Cold War Events and Policies

Front

Containment

Back

A U.S. foreign policy strategy to block Soviet influence and expansion and prevent the spread of communism during the Cold War.

Front

Marshall Plan

Back

The USA would provide $ to European nations to help them rebuild their industries, economies, and factories after WWII

Front

Truman Doctrine

Back

The U.S. would provide political, military, and economic assistance to democratic nations being threatened by communist forces.

Front

Korean War

Back

Started when Communist North Korea crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea

Front

Sputnik

Back

First artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.

Front

Bay of Pigs

Back

A failed U.S.-backed invasion of Cuba in 1961 by Cuban exiles attempting to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist regime. It was a major embarrassment for the Kennedy administration.

Front

Cuban Missile Crisis

Back

A tense standoff in 1962 between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over the presence of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba.

Front

Domino Theory

Back

If one country in a region fell to communism, neighboring countries would also fall,

Front

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Back

A Congressional decision that gave President John broad military powers to stop the threat of communism in Vietnam

Front

Vietnam War

Back

Major Cold War battleground from the mid 1960's and 1970's causing significant division within the U.S.