of the inner-workings of the conferences, as well as the plans each country had for peace. Since many tensions between the nations arose at the peace conferences of World War II, the website provides vital background information about the Cold War conflicts.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ This website gives quality information on numerous parts of The Cold War. It includes a timeline which depicts the events of the Cold War in a different way. A virtual tour is available of a plane used in the war. This site encourages visual learning about the war and objects used in it along with information about them. []

After World War II, U.S.A became super power country because they have atomic bomb. But after war II many countries had hard time so communism became a popular. The Soviet Union was typical communism country they want to spread out communism to European country. However U.S.A was democracy country so U.S.A wants to stop spreading communism. In 1961 U.S.S.R makes biggest bomb in the world named Tsar Bomba. So U.S made a SR-71 Black Bird which is reconnaissance aircraft, fast reconnaissance aircraft in the world. But the races are not over. U.S.A and U.S.S.R started space race. At result Soviet Union shoot the first satellite named sputnik in 1957, it is very small but it was first satellite in the world. After sputnik U.S.A shoot the space ship to moon and they succeed.
 * Atomic bomb race between U.S.S.R and U.S.A**

// [] // The above link is to a timeline of the Cold War. It outlines the main events of the Cold War. In a war with so many significant events, it is helpful to see them laid out in chronological order in the format of a timeline. This particular timeline is concise and well organized, and it is a very helpful reference.

=**Communist China** = Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai Shek were very different because Mao Zedong was communist and Chiang Kai Shek wanted to democracy so Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai Shek had civil war. However both wanted to Japan wants to leave China so they Mao Zedong cooperate with Chiang Kai Shek that collaboration between the Kuomintang and the Communists for protect their country, but after Japan lose against they kept civil war, therefore Chiang Kai Shek lose and he went to Taiwan. Mao Zedong became leader of communist of China
 * 1) The Communist victory in China
 * 2) Traditional ally of American interests. Permanent member of the Security Council of the ONU.
 * 3) Civil war between nationalists and communists. After China and Japan were, Communist party and Nationalist party leader wanted to leading China therefore civil war was begin. Before the china civil war both party leader made conference so result that avoiding a civil war, independence, and freedom to the New China, but, US supported Chiang Kai Shek and he breaked conference. 1946 China civil war began and 1947 Communist reversed Nationalist party therefore communist forces were increase.
 * 4) During the Japanese occupatio n of land reform implementation in the communist area. Enlist the support of the peasants.
 * 5) Triumph communist. Nationalists flee to Formosa (Taiwan). China.

6.Cooperation Treaty with USSR

On July 23, 1921 the Chinese Communist Party in Shanghai was founded by Mao Zedong. In 1949, Mao Zedong became chairman of the new Central Government of the People's Republic of China. The communist influence grew rapidly after his election. Mao won the people over by appealing to all social classes. He used propaganda and slogans to win over the Chinese people. He created the Great Leap Forward policy to skip over capitalism and go straight into communism. Sadly, this plan did not work. To redeem himself, Mao Zedong began what was known as the Cultural Revolution in an attempt to boost China�s economy (New York Times).

After the World War II there were civil wars between the communists and nationalists. Mao Zedong was the leader of the communists (CCP, Chinese Communist Party) and he used guerilla warfare tactics and the support of many people to fight against the nationalists under Chiang Kai-Shek. The nationalists, KMT, lost the civil war, and on October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong claimed the People�s Republic of China for whole china and Beijing as a capital. The People�s Republic of China is communism and not fascism, not democracy. After claim, Mao tried to recover China with several plans (Naver Encyclopedia).

Confiscated lands from landlords were distributed among the needy farmers. This promoted the creation of an industry and during the next 10 years the situation improved under the leadership of the Communist Party, which maintained tight control over state resources. (Historia Breve de China)

media type="youtube" key="H6eyVCVBMAs" height="349" width="425" Above is a YouTube video about the rise of Communist China. It is very interesting in the fact that it shows how the Chinese people responded to Mao's Communism. In this video one can see the reasons the people supported Mao so much. In fact, one woman even said that communism was "democratic". One can also see the harsh treatment of the Chinese against those who did not support the government. Most importantly, this video tells of the relationship between China and Russia, specifically in the Korean War (partly shown).

China denial communism, but people still can see China is not democratic country. For example in Beijing there are Tianamen and they having big picture of Mao Zedong. In Chinese flag the back ground color is red and there has big yellow star with three small stars. Red means communist also big yellow star means Chinese communist party.

With a failing economic society China was in desperate need for help in order to regain prosperity throughout their country. The idea of having an imperial rule was not a favored decision because of the failed outcomes that it has brought in previous years; therefore China tried to help their society by establishing Communism in their country. The communist party promised to quickly help china regain a stable society, which was a welcomed idea in China. The following link will lead to a video which is a documentary that explains the rise of communism and role that they played in china with detailed accounts from Chinese revolutionaries. []

= Korean War =

**Summary**
In August of 1945, the Soviet Union invaded northern Korea. Fearing that the Soviets would seize the entire peninsula and establish a communist government, the United States responded by stationing troops in the south. The United States and the Soviet Union then agreed to divide Korea with a temporary line called the 38th Parallel. After a communist government was established in North Korea, the people of South Korea set up a rival government. In December of 1948, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the government of South Korea, The Republic of Korea, as the only lawfully constituted government of Korea. In 1950, war broke out along the 38th parallel as the North Korean troops advanced into the south. The Security Council of the newly formed United Nations responded by condemning the invasion as �a breach of the peace�, and fifteen nations sent troops to Korea to aid the United States. The United States became involved in the conflict in Korea due to the fear of the spread of communism. Before the Korean War, China had fallen to communism under Mao Zedong, and China was now formally allied with the Soviet Union. In addition, The Soviet Union had developed its first atomic bomb, ending the United States sole ownership of nuclear weapons. These tensions prompted United States president Harry Truman to seize the opportunity of preventing another communist takeover. General MacArthur of the United States orchestrated the first attack on North Korea, recapturing Seoul, the capital of South Korea. He then crossed the 38th Parallel, advancing into provinces of North Korea. Fearing the United States would use North Korea to attack Manchuria, the Chinese army sent troops across the Yalu River to attack United States forces. President Truman replaced MacArthur with Lt. General Ridgeway to develop a more tactful strategy. Ridgeway successfully held off the Communists just north of the 38th Parallel. A peace treaty was signed in 1953 that ended the Korean War, but did little to end Cold War tensions (Elsey). Although the treaty was set up to end the war, the conflict between North Korea and South Korea still exists. People refurred to the Korean war as a war, however it is really considered a police action.

**Definition** The Korean War was a military conflict between South Korea, a non-Communist force, and North Korea, a Communist country. It lasted from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953. South Korea was supported by the UN (United Nations).China (People's Republic of China) and the Soviet Union supported North Korea. This war was the first significant armed conflict of the Cold War. ("Korean War � Infoplease.com.") ("Korean War.")

**After World War II, before the Korean War** The United States became involved in the conflict in Korea due to the fear of the spread of communism. Before the Korean War, China had fallen to communism under Mao Zedong, and China was now formally allied with the Soviet Union. In addition, The Soviet Union had developed its first atomic bomb, ending the United States sole ownership of nuclear weapons. These tensions prompted United States president Harry Truman to seize the opportunity of preventing another communist takeover. Korea was ruled by Japan from 1910 until the end of World War II when the Japanese surrendered in 1945. At the end of World War II, The United States and the Soviet Union on then agreed to divide Korea with a temporary line called the 38th Parallel. : Soviet (North Korean) and the U.S. (South Korean) zones of occupation at the 38th parallel. Fearing that the Soviets would seize the entire peninsula and establish a communist government, the United States responded by stationing troops in the south. And because Soviet Union was communist, Northern Korea turned communist as well. It caused tension on the Korean peninsula. North Korea was communist, and South Korea was an anti-communist government. North Korea�s leader was Kim Il-Sung, and South Korea�s leader was Lee Seung-Man. Two rival governments were established: The Republic of Korea in the South and the People's Democratic Republic of Korea in the North. Truman, president of the U.S agreed that U.S is obligated to repel the aggressions, instead of making the same mistake of appeasement with Hitler. If Northern Korea were to make their way threw Southern Korea without any aggression, other small nations would not have the courage to resist Northern Korea. In December of 1948, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the government of South Korea, The Republic of Korea, as the only lawfully constituted government of Korea. ("Korean War � Infoplease.com.") ("Korean War.") (Elsey)

**The Korean War Timeline**
("Korean War � Infoplease.com.") ("Korean War.") (Elsey)
 * June 25, 1950 4:00AM || <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">-North Korea invaded South Korea along the 38th parallel.-The Security Council of the newly formed United Nations responded by condemning the invasion as �a breach of the peace�, and fifteen nations sent troops to Korea to aid the South Korea. It was first tried that make all peaceful and make deter aggression.-The purpose is to combine both South and North Korea to a communist government.- China helped North Korea by providing more manpower and the Soviet Union helped with providing more materials. ||
 * <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">July, 1950 || <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">-The South government moved to DaeJeon and the North occupied Seoul, the capital of Korea. -The South Korea gave up military operation to the UN and United States President Truman authorized the use of American land, sea, and air forces in Korea with appointed General Douglas MacArthur as the supreme commander. ||
 * <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">August, 1950 || <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">-The South Korea and the UN forces were pushed by North troops.- UN and South Korean military think Nakdong River is latest place defense zone in South Korea and they did joined operation, carpet bombing, in Nakdong River.- North Korean did not get any good result and North Korean against attacked UN and South Korean soldiers so South Korea almost lost Kyeong Ju in South Korea, but UN fight well and make gap between North Korean, it make ready to Incheon landing operation and counterattack. ||
 * <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">September 15, 1950 || <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">- Gen. MacArthur�s Incheon landing operation: Douglas MacArthur who was UN super commander, he joined world war2 and Aug 1945 he defeated Japan and became a super commander after the start of the Korean War. Macarthur made plane that landing to the Incheon, but all people think that plan would be fail because all situations was worse than North Korean side. However MacArthur keeps his plan because he thinks Incheon is close to Seoul that this time North Korea invaded. MacArthur successes this operation therefore the situation changed to UN and South Korea advantage, on this day they got 2000 North Korean soldiers was moved back sides. ||
 * <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">September 17, 1950 || <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">-UN and South Korea started recaptured Seoul, the capital of South Korea. ||
 * <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">September 30, 1950 || <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">- China announced that if UN and South Korea cross the 38th parallel then they will going to send air force to attack to UN and South Korea.- UN and South Korea ignored and crossed the 38th Parallel, advancing into provinces of North Korea. ||
 * <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">October 1950 || <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">-President Truman replaced MacArthur with Lt. Gen. Ridgeway: MacArthur dismissal because he wants to use atomic bomb to unify the Korean Peninsula, but Truman disagrees because it�s too dangerous. President Truman think if they use a atomic bomb ww3 will going to be happen so he rejected MacArthur opinion however MacArthur did not give up therefore president Truman dismissal him. ||
 * <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">March 1951 || <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">-UN and South Korea get into to Yalu River, and they get into to almost end of the North Korea. ||
 * <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">1953 || <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">-The Korean War Armistice Agreement. With this agreement, fighting came to a stop. ||

([]) -specific map

These images show the training methods and uniforms of the Korean soldiers.



**The Korean War Armistice Agreement** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">The Korean War Armistice agreement was the peace treaty between the United Nations and the Korean People�s army. Its goal was to end warfare and bloodshed until a peaceful solution to Korea�s political problem was found.

<span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;">The Treaty consisted of five articles. The first article covered the military demarcation lines and demilitarized zones. The second article covered the concentration arrangements for Cease-Fire agreement. The third article talked about the arrangement of the prisoners of war. The fourth article stated some recommendations to the government on both sides, and the fifth covered various conditions. "It has been more than 50 years since the Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed and what was intended to be a temporary measure is currently the only truce that prevents resuming the war." In 1945, the treaty was created as a formal peace agreement, but to this day, no treaty has been signed. Also, the demilitarization zone is still defended by South Korean and American troops on one side, and North Korean troops on the other side (Burton).

**Damage of the Korean War**
<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">The war was continued 3 years and 1 month. Between the beginning of the war in 1949 to its end in 1953, North Korea�s population had decreased 12%. Amongst 4,500,000 people lost of lives civilians included. South Korean fallen soldiers are about 227,748 and USA�s fallen soldiers are about 33,629 and UN�s fallen soldiers are around 3,300. North Korean and Chinese fallen soldiers have no exact number but people estimate the number of fallen soldier, around 1,420,000. South Korea�s has a lot of damages. 612.000 houses are destructed, 1,200 Hospitals and 1,000 of banks are destructed and 43% of Factories destruction and 50% coal mine destruction. Also Korean War made 100,000 of orphans and 128,129 separate families. The U.S. Air Force had dropped approximately 250,000 on Korea�s capital.



**What are the Separate Families?** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Separate families are people who lost their families during Korean War. People lost their family because of armistice between North and South Korea in 27th July, 1953. After the armistice people could not go to their hometown so they could not meet their family. But In 15th, Aug, 2000, the separate family gets first meeting (not all of the people). It was very small and only few people can meet their families but after the first meeting, North and South Korea agreed with meeting once on a year. So the meeting became little bit bigger so they can accept more people. But South and North Korea still have lots of separate people and 30% of them died because they became old.

**War of nerves of South and North Korea in 2010** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">The Korean War is not over. They are in armistice that means they are still in war. In 23th, Nov, 2010, North Korea attacked YeonPeong Island which is in South Korea. North Korea attacked with ordnance. They shoot about 170 times. So South Korea gets ready to reply them. South Korea shoots about 70 times. Damage of this event, 2 soldiers is killed and 2 civilians are killed and 3 civilians and 16 soldiers get injured in South Korea also about 30 houses are burned so 95% of people (who are living in YeonPeong Island) left the island. In North Korea they lost 2 soldier and 2 soldiers get injury.

** The Korean War Memorial **
The above image is of The Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. Over three million people were killed in the Korean War and their lives need to be honored and commemorated. The Korean War seems to have been overlooked because it occurred right after WWII and right before the Vietnam War. Nevertheless, it was one of the bloodiest wars and many soldiers endured extremely harsh conditions such as a bitter and frigid winter. The Korean War can be considered a global war, because of the involvement of sixteen nations that sent troops to aid war efforts. In addition, no significant gains were made from the Korean War in terms of the Cold War, but it did prevent the spread of communism into South Korea. The many casualties are an ignominy for a war that achieved little.

**The Forgotten War**
The Korean war was known as the forgotten war because the American citizens came to have bitter feelings towards the war. The people did not see the war as having any meaning or purpose so they just forgot about it. The war was not affecting them so they did not understand why their soldiers were involved in the conflict. The American people did not understand that the war was fought with South Korea as a client state for the United States. The United States needed to stick to its promise of containing communism. North Korea was already communist and the United States had to help support South Korea so that it would stay strong and not become communist. = =

= **Cuban Revolution** = <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">In the late 1800�s Cuba was colonized by Spain. This started the struggle against foreign occupation within Cuba. The United States then imperialism in the 1920� s and attempted to suppress the revolts and take control of the arable land. America�s involvement in Cuba became official with the Platt Amendment which established US intervention of Cuba�s domestic affairs. The United States continued to take advantage of oil and other valuable resources. The Cuban Revolution was a response to regain the Cuban people�s resources and the profits that would come out of them.

**Castro's Rise to Power**
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From the years of 1952 through 1959, Cuba, a Caribbean island in the Atlantic, had been ruled by the dictator Fulgencio Batista. He came into power when he triumphed over the president Carlos Prio Socsrras in the attack of Moncada Barracles. After the failure at Moncada, nearly all the rebels were killed. And at Castro's trial, he gave his speech "History Will Absolve Me". Under Batista, many United States manufacturers owned or controlled the numerous mines and ranches of Cuba along with its sugar and oil industries. As a result of the dominating power of the United States, in Cuba, many disapproved and revolted against this action. In 1956, Fidel Castro, a lawyer, used guerrilla tactics to fight Batista. Castro had strongly opposed Batista�s restraining and corrupt government practices. When Castro and other rebel soldiers tried to fight against Batista, their numbers quickly decreased. Batista, after three years of attacks against Batista�s forces, fled Cuba on January 1, 1959. Batista had decided that the situation was hopeless. His followers were also thankful he gave up. By this time Batista had also built up millions of dollars thought trickery and bribery. With Batista gone, Fidel Castro was then able to take control. He named himself "President for Life". Castro also imprisoned or killed anyone that supported Batista. Once in power, Castro promised many democratic reforms and a more stable standard of living for those living in Cuba. As a result, Castro improved health care, increased wages, and improved the education of the people; however, elections had been suspended under Castro�s rule. As Castro had been strongly opposed of the United States dominance of Cuba�s industries, these factories had been seized, which greatly angered the United States. The United States first supported Cuba but when they found out it had turned communism, they wanted to overthrow them. There first attack on Cuba was in 1961, the invasion of Cuba Bay of Pigs. It was La Brigda, the Americans, and Castro going head to head. Castro crushed the Americans and captured more then one thousand men. To get back the captured men they had to give 53 million dollars for supplies and food to Cuba.(History of Cuba.)

During the Cuban Revolution, the Soviet Union primarily financed the military efforts of Castro and his men to turn Cuba into a communist state. The United States obviously opposed the revolution, Castro's men, and his ideas, because they were pro-communism and the United States was anti-communism and focused on containing communism, as stated in the "Containment Policy". The United States was fearful of Cuba and the Revolution because Cuba is only 90 miles off the coast of Florida and the communists could try and spread it to the United States. The Soviet Union supported the Cuban Revolution and helped Castro, and as a reward for helping, they could and would also have an easy access to the United States and quickly could attack. This event that would take place in the near future would be known as the Cuban Missile Crisis.(Cuban Revolution)(Cold War Summary of Cuba and the Cuban Revoltuion).

(Fidel Castro)

Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, born on August 13, 1926, near Biran Cuba, to Angel Castro and Lina Ruz Gonzalaz. Castro was educated in a private Jesuit boarding school, while growing up in a wealthy enviornment compared to the poverty of many Cubans. Castro entered law school at the University if Havana, in 1945, and became absorbed into the political atmosphere of Cuban nationalism, anti-imperialism, and socialism. With Castro's intense studies into the political environment of Cuba, this added to his significant role, to becoming a dictator, in Cuba.

This picture is showing Castro in a battle field in Cuba. This picture shows Castro first tris to rule Cuba because of his hatred toward Batista and he also wanted to rule to better Cuba. This shows him fighting to defeat Batista in the Santiago war. Even though he failed it shows he tried hard and did not give up. It also shows him coming into power and taking over Cuba. It also in for seeing the future of the Battle of the Bay of Pigs and the Missie Crisis.

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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">This movie clip explains, in detail, how Cuba became Communist by the hand of Fidel Castro. It started in 1952 when Fidel Castro ran for President but before the elections, Fulgencio Batista cancels the elections and kicks out the President at the time. He became President by using a coup which was not fair to Castro. Castro was not happy with this new dictator and defied his presidency on July 26, 1953 when he and his followers stormed a Military Garrison. He did this to get weapons for a Revolution. He did not succeed in doing this. He was sent to jail and when let go, went to Mexico and planned his next attack there. With some of his men, they came back to Cuba but they were ambushed by the Cuban Army. They fled to the Sierra Maestra Mountains in Cuba and he planned his next attacks here and raised an army. Many Cuban people did not like the dictatorship of Batista and wanted reform. Castro finds an opportunity to revolt on December 31, 1958. Batista and his followers flee the country and Castro finally takes over Cuba. The people are glad to have a new leader for now since they believe there will be no hardships with Castro in power. Things will rapidly change and Castro�s Communist ways will come. =﻿= []

= Cuban Missile Crisis = The Cuban Missile Crisis was named "The 13 days of October" and "Almost most dangerous nuclear war ever". This heart stopping event was caused by tension between the United States and Cuba in which Russia became involved in order to protect Fidel Castro's communist ideologies. Castro came to power in 1959 due to a coup d'etat, and desired to keep his power and win over the hearts of his people. In order to do so, he hastened to improve the poor economy of Cuba by nationalizing US businesses and companies. This angered Americans, who were able to control prices and taxes of their products. America's response to this nationalization was one of the main causes of the crisis. When the US cut the importation of Cuba's main export, sugar, Russia (specifically, Nikita Khruschev, who was in power at the time) sided wholly with Cuba: they agreed to import the sugar to their own country and supply Cuba with weapons to defend themselves against the US. This caused Cuba to publicly announce an ally with Russia, bringing communism, and would lead to Russia's assistance when Cuba was threatened by the US. Because of the "iron wall" policy, the US could not allow communism to spread so close to their borders. Once tensions were so high, a crisis involving nuclear weapons was very likely. This fight to prevent the spread of communism was turned into the event known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. (GCSE Bitesize: Causes Summary). It resulted from Nikita Khruschev's plan, conceived in May 1962, to place Soviet nuclear missile sites in Cuba. The Soviets were ready to use nuclear weapons if the island was invaded. The Soviets were behind the US in the arms race, the US had much more powerful weapons. Castro wanted to defend Cuba from any U.S. attacks. Ever since the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion, Castro thought another attack was certain. He wanted to do this as a way to both counter the United States' lead in developing strategic missiles and to protect Cuba from any U.S.- lead invasions (Cold War: Cuban Missile Crisis). On June 4th, 1961, Khrushchev and FDR meet to have the Vienna. This conference was made to discuss the missiles in Cuba FDR also brought to attention the Monroe Doctrine which stated that European influence in the western hemisphere was prohibited. FDR was completely serious about this meeting but Khrushchev, on the other hand thought it was a joke. He played jokes on people and did not really care what was going on. He thought FDR was unexperienced and a bad president after the Bay of Pigs. Nothing was accomplished in this meeting but this made Khrushchev was missiles in Berlin and Cuba. On October 16, 1962 U.S. President John F. Kennedy was alerted of the new Soviet missile sites in Cuba by photographs taken from an American U-2 spy plane. Before deciding how to deal with this new threat, Kennedy met with his twelve advisers, the EX-COMM, in several meetings to decide what the best course of action would be. At last Kennedy decided to "quarantine" Cuba by placing a naval blockade around the island to prevent the transport of Soviet military supplies into Cuba. He also sent a message to Khruschev demanding the Soviets both to remove the missiles already there and to destroy the nuclear missile sites. Kennedy addressed the American public on the crisis in a televised address October 22 (Cuban Missile Crisis- J.F.K Presidential Library & Museum). The blockade lasted until the Americans and the Soviets made a compromise. This compromise stated that the Soviets would leave if the Americans promised not to invade and overthrow the communist government set up in Cuba. This was a critical event because it resulted in the Treaty of banning nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere in outer space and under water. They felt the necessity of emergency communication between the two government. So they also make Hot line in 1963. It is a straight telecommunication line between Washington in the United States and Moscow the Soviet Union for urgent call. Khrushchev was impressed when FDR made the extended tax embargo, which meant The United States to trade or sell anything from Cuba. Khrushchev become respectful or Cuba and never thought FDR would become a good leader. There for he removed the missiles. The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest America and the Soviet Union came to having a nuclear war. Kennedy's success in handling the Cuban Missile Crisis is considered one of his greatest successes in foreign affairs (Farah and Karls).

This picture is Castro and Kennedy fighting about the Missile Crisis in Cuba. This shows Kennedy is about to invade Cuba if Castro did not surrender. They are sitting on the missiles there would have launched at each other. This picture also shows that Castro was nervous and he knew if America invaded Cuba it would destroy the country and some of communism. He also knew if Cuba collapsed so would the Soviet Union and they were the only Allie of Cuba. This is when Castro promises Kennedy to withdraw if Kennedy did not invade. (History Out Loud) []

media type="custom" key="9578714" align="left" This short, entertaining video is a quick summary of all of the most prominent events of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October of 1962. It explains how conflict over the USSR's preemptive placement of nuclear missile sites in Cuba caused it to become a client state for a clash between the Soviet Union and the United States. As the two leaders, Kennedy and Khruschev, moved closer and closer to actual war, the world was at the edge of it's seat to see whether a nuclear war would break out. The crisis, however, was finally resolved when Kennedy agreed to be non aggressive towards Cuba and remove the US's nuclear weapons from Turkey. (Lewis)

= = = Vietnam War =

In July 1945, the Potsdam Conference took control of Vietnam from Japan and divided it in half. The Chinese navy gained control of the North and the British received control of South Vietnam, but France wanted to regain control of Vietnam, and in order to do so they needed to get permission from the British. The British allowed France to control the southern part of Vietnam. When France gained control of the southern part of Vietnam, France wanted China to give up its rights and interests in Vietnam, and China accepted this condition. In February 1946, when the Chinese navy was out of Vietnam, France began to occupy North Vietnam and at that time the Vietnamese navy was becoming strong and conflict between France and Vietnam was unavoidable. The French also ignored the promise they had made to Vietnam that it would become an independent country; France just continued the war to colonize Indochina which included Laos and Cambodia. (http;//blog.daum.net/doow44/5469793)

As the Soviet Union and China slowly became more communist, after World War II, other countries soon followed their lead. In 1945, the French colony of Vietnam revolted against France in order to establish a Communist government with communism and nationalism. They created Communist Party of Indochina. By 1954, they gained their independence. In South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh clamed Democratic Republic of Vietnam and Ngo Dinh Diem established Republic of Vietnam in 1955. Vietnam was temporarily split between a Communist North and anti-Communist South. Although this was a temporary split, Southern Vietnam, Republic of Vietnam, refused to be unified or hold elections in order to unify for that matter. The United States government feared that communism would have a "domino effect" around nations. When China fell to communism in 1949, America feared that Vietnam would fall next. This was the turning point that led President Truman to give financial support to the French against the Vietminh (Rotter). With help from the United States, they started to attack Communist in South Vietnam; in 1958 many communists killed. In response to this, a communist group, known as the Viet Cong, used guerrilla tactics against the Southern government in order to unify Vietnam. In 1961, before the United States committed fully to the war in Vietnam President Kennedy sent over 400 Green Beret soliders to help the Vietnamese troops. They taught them how to fight a counterinsurgency style of war against the Northern Vietnamese communists (Rotter). In the United States, they considered Vietnam as a preventing spread of communism. With the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, the United States under President Johnson fully entered the war and sent in soldiers to defend Southern Vietnam as a part of their Communist containment program, to contain communism and prevent it from spreading to other countries. But the war was unsuccessful due to the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong and slowly began to lose vital agricultural parts of Southern Vietnam to the North, such as the Mekong Delta. This war became most unpopular when the Viet Cong launched the Tet Offensive against Southern Vietnam in 1968. This was coordinated by Northern Vietnamese in order to attack 100 cities and towns on the Vietnamese holiday of Tet, lunar New Year, and a day in which all fighting had been promised to stop. Although the U.S. became this victor of this offense, along with the Northern Vietnamese suffering heavy losses, the U.S. now realized how strong their enemy was and many turned against the war. (20th Century History). And the United States started to worry; once, new President Nixon claimed Nixon Doctrine that there is possibility of US's withdrawal and Southern Vietnam would now be responsible for most of the fighting. Although he promised to bring the U.S. out of the war, he did bomb some communist supply bases in Cambodia, which had remained neutral throughout the course of the war, to weaken Northern Vietnam. By 1973, the U.S. withdrew from the war and Congress passed the War Powers Act that stated that the president must have Congress's permission to send soldiers to overseas battles. By 1975, Southern Vietnam surrendered to Northern Vietnam (Digital History). After Vietnam War, communism spread around Indochina (Naver Encyclopedia).

Americas involvement in the Vietnam War
In the Untied States, the people were effected by the war but no with blood shed. In the beginning, "The Johnson Administration wanted to fight this war in //cold blood//." (Brigham). This means that there would be "limited" (Brigham) or small amounts of help from the United States for the battles in Vietnam. There would be a restricted "mobilization of resources, material and [soldiers]" (Brigham). The wishes of Johnson's Administration never was met. The administration's decisions of ending supplies or soldiers occurred everyday. The AMerican citizen's did not like how involved they were in this war. This crested anti-war protests. Protests first began in universities and major cities. Then they eventually spread all corners of the US. "Perhaps one of the most famous incidents in the anti-war movement was the police riot in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Hundreds of thousands ofcpeople came to Chicago in August 1968 to protest American intervention in Vietnam and the leaders of the Democratic Party who continued to prosecute the war." (Brigham).

Besides anti war activists, there was other reasons for the dislike or unsure feelings for the Vietnam War. Returning soliders and veterans did not discuss the war because of the fact that it was the only loss in war America had ever experienced. The United States suffered politically and economically due to this unpopular war. 167 billion dollars were spent in this brutal war and there was a lack of faith in the government. People began to become skeptical of the elected leaders for decisions and there was a high amount of distrust in authority (Sitikoff).

Vietnam during World War 2 was controlled by Japan. After the war, Japan was forced out, and Vietnam was divided into 2 parts. Southern Vietnam was given to the French, and the North was controlled by Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chiwas more of a communist leader, and wanted to ally with Russia to create one Vietnam under Communist rule. The French attacked the port of Hai Phong, the life line of Northern Vietnam. The French were victorious and predicted thier win in the war and picked Bao Dai as ruler of Vietnam. Everyone did not recognize him as a ruler including the Soviets, they believed that Ho Chi should become ruler. America, Britain, and France were on Bao's side, and the U.S sent in money to support them in war. In 1953 France attacked Dien Bien Fu; however they were not victorious and forced to surrender in 1954.

media type="youtube" key="OGwfcLPsZqo" height="349" width="425" align="left"This video is showcasing the real conflicts a Vietnam War veteran had to suffer through.(not finished yet)

Although Americans had good intentions of protecting Southern democratic Vietnam from becoming like Communist Northern Vietnam, they still took part in merciless violence. American troops left families torn, mothers dead, and children helpless. It was common to find roaming, dirty children like this one. Sad and hurt, this young girl does what she can to survive the violence of her homeland.



American troops had to be very brave while serving in Vietnam. In the native lands of Vietnam, there lies deep, dangerous jungles. Our troops were not prepared for these vital obstacles. The many jungles was a major cause of why we lost so many many American troops. Here, American soldiers are fleeing a bomb attack.

= **The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan** =

In April 1978 Afghanistan�s government was overthrown by left-wing military officers. After this event the power was shared by two political parties, Marxist and Leninist the People�s Party and the Banner Party. Between these parties there were many conflicts; one of the largest conflicts was with the Muslim population when the soviets started to put taxes on the land for farms and traveling fees. The Muslims were angry because their ritual of their long journey would be taxed. The Muslims started to protest. These uprisings, along with internal fighting and coups within the government between the People�s and Banner Parties, prompted the Soviets to invade the country on the night of Dec. 24, 1979 (Britannica).

By 1979, The Soviet troops marched right into Afganistan's capital, Kabal, as the country was beginning a civil war. Prime Minister of Afganistan, Amin, was trying to put more western ideas into Afganistan but he was also more communist. Many Orthodox Muslims were enraged and a jihad (holy war, mission for Allah) against the Amin government and the Soviet Union which supported the Amin government. The Soviets however claim that their only intention to be in Afganistan was to support the government and the Muslims were the terrorists of the country. Once the Soviets had invaded Afghanistan their objectives were to obtain the natural resources and to prop up their new but faltering client state, now headed by Banner Party (Britannica). The Rebellion that was started by the Muslims was named the Mujahideen rebellion. As this rebellion grew the Soviet Union left the suppression of this rebellion to the Afghan army, which in most case just caused a lot of the people to flee from the country. One of the main reasons that the rebellion was so effective was because the rebels used guerrilla warfare against the Soviet troops. Although the Mujahideen had only rifles, they knew the geography of the land and were able to be successful even though the Soviets had helicopters gun ships, poison gas, and tanks. In a effort to crush the Mujahideen�s the Soviet tries to bomb civilian homes, this tactic caused a exodus of civilians to neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran. The Mujahideen�s eventually slowed down the bombing with the support of the United States and other countries, who supplied them with arms. After some time when the Soviet Union had suffered many losses they signed a treaty with the United States, Afghanistan and Pakistan. They agreed to withdraw their troops and the soviets carried out what they promised by Feb. 15, 1989. Afghanistan went back to being a nonaligned nation. The Country of Afghanistan was plagued by the communist Russia for eleven years and was free to rule itself. (Guidetorussia.com)

As for the United States, they supported the Mujahideen. They supplied the Muslims with arms, banned the export of grain to the Soviet Union, and attempted to boycott the Oylimpic Games in the Soviet Union that year. Besides these things, the U.S. did nothing else, which gave them a chance to get the Soviet Union's military items in Afganistan. Another reason why the U.S. didn't do anything else was because of the guerilla warfare used by the native peoples. According to Americans, this was just like the U.S. in Vietnam. The U.S. knew that because of these guerilla tactics used by the Muslims against the Soviets, severely weakened them and eventally the Soviets had to leave Afganistan, making Afganistan a non-communist country. The U.S. was happy about this because communism was unable to spread to Afganistan was able to be contained. (Guidetorussia.com) Today the long-lasting effects of this Soviet invasion can still be seen. When the Soviets finally withdrew from their invasion, there was a long period of instability for Afghanistan. Once they left there were many of Afghan parties fighting for control for the country. Later in 1994 the Taliban Islamic militia came to power. For the longest time after this event Afghanistan was experiencing this instability and even today they are not completely established. This invasion is constantly blamed for the growth of Islamic militancy. The war is said to have created Islamic fighters such as was Bin Laden, fighting for their Islamic beliefs worldwide (Mite).

**The Rise of the Taliban** The Taliban was originally a mixture-group of rebels resisting Soviet occupation in Afghanistanand tribesmen studying in Pakistani //madrassas// (religious schools). With the help of the government, the Taliban eventually became a political force. In a bloody 1994 civil war inAfghanistan, the Taliban gained much power over the country. The group soon gained territory in the city ofKandahar. Over the next two years following the civil war, the Taliban won even more influence through force, negotiations, and payoffs. Ultimately, In 1996, the Taliban took over the Afghan capital city ofKabul and took control of the government. The Taliban enforced an very strict form of Islamic law. They required women to wear head-to-toe veils, men to grow out trimmed beards lest they be jailed, and they also banned television. The Taliban particularly passed laws that subjugated women. Among these laws were laws that required women to have a man escort them when in the streets or in public. Failure to obey these laws resulted in battery, and in the case of adultery – being stoned to death. The Taliban also was extremely intolerant of other religions. Most anything that was against Islam was banned. During their reign, the Taliban controlled about 90% ofAfghanistan. Although they were never officially recognized by the U.N., their rule their existed none-the-less. Even after they were taken out of power, they still held influence over 54% of Afghan territory. Throughout the years the Taliban continued to expand their influence throughout theMiddle East (Bruno and Kaplan).

= ﻿Germany 1945-1989 = Germany, and Europe in general, suffered greatly from the disastrous effects of World War II economically, politically, and culturally. Many Germans wondered whether they could ever stabilize themselves again and prevent another conflict in Europe, especially since many political ideologies continued to clash. Unlike previous wars, in addition to soldiers, millions of civilians were killed, along with the millions that were displaced; people were uprooted, families were torn apart, and many were left without homes. Germany was also physically affected, which in turn led to economic issues. Factories were destroyed, resulting in unemployment for many. Since people did not have the money to buy products, companies suffered and in turn, the economy. In addition to unemployment were lowered wages, causing a multitude of strikes and drastic inflation. As i f the economy had not already suffered enough, Germany also had to deal with interruptions in communications and trade of both raw materials and manufactured goods. Starvation gripped the country and there were a multitude of food shortages. Finally, in the midst of the crippling economy, there was renewed hatred, disunity, and prejudice between different groups due to tensions that had been rubbed raw during World War II. Germany in particular was in disarray because they were blamed and seen as the enemy once the truth of horrors such as concentrations camps began to come alive, causing an overwhelming guilt to grip Germans. For example, the Nuremberg Trials were held to root out and punish the leaders of such atrocities. Overall, the balance of Europe was upset and Germany was at the heart of the misery. (Europe in Ruins in the Aftermath of the Second World War.)

At the end of World War 2, the Germany�s economy was seriously weakened. The Russian, American, French, and British came together to fix Germany, by dividing it into four sectors in which each country would govern and monitor its economy. The Russian forces in Eastern Germany ruled with communist power. The Americans, Russians, French, and British all had a part of the German capital, Berlin, were they would take the industrial output to better the country. The Russian forces, however, tried to stop the Americans from importing anything into their sector of Berlin. The Russian forces, after months of American supplies being given by air, finally let up the blockade. Shortly after the Russians did this, they shocked the Americans by letting off the first atomic bomb made by Russians. The people of East Germany felt a great resentment toward Soviet control, but after Stalin�s death in 1953, Germans rebelled when they were expected to work longer hours without a higher pay; Soviet control easily suppressed these revolts. In the following years, many East Germans migrated to West Germany (by West Berlin which was the only accessible way since the Soviets sealed the East German-West border). Most of the migrants were drawn to West Germany�s higher standard of living. These problems of the East Germans only added to the list of cold war crises�. Communist party secretary Nikita Khrushchev, for instance, was furious because of the lack of settlement and the migrations of the East Germa ns, and this is what lead to the construction of the Berlin Wall.

The Warsaw Pact was a treaty between Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Soviet Union. It was signed in 1955 in response to a similar treaty of the Western Allies, called NATO (1949), and also to the remilitarization of East Germany in 1954. (http://www.warsaw-life.com/poland/warsaw-pact)

Communist West Germany and Democratic East Germany differed greatly, and it showed economically. West German people were suffering from an economic depression under the communist Soviet Union, while the East was prospering under the Allies’ aid. And so, by 1961, almost 2,000 East Germans were fleeing into West Berlin every day. Khrushchev demanded that Americans leave West Berlin, and when they refused, closed the border in Berlin, forming the Berlin Wall. ([|__http://www.johndclare.net/Basics_ColdWar.htm__])

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This is Germany after World War two. Houses were burned down, people had no where to live, and nothing to eat. The economy was bad, because factories and work places were destroyed. People had no jobs and no products were being made, as well as sold. Germany was broke and their industry was weak. On top of that Eastern Germany wasn't being fixed because Russia wanted to exhaust Germany. Taking all their products to Soviet Union.

=﻿= = =

The following link is a video explaining the crisis in Berlin and how the United States� President Kennedy dealt with it. [|__Kennedy Responds to Berlin Wall__] The video provides information on the East Berlin population fleeing West. The movement severely affected the Soviet controlled East, with much of the moving population being the skilled workers and all being tax payers. Although President Kennedy could not take action without causing a war with nuclear weapons, he knew he could not let the East Germans continue to suffer. = = =

= Berlin Wall = The Berlin Wall started as only a barbed wire fence meant to stop the thousands of East-Berliners flocking west in search of a better life. The wall spanned a total of 96 miles, completely splitting Berlin in two. The government of East Berlin told the people it was made to "protect citizens from capitalism." All forms of communication were cut between East and West Berlin. Families were split apart. Then, the barbed wire was replaced by steel and concrete. Guards posted on the wall had orders to shoot on sight any civilians trying to flee over the wall. One of the most famous attempts to flee East Berlin was made by 18 year old Peter Fetcher on August 17, 1962. He was immediately shot and fell to the gravel below. The guards allowed no one to help him, leaving Fetcher to bleed to death. His death came to symbolize all those who tried to flee and were killed at the Berlin Wall. (Berlin Wall- Newseum) The following link goes to a website dedicated to the Berlin Wall. It has many excellent sources of information on the Wall and life during those times on both sides of the wall. It also features a quiz to test the taker's knowledge of the Berlin Wall and the life behind the Wall. []

There were actually three walls that were built between 1961 and 1965. The first wall was a 96 mile barbed wire fence, but many citizens of East Berlin were still able to find ways around it to freedom in West Berlin. So, in 1962, the GDR built another fence parallel to the first about 100 yards further into East Berlin. The 100 yards between the two �walls� came to be known as �death strip�. �Death strip� was named so because of the number of would-be escapees who were destroyed in their attempt to get to freedom. The 100 yards was covered with gravel in which foot prints could easily be seen. Also, there was no protection from the armed German guards who were told to shoot on sight. There were also many hidden mines. In 1965, when it was decided that the first two �walls� were not enough to keep people in, a third wall of concrete slabs was created. This final wall was heavily fortified. It was topped with a smooth pipe to make it more difficult to get over it. It was also reinforced by mesh fencing, signal fencing, anti-vehicle trenches, barbed wire, hundreds of watch towers, and many more booby traps and protective measures. No other protective measures were added before the wall came down in 1989 ("Berlin Wall"). The Berlin wall was used for the purpose of keeping people in the Eastern side of Germany. During this period of time, the east side was suffering greatly. While the west side was improving thier economy and living a good life. People from the east wanted to go to the west. And they did. Millions of people were moving to the west, and the people that were moving were tax payers, and workers in factories. Without these workers and tax payers the economy was hurting even more. There were no workers in the factories, and less people to pay the taxes. Khrushev decided to build a wall holding people in the west side. This was not a blockade because people in Western Germany were able to move in and out when ever they wanted. Although people on the east were not allowed to leave the Eastern side.



For all the Germans trapped on the eastern side of the Wall, the outlook was grim. As Communism's grip on the east weakened, however, many hoped for the day when the Wall would crumble like the government it represented, a day that did not seem to be long in coming. In an attempt to maintain control, the restrictions were lessened in early 1989, allowing "private trips abroad." The Germans flocked to the gates by the thousands, and the guards, unsure of the procedure with regards to the so-called vacationers, allowed them all through. For all practical purposes, the Berlin Wall had fallen (Berlin Wall).

The fall of the Berlin Wall signified the end of the Cold War. West and East Berlin that were separated by the wall now had the chance to assimilate and become one. They were no longer separated by the wall that symbolized Communism. Without the wall or their leader, Stalin, Communism slowly died down in Eastern Europe. This gave the settlers in Germany and everywhere else affected by Communism a new chance at life, a life that didn't involve Communist regimes (FTN: The Significance of the Fall of the Berlin Wall- World News - IBNLive).

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Ronald Regan’s address to Mikhail Gorbachev had an immense impact on the Berlin Wall being torn down. This address was the first open challenge to Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall. Although the impact of Reagan’s address can be debated, the Berlin wall was torn down twenty-nine months after his speech. Reagan’s top advisors opposed putting this challenge to Gorbachev in his speech, but Reagan decided to leave it in. This address is historically associated with the Berlin Wall being torn down and subsequently the collapse of the Communist government of the Soviet Union. The “Tear down this wall!” speech is one of the most famous addresses of Ronald Reagan’s presidency and of Cold War history (Robinson).

= **Space Race** = During the Cold war the U.S. and the Soviet Union fought over dominance in many fields. The two superpowers competed with each other in the nuclear field, along with the technological. In 1957, the Soviet Union launched a ball sized satellite into space called, Sputnik. Sputnik's launch became known as the technological "pearl harbor" (Hastedt). The launching of Sputnik resulted in the Soviet Union gaining the upper hand in this race. The Soviet Union posed as a very powerful and almost feared country. The United States saw this as an opportunity to also explore the new frontiers of space. The competition that the Soviet Union and The United States had between one another to explore space, is known as the space race. The Russians had the whole world looking at them. They purposefully had the satellite made of a shiny sphere which reflected light back to earth, proving to the world that they were indeed advanced and a force to be reckoned with (Nebraska Studies).This launch changed the view of space. It not only surprised the United States, but created mass panic within the States because it proved that Russia had the potential to send over nuclear weapons to America (Garber). The capabilities of Russia seemed endless resulting in the United States involvement in the Space Race. The United States sent their very own "Explorer", the first US's satellite. Thus, the Space race began (Naver Encyclopedia).

Sputnik, the first Russian satellite in space, had ignited the great Space Race. Sputnik had been seen as a threat to the U.S., seeing the satellite as a type of "spy in space". The satellite was viewed as a spy because it could take pictures of the enemy or launch a nuclear attack on the U.S. whenever the Soviet may want to. Fear of the Soviets spread and Americans' sense of security began to fall apart.

A month after the beginning mark of the Space Race, the Soviet Union launched �Sputnik 2� which carried a dog, Laika. Due to heat she only survived 2 days instead of the expected 10 (Sputnik 2). This project proved that life was able to be supported in space. The United States now desperately tried to compete with The Soviet Union. In 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created. NASA combined all the military space programs into one organized unit. The launching of Sputnik was called the �technological Pearl Harbor� because of the reaction it inspired in Americans. As Pearl Harbor had inspired Americans to fight back against the Japanese, the launching of Sputnik inspired them to launch their own rockets, superior to those of the Russians. Schools began developing their science and math programs to train future United States aeronautical engineers. President Kennedy met with Congress in 1961 to announce his plan to place a United States astronaut on the moon by the late 1960�s. Many United States missions into space occurred shortly after the launching of the first Russian Sputnik. The American space program began with the Mercury project, launching unmanned missions and starting with suborbital flights. American rockets successfully entered orbit shortly afterward, in one instance remaining in orbit for 34 hours. NASA continued her exploration of space with the Gemini project, sending spacecraft into orbit wiht two pilots. During the Gemini project the first space walk occurred. The duration of American space missions also increased- one lasted for fourteen days. Soon enough The United States launched their very own men into space, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong(Nebraska Studies). Exploring the galaxy became a reality and sparked interest in young kids' minds all around the globe. Going to the moon was finally seen as a dream that could be very well accomplished with the help of determination and a curious mind (NebraskaStudies). Russia and the United States also started with space station. In 1971 Russia sent "Salyut" and in 1973 the United States sent "Skylab" (Naver Encyclopedia).



The long term effects of the space race in many parts of the country were ones that changed the educational system and imaginations of many people. Shortly after Sputnik was created and launched, there was a greater emphasis on the math and science departments in schools. Governments put in more money, and the response started more math and science courses. There was also a new focus on exploration, and being the first to test and explore space. Kids around the country began fantasizing about trips into space once space flight became a real possibility. (Nebraskastudies.org)

The United States was the first country to successfully send men to the moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the astronauts that walked on the moon in outer space. Apollo 11 completed the goal that President Kennedy made during the Space Race. The United States became a step ahead of the Soviet Union in the exploration of space (Dunbar).

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This video is very successful in capturing the landing of the first man on the moon. It shows the pride and excitement of all the Americans who were watching the incident on television. The video is also does a very good job of showing how tense and nervous all those in charge of the operation were. They knew that this landing on the moon would boost American morale and make up for the technological Pearl Harbor of Sputnik. When Neil Armstrong did make his first step onto the moon, his famous words, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” spoke of the nation wide pride experienced that day inAmerica. These words also describedAmericareally pulling ahead in this Space Race, with the first man on the moon.

=** PROPAGANDA **=

Propaganda was a major tool of both the Soviet Union and the Communist countries and of the United States and her allies. The methods they used were slightly different, but their purpose was the same: to convince their populations that the opposing side was evil. The United States, due to economic prosperity and more freedoms, was able to use things like comic books, movies, radio, and T.V. The U.S. and her allies also tried to convince those "within the iron curtain" of the evils of communism as well. They established "Radio Free Europe," which broadcasted 20 hours a day of anti-communist propaganda. They also flew planes that dropped hundreds of thousands of pamphlets into satellite nations such as Poland and Hungary. (Cummings). The U.S.S.R., due to the widespread nature of her land, the severe poverty of her citizens, and their illiteracy had to use cheap, understandable, easily spread methods such as posters, military parades, and radio.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 115%;">After World War II erupted, propaganda was most popular against the Soviet Union. This is known as the Red Scare, where communism began to take over and the government began using movies and books as part of the criteria to be taught in school. But the use of propaganda was also bad because it falsified information sometimes, only to get the favor of the people. Propaganda was used especially by the United States and the Soviet Union because they wanted their nations to hate each other and their enemies and support their government. America usually used their propaganda in the media while the Soviet Union wanted to improve their military, so they used it to show off and gain more support. (Karrington)

= =
 * Here are some examples of both superpowers' propaganda**:

= = = **Spies and Spying** = Spying became a very popular game in the Cold War. To defeat an enemy, a nation must either annihilate their adversary via war or disclose the scandals of the opposing nation. Spying was used to gather crucial information that could potentially allow a turning point in the war. For instance, the winning nation may end up being the losing nation due to the disclosed information that could give said nation a bad name. A spy could have been anyone, even a state official. This panic and fear caused by the spying led to an even called the Red Scare (Spies of the Cold War Era). The Red Scare occurred due to a nationwide fear of the spread of Communism in the United States of America, a clearly democratic nation and the opposite of communism. America had found a new pastime called "Red Hunting", where innocent people were jailed merely because they were accused of supporting or spreading communism. This meant that anyone could be accused (i.e.: teachers, lawyers, students, the milk man) and not even the social elite or politicians were exempt from the pointed fingers. The nation agreed to have over 3 million state officials interrogated, questioning their loyalty to the United States. It was clear, evident in the growing hysteria, that America, the newly emerged superpower, was afraid... (The Red Scare).

Spies were everywhere, not only in the United States but also in Britain. The Soviet Union sent KGB agents, members of an intelligent, top secret police force, to gain knowledge of Britain's activity and secrets. The most famous agents were known as the 'Cambridge Five'. The interesting aspect to the Cambridge Five is the fact that they were actually British, not Russian. They became Soviet agents because they were dissatisfied with British life and politics, turning to Communist ideals. Because of their illustrious backgrounds as Cambridge students they were able to gain high positions in Britain and the government. (Spies of the Cold War Era) These espionage agents passed many confidential and important documents to the Soviet Union. These five agents were Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean, John Cairncross, Anthony Blunt, and Kim Philby. They eventually confessed their crimes to the law and went to jail, were left penniless, or were expelled from Britain by the British law force. All these men died later in life unhappily except one, Donald Maclean, who enjoyed his life and his commitment to communism. The spies Gordon Lonsdale,Peter Kroger,Helen Kroger,Ethel gee, and Henry Houghton, were caught transferring valuable british secrets to The Soviet Union. They believed that the British owned the first nuclear submarine.They were caught and declared guilty. This was yet another event that showed the desperation of the countries involved in the Cold War. Discovering any type of nuclear technology secrets were crucial and vital to the Soviet Union. Nuclear technology is the technology that involves the reactions of atomic nuclei( Spies of the Cold War).Even those who wanted communism and supported its idea could not benefit much from it nor could they live happily and peacefully under it. This therefore proves that it is very hard to enjoy communism and make the idea of communism work successfully(Spies of the Cold War Era).

Britain found many other KGB (Russian intelligence) agents operating in Britain as well as the Cambridge Five. In 1971 British intelligence uncovered 120 KGB officials operating in Britain, 105 of which were expelled from Britain by the government. Sometimes the British Intelligence would get a "big break," such as the time KGB officer Oleg Lyalin defected to Britain. He revealed the names of all the KGB agents he knew of. Although this was a veritable intelligence goldmine, the Soviets were not put off for long; they expelled the revealed agents and replaced them quickly. (Spies of the Cold War Era)

During the Cold War, spy planes were also used in espionage. The US for instance often utilized the U-2 spy plane during the Cold War, equipped with the latest surveillance gadgets to spy on opposing nations like Russia. In 1960 however, Francis Gary Power flew one such U-2 plane that was shot down by the Russians in Soviet territory. Due to the risks involved with airborne surveillance, spy plane jobs were eventually replaced by satellites to reduce the danger and risk of being caught. (Cold War Spying)

[]media type="youtube" key="xngoTvbPWsM" height="349" width="425"

This video speaks about the act of spying and the spies of the Soviet Union by United States because the West was desperate to know the size and strength of the USSR. The United States needed to gain more knowledge about the USSR’s missile powers, for it served as a great threat to the United States. The greatest spy during the Cold War was Oleg Penkovsky provided the best and efficient news of the USSR for the United States. The United States gained the knowledge that the USSR was not as strong in its air force as the United States. Those who worked as spies for the United States in the CIA had to be extremely careful as to not get caught by the enemy, Russia, because if they were caught, they would be tried and potentially executed. Spying became a great part of the Cold War to help acquire knowledge and spread false knowledge of the enemy, this “game” was intense and wide known for spies were everywhere for the United States and the USSR.

**The Rosenburg Trial**
One of the most famous and contentious espionage stories of the Cold War is without a doubt the Rosenberg Trials. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, two declared members of the Communist Party, were living in the United States and passing on pertinent information to the KGB about the atomic bomb in the early 1950s. Although they were not alone in their treason, the couple was tried, declared guilty and sent to the electric chair, while their co-conspirators received only prison sentences. The controversy that followed this verdict has been studied and looked into up to the present times. Many people wonder if the sentence the death penalty was a fair sentence for this couple, when all other Communist-friendly Americans had received only thirty years in prison or less. The trial itself was not, in many opinions fair, nor did it have decisive evidence that either Rosenberg was guilty. Ethel, in particular, was found guilty on little evidential grounds and largely her brother�s word against her. Her brother, David Greenglass even later admitted in 2001 that he had placed full blame for espionage on his sister in order to protect his children. Further facts show that Ethel was never even given a spy�s code name like her husband, and therefore was most likely not nearly as involved. Nevertheless, both Ethel and Julius were convicted and executed on July 19, 1953. The response of the public after their execution was largely one of shock, anger and fear for their own rights. Many people felt that the sentence the Rosenbergs received was far from just and people began to riot in fear of personal rights and justice (United Sates History Website).

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =**The Hungarian Revolution 1956**= On October 23, 1956, students began to protest in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, against the harsh and heavy handed treatment of the Soviet Russians. They presented sixteen points they wanted the puppet government of Hungary to acknowledge and consider. They begged passersby to stop and join them, and people did. The crowds grew bigger and bigger and began to form all over the city. Hungary had been under the thumb of Russians and before that Nazis for too long. They wanted their own government, free of Russian influence. The Russian secret police in Hungary, the AVO, panicked and began to attack the unarmed crowds with machine guns. Then workers from the industrial weapons producing districts heard about it and drove over in trucks full of guns and handed them out to the crowds. An uprising began in earnest then. Hungarians of all ages began to attack, often with nothing but homemade gasoline bombs. Sheer will and ferocity and pent up anger characterized the fighting style. After five days, the Russians and the AVO withdrew from Budapest. A few days of euphoria and freedom followed. Plans were made for a new government and Hungary requested help from the U.N. to withdraw from the Warsaw Pact, to be able to become neutral. Then, thousands of Russian tanks rolled into the city. They had only withdrawn temporarily and now, with a vengeance, they returned and furiously attacked the Hungarians. The uprising was brutally put down and hope lost. Fortunately, the border with Austria was partially open, so 200,000 fighters were able to flee and tell the story to the world. The question is, where were the big-talking capitalist enemies of Soviet Russia, the U.S. and N.A.T.O.? They had encouraged the rebels at every turn, giving false hope with radio, pamphlets, and propaganda, with tragic results. The problem was that the revolt had happened in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hungary was nearly surrounded by other Soviet Bloc countries, so aiding the rebels would have meant certain hot war. Also, at the same time, the Suez Canal crisis was happening in Egypt and was considered more important. Finally, it was the last week of the U.S.'s current president Dwight D. Eisenhower's reelection campaign. Basically, the free world had more important things on their mind. 4000 Hungarians were killed. This revolution summed up the Cold War of the fifties (Czarnik): the Soviets were going to fight tooth and nail for their territories, while the free world had a hard time following up their extensive propaganda programs. (Many Hungarians are still embittered by the behavior of the free world.)(Michener) media type="youtube" key="WY7_vSDPr6M" height="349" width="425" align="center"

This video shows the struggles of the Hungarians to escape the Soviet opression. It shows the harsh treatment they received from the Russians. Most importantly it tells of the countries that opened their arms to Hungary. Austria, the United States, Holland, and Switzerland offered relief to the refugees that escaped. Food and shelter were provided for all. Those who had managed to escape could feel safe and secure until Hungary could be freed from Soviet control.

The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 can be summed up in these few pictures:

Nuclear Technology: BOth the Soviet Union and the United States made it their first priority:





During the Cold War, spying was taken to a higher level....as high as the sky. The Soviet Union and United States used their air force as a means to survielece the land, progress made, or erupting projects and future attacks plans of the enemy. This new airial war tactic was not only useful as a way to effectively spy, but also it was used to mislead the enemy and cause them to draw mistaken assumptions. After an American plane, U-2, piloted by Francis Gary Powers, the airial spying intensified and led to an even greater arms race.

This video clip informs what the revolution was like and what happened to the victims of this Revolution. It explains that because of the revolution, the Communist Secret Police came to kill the revolutionaries. Many tanks came and destroyed the people and their homes. The revolutionary refugees escaped to different countries like Switzerland and the United States to be free. They longed for freedom from the Communist regime and struggled for the blessing of liberties. []

= ﻿Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia =


 * What is the Prague Spring?**

In early 1968, the Czechoslovak Communist Party began liberalizing Czechoslovakia by democratizing the government and loosening ties with the Soviet Union. This movement became known as the Prague Spring. Alexander Dubchek initiated the reform movement when he replaced Antonin Novotny as the head of Czechoslovakia�s Communist Party. His reforms include intellectual freedom and less press censorship. Nevertheless, Dubchek made it clear that he had no intention of withdrawing Czechoslovakia from the Warsaw Pact. The reform movement gained widespread support from the people of Czechoslovakia (Evans).


 * Soviet Response**

The Soviet Union immediately saw Alexander Duchek�s reforms as a threat and decided to intervene to end liberalization in Czechoslovakia. On August 20, 1968, Soviet, East German, Polish, Hungarian, and Bulgarian troops were sent into Czechoslovakia. Czechoslovakia once again became a tightly controlled Communist state under the leadership of Soviet-appointed Gustav Husak in 1969 (Evans).

The above image depicts the Czechoslovak people welcoming Alexander Dubchek into Czechoslovakia. media type="youtube" key="SVIp5lUJhCs" width="425" height="350"

This video is a presentation of the events that occurred during the revolt inCzechoslovakiain the 1968. There is live footage of true events at this time and correct information provided by historians who have thoroughly studied these turn of events. Dates and faces are named in this video and the reaction of the Czechs and Slovaks is shown also. This video is a chronological documentary of the cruel tactic that the Russians used to suppress the citizens and forming democratic government ofCzechoslovakia.

= ﻿1968 Student Uprisings = In May 1968, high school and college students from all over the world came together in Paris to strike and protest against Charles de Gaulle's government. The students and workers were demanding the fall of the government under Charles de Gaulle.(BBC) The protests not only included students but also workers who also disagreed with de Gaulle's government and some professors of the Left Wing. What the Students of the left wing were demanding was a reform of the bourgeois, a better university system and an end to the police state.(BBC) In attempt to stop the protests, police were sent out to disperse the students and put an end to their protests, often using violence. The protesters only responded to the violence with violence. Students and police engaged in street fights, as the protest continued, the violence had gotten worse. During these encounters with the police many students and workers would result injured and even dead. When the protests had reached their point the National Assemby and de Gaulle's military headquarter called for a parliamentary election.(Paris 1968) The election was to take place on June 23, 1968.(Paris 1968). In response to these protests, de Gaulle had fled the country to Germany and left the prime minister, George Papandreou to deal with the protesters. Papandreou responded to the protests by freeing the leaders of the protests who had been arrested and called back the police. In an attempt to stop the protests, Papandreou offered the workers involved in the protests with higher wages. After the protests workers were forced to return to their jobs working in the French Communist Party. (Paris 1968).



The 1968 student uprisings began in the United States at Columbia University where the students were revolting against Columbia's ties to military research (Democratic Underground Forums). The uprisings in the United States sparked an uprising in Paris which sparked uprisings all over the world "from Japan to Italy to Mexico" (French Student Uprisings). The Paris uprisings came about because of an effort to prevent students of the opposite sex from visiting other dorm rooms. The uprisings turned into a big event for Charles de Gaulle's government when the workers joined the students. France�s industry and all its inner workings were shut down for several weeks. Some such inner workings were mail, banking, transportation, and food. The Paris uprisings began in May of 1968 and fizzled out when the government offered the workers a wage increase which deprived the students of the workers� support. Also, the students began to stop caring for their cause because it was approaching their summer break. These uprisings did however leave a lasting impact on France. They decreased the regulations on immigration. They also created equality for women both in the work place and in the home. Also, the fashion changed for young people, especially boys, who wanted to wear more comfortable clothes, such as jeans, instead of short dress pants (French student uprisings).

[]

This website has an article gives a story of student uprisings from the point of view of one of the protesters. The article describes the uprisings at Columbia University, saying what the uprisings really were like, and how much damage and violence there really was. The auther describes in detail the building occupations, such as what kind of food people threw into the windows to them. The only weakness in the articled is that the author wasn't able to experience firsthand every part of the uprising, so some parts weren't as explicit. Overall the article is a helpful resource for learning about the student uprisings at Columbia University. = = = =

= = = **Fall of Communism** =

Russia
The fall of communism in Russia was coming to an end. Winston Churchill spoke about the iron curtain, which would protect Communism from spreading over to the eastern side of Europe. This iron curtain was not invisible, or imaginary. This is restrictive line. It was a real line that split the east and west side; from Greek to North Sea. It consisted of barbed wire and watch towers. The fall of Communism was also because of the lack of support of other countries, and the fail of good leadership in Russia. And other many things led to the fall of communism in Russia. Russian people want freedom because Russian government oppresses its citizens into obedience and deference. There was no freedom, no private property. In Russia people looked at Communism and a perfect idea. No more social classes, guaranteed employment. All this sounds perfect when you think about it, but is ineffective in the real world, and people in Russia started to see that. Failed Utopian idealism was also one cause of fall of the communistic Russia.

**Poland**
The collapse of the Communism in East Central Europe began in Poland. The Polish Solidarity movement, which was an anti-communist social movement and trade union, led a series of strikes that gained the attention of many nations throughout the world. Eventually, in 1980, the Communist regime was forced to recognize the movement because of the wave of strikes. In response, the Soviets declared martial law in Poland and arrested many of the leaders of the Solidarity movement. They also banned the trade union, but the ban did not bring an end to Solidarity. As a result, the Solidarity movement went underground and the Polish people organized their own civil society. In 1985, when Mikhail Gorbachev came into power in the Soviet Union, he encouraged Communist leaders to gain popular support for their government rather than to use military force to preserve communism. Because of this, the communists in Poland began having talks with members of the Solidarity movement. In turn, Poland held its first competitive elections since before the war. Finally, in 1989, Solidarity formed the first non-communist government within the Eastern bloc since 1948. (U.S. Department of State)

1970s and 1980s, tension grew between the people of Poland and its Communist government. Poland was the first and the country who sparked the end of communism in central and eastern europe. Solidarność or solidarity was a movment lead by Lech Wałęsa that ended the communist regieme in poland and then spread to Czechoslovakai, romania, bulgaria, ect. The came out of communism in 1989. Pope John Paul, also known as Karol Wojtyla, was another reason for the end of communism in Poland. He would come to Poland to bring hope, and courage to the Polish, helping them end communism in their country.

Hungary
Most of Europe had fallen into the hands of Communism, though Communism had mainly occupied the Eastern part ofEurope.Hungarywas one of the many countries to be able to overcome Communism.Hungary had previously fought against Communism in the early 1960�s and had failed due to the Soviet Union, but they had succeeded in 1989. The Soviet government in Hungary had collapsed and was overthrown by its protesters. The fall of Communism in Hungary led to the collapse of the Berlin Wall, leading to the collapse of the Iron Curtain. When the Berlin Wall had come down. Communism in Hungary was marked as �over�.

Germany
What led to the fall of communism in Germany was the economic and political instability. With the liberation of Poland, the German people were inspired to likewise rebel against Communist rule. Throughout the summer and fall of 1989, the Germans called for reform. They wanted the freedom to travel to West Berlin as well as to West Germany. With Gorbachev�s new policy of gaining popular support through other ways rather than through military pressure, Moscow refused to take military action against the uprising. The Soviets eventually replaced the East German leader, Erich Honecker, and began to initiate reforms. On October 18, 1984 Erich Honecker, East Germany's head of State resigned (Berlin Wall Online). When Erich Honecker resigned it allowed East Germany to negotiate with West Germany (Fall of Communism). At last, on November 9,1989 the Soviets opened up Germany�s borders. On that night, the Berlin Wall came crashing down and a newly liberated Germany rejoiced.(U.S. Department of State). When East Germany was liberated it did not suffer a big depression because it had economic support from West Germany. (Fall Of Communism in Germany). On February 13, 1990 a two stage plan was agreed upon to unite Western and Eastern Germany, it went into effect on October 3, 1990. (Fall Of Communism in Germany).

** Czechoslovakia **
In Czechoslovakia on November 17, 1989, 15,000 students joined in an anti-communism demonstration. The students wanted to Czechoslovakia to become a democracy. The communist leaders sent the police to end the demonstration. The police used violence against the students, even though the students were peaceful. No students died, but there were some injured. With that demonstration, the Velvet Revolution � the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia � had started. The Velvet Revolution was only six weeks long; it lasted from November 17 to December 29, 1989. On December 29, the playwright and revolution leader Vaclav Havel became president of Czechoslovakia, but he was president only until June, 1990. In June, 1990, Czechoslovakia had its first democratic election since 1946. ([])

Bulgaria
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Throughout the course of the Cold War, the country of Bulgaria was dominated by Communism and the Soviet Union. Todor Zhivkov, the head of the Bulgarian Communist Party, controlled Bulgaria during most of the Cold War. Under his regime, all democratic opposition was defeated, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church fell under the control of the state, industry was nationalized, and agriculture was collectivized.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Later, in 1989 Zhivkov lost power in Bulgaria. Finally, democratic progress could be made. As a result, in 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Bulgaria since the outbreak of World War II. In the 1990 elections, the Bulgarian Socialist Party won. After the passing of a new Bulgarian Constitution and a period of unrest, at last Bulgaria held her first democratic elections. In these elections, the Union of Democratic forces won. Shortly after, the first direct presidential elections were also held (Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs).

Romania
As many other countries surrounding the nation were taking down their communist regimes Romania still had their dictator in tact. Nicolae Ceausescu ruled as dictator during the Cold War and was harsh and cruel as any other leader. With the help of his secret police he was able to enforce his brutal laws. The people had much hostility and hatred for him and when they caw their neighboring countries remove their oppressors they wished to do the same. But in order for Ceausescu to give up his power the Romanian Revolution of 1989 had to occur. Most nations that got rid of their communist rulers did so without a fight, but Ceausescu was not just going to step down. The revolution in Romania was the only bloody occurrence during the fall of communism. Finally Ceausescu tired to flee the violence but only to be caught in Targoviste and tried for genocide. He was found guilty and executed in December 1989. The citizens of Romania celebrated their freedom and the end of Soviet control.

Pope John Paul II and the Fall of Communism
Pope John Paul II played a significant and vital role in the fall of Communism. He was the spark that began the collapse of Communism, and he stared it down as it crumbled. Pope John Paul II struck at the very heart of Communism. In a Communist state, the government had a monopoly upon all physical property and intellectual life. The Roman Catholic Church, however, broke these monopolies down and offered all people a safe haven as well as an alternative way of thinking.

When Poland was occupied by the Nazis, Pope John Paul II � then Karol Wojtyła � secretly studied the priesthood and even founded an underground theater. Later, following his lead, other Polish Priests proceeded to do likewise while Poland was occupied by the Soviets. The Catholic Churches in Poland secretly distributed non-Communist newspapers in a time when only pro-Communist ideology could be published. They displayed the artwork of non-Communists in a time when only the art of Communists could be displayed. They performed plays that were not approved by the Communist regime. A secret, underground civil society was formed.

The Communist regime looked to destroy the past in order to create the future. The Pope, however, talked about God as well as history. He reminded the people of the great Saints and events of the past. Pope John Paul II expressed his faith openly, and made many historical references about the great events of history. This was extremely influential when he visited nations where the godless Communist regimes tried to control history, culture, and religion. When in Poland, the Pope reminded the Polish people of the roots that the Communists had tried to force them to forget. They were a Christian country � a Catholic country. No government could ever change that.

During his Papacy, Pope John Paul II invigorated and inspired the people of Europe in an unprecedented way. He had incredible charisma and an even more incredible Faith. The Pope was a celebrity everywhere he went. Communism is at its best when it can keep its subjects apart and afraid. Pope John Paul II and the Roman Catholic Church, however, unified many people. The Pope constantly told his people �Do not be afraid!� He undermined censorship and spoke of God and of human dignity. He gave hope to people and encouraged them. Pope John Paul II�s visit to Poland � to his people � was particularly influential. He gained the trust and affection of millions of people in a way that no world leader could ever dream of achieving. He helped them reclaim their culture, their identity � everything that the Communists wanted them to give up and forget. As a result, the Polish Solidarity movement increased rapidly and gained crucial influence and recognition, the fall of Communism had begun.

After Poland began to topple her Communist regime, other countries followed her lead. Soon, all the nations of Eastern Europe gathered their people and fought Communism. In this way, one Polish Pope sparked the collapse of an enormous Soviet empire (Applebaum).

[|Pope John Paul II's 1979 Visit to Poland] This link presents a video of Pope John Paul II�s visit to Poland. It shows how much the people loved the Pope, and how much he loves his people. He truly cared for them and wanted to help them. Pope John Paul was truly the �Holy Father� of all people � not only Poles.

=Presidents and the Cold War=

Did you ever wonder why the Cold War was called a “cold” war? Take a look at the definition given at the very beginning of the Wiki; it will explain the differences between a cold war and a hot war. Now, can you answer this question? //WHY// did the Cold War //STAY// a cold war and not turn into a hot war? One of the main reasons is America’s Presidents and their ability to react to the uprising Communist threats. Presidents like Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy displayed this ability and may have prevented any further damage caused by the Cold War.

President Harry S. Truman

Marshall Plan:

The Marshall Plan, named after Secretary of State – George C. Marshall, was passed to aid the suffering European countries after it faced economic turmoil post WWII. This act was also known as the European Recovery Act. Truman feared that the suffering countries of Europe would turn to Communism if their lives stayed as miserable as they were. The countries touched by the World War were now on the streets starving with dead bodies lying on the ground to boost their morale (sarcasm). This plan that was passed through Truman fought Communism because it gave the Europeans a second choice. They would no longer have to turn to Communism for relief (relief that they probably would not get anyways). Instead, America gave them almost 13 billion dollars to help Europe get back on their feet by the construction of roads, opening of jobs, etc. (Marshall Plan).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 24px;">John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy, being the second youngest president to hold office, was one of the presidents that had led the United States during of the Cold War, on a mission to contain communism and defend the United States from communist threats. One event in which President Kennedy led the United States was on April 1961 at the Bay of Pigs. In 1823 the United States prohibited European influence in the western hemisphere, in the Monroe Doctrine, in which Russia had agreed to. As the Cold War was in effect, the Soviet Union broke the Monroe Doctrine by going into to Cuba and promoting communism in Cuba. As a result, President Kennedy, not wanting to send in United States troops in order to avoid a Hot War, had ordered 1800 exiled Cuban to Cuba to fight against the communist government, Russia, and take Castro out. As the Cubans arrived at the shorelines of Cuba, they were met with gun fire and right away help was needed from the United States; however, President Kennedy did not successfully make a decision on time to help the Cuban and as a result they surrendered to the Soviet Union. President Kennedy was greatly criticized and looked down upon by the many, including Soviet Leader Khrushchev. Kennedy realizing he must take action and prove himself had negotiated the captured prisoners released from Cuba for sixty million dollars. Kennedy had also called a meeting with Khrushchev at the Vienna Conference on June fourth 1961, in which the topics of conversation were Berlin, Cuba, spies, and nuclear weapons. The conclusion of the Vienna Conference on behalf of Khrushchev was that nothing had been accomplished other than his affirmation of Kennedy’s inexperience and therefore action was then taken place by Khrushchev in building the Berlin Wall and Cuban missiles, targeting Cuba.

On October1962 the United States had discovered Russian defensive missiles in Cuba facing the United States. Once President Kennedy heard about the missiles, they were seen as a gesture of aggression to the United States; however, Fidel Castro, the dictator of Cuba, had said argued that the missiles were for defensive purposes only, for the two nations were not in good terms, and were entitled to be placed on Cuban soil. Kennedy, as a response and a way to boost up the United States confidence in him, had sent an order to Castro to remove the missile, which had been ignored. Due to Cuba refusing to remove the missiles aimed at the United States, Kennedy had extended the trade embargo on Cuba, in which nothing would be traded between the United States and Cuba. (Mrs. Czarnik- lecture) (John F. Kennedy)

Lyndon B. Johnson

In 1955, during the Vietnam War, under President Johnson the United States had sent advisors to South Vietnam to train Army of the Republic of Vietnam forces in how to fight for their own Revolution. Action was taken to help South Vietnam due to the Domino Theory, by Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, which states “if one country falls to communism, then its neighbors will fall as well”. Trying to avoid United States war involvement ended at the Gulf of Tonkin Incident when the USS Maddox, that was sent to gather information for future attack on North Vietnam. The USS Maddox was attacked by North Vietnamese gunboats, for supposedly leaving international waters and trespassing into North Vietnamese waters, which had been seen as a sign of war by Ho Chi Minh. President Johnson and Ho Chi Minh had not been on the same page in how far the international waters expanded. Johnson had aimed to try again, but for a second time a second attack was radioed but when air support had arrived no sigh of an attack was present. In a very difficult position, the President had ordered the USA to retaliate from the mission. On March 1965, the first American troops landed in South Vietnam in order to help the nation avoid North Vietnam and to act on the aggression taken by Ho Chi Minh against the United States. In February of 1965, bombing on North Vietnam had started, with the operations of Barrel Roll, Flaming Dart, Rolling Thunder, and Ranch Hand. Thousands of soldiers were sent to Vietnam, which caused many United States citizens to protest against a war that they thought they needed to part in to fight; the United States was unhappy and greatly ridiculed Johnson with phrases such as “ Hey, Hey LBJ how many kids have you killed today?” (Mrs. Czarnik-lecture)

(Lyndon B. Johnson)

= **Lasting Effects of the Cold War** =

Agreements made in the SALT treaties show the cold war finally ending. SALT stands for the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks. It limited the US and Russia's use of anti-missile systems because they were enemies and more destruction could happen. The treaty was officially made on October 3, 1972 and existed until June 13, 2002, when the United States withdrew from it (Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty). The NATO, which stands for The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is one of the many lasting effects of the Cold War, made up of 26 countries from Europe and North America. The member states are committed to the North Atlantic Treaty, signed in 1949. The purpose of the treaty is to protect the freedom and security of its member countries by political and military intentions. After the Cold War, these 26 countries had enough and chose to support themselves so another war like it would not be born (NATO). The Warsaw pact, which is the treaty between Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Soviet Union, was signed in Poland in 1955. It is a military treaty which similarly to NATO, permits the ones who signed it to come to the aid of the others, if one of them is the victim of foreign aggression (Warsaw Pact). The aim of these treaties was to avoid another ideological struggle and arms race from erupting between countries. The Cold War had other lasting effects, one of the most important being the fall of Communism. This came with the fall of the Soviet Union, due to a low economy in Russia, which caused revolutions against the Soviets and eventually attempts to remove Soviets from power. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States became the sole superpower nation. The most lasting evidence of the Cold War are the nuclear weapons that still exist and are still radioactive.

America being one of the huge powers involved in the Cold War was affected greatly. Battles did not scar or devastate their land but the home front still felt the consequences. The two major hot wars that occurred during the Cold war were the Korean War and the Vietnam War. America had significant losses in each conflict which made citizens angry and spiteful against the government. "It weakened public faith in government, and in the honesty and competence of its leaders."(Sitikoff). They did not agree with their decisions (such as the draft) that involved American troops in conflicts they thought they did not need to be in. Especially after Vietnam people became very anti-war. Many protests erupted and people rebelled. The Cold War changed America�s views on many things. During the Cold War many of these dramatic changes occurred through writing, television, and especially music. But after the Cold War everything turned into a party, the fighting was over and people were relieved. While America still had anti-war feelings they made the best of things and adapted to a post Cold War America.

[] This timeline shows the many significant events that took place during the Cold War from 1945 to 1991. It clarifies key dates, and the order in which everything happened and therefore helps us to better understand this war. Such events include of the use of the American�s atomic bomb, the Berlin Blockade, the rise of Fidel Castro in Cuba, and the destruction of the Berlin wall. This website gives us numerous quick and accurate details. It as well is presented in a very organized manner making it easy to read and comprehend.

The lasting effects of the cold war were The NATO, Warsaw pact, Korean and Vietnam war. The NATO and the Warsaw pact caused an arms race, with atomic weapons. Because the Soviets were threatened by the NATO treaty, they made their own treaty. The Korean war and the Vietnam war were the destructive conflicts of the Cold War. The long term effects of the Cold War the Communism collapsed worldwide, and the sole superpower of the world became America.

**Russia Today**
Today Russia is a nation of major industries, like industries such as oil, natural gas, coal, timber, all types of machinery, and medical as well as scientific industries. Russia not only has that, but Russia changed drastically over the years. It's no longer governed by a one socialist party. Russia has open themselves to the world, and other forms of government.



<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">[|National Cold War Exhibition] This website gives quality information on numerous parts of The Cold War. It includes a timeline which depicts the events of the Cold War in a different way. A virtual tour is available of a plane used in the war. This site encourages visual learning about the war and objects used in it along with information about them.