The Cold War: Key Events and Developments

Post-WWII, US and Soviet relations deteriorated due to ideological differences. The US promoted capitalism while the USSR advocated communism. This ideological clash led to political and military tensions, marking the beginning of the Cold War.

The US launched the Marshall Plan in 1948 to rebuild Europe and counter Soviet influence. Surprisingly, the USSR was initially invited to participate but declined, viewing it as an American strategy to spread capitalism and weaken Soviet control in Eastern Europe.

Both superpowers embarked on a nuclear arms race. By 1949, the USSR tested its first atomic bomb, ending the US monopoly on nuclear weapons. This competition led to the development of more powerful hydrogen bombs by both nations.

The launch of Sputnik by the USSR in 1957 shocked the US and marked the start of the space race. This event not only showcased Soviet technological prowess but also raised fears of potential missile attacks from space.

In 1962, the discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. This crisis highlighted the extreme tension between the US and the USSR but also led to improved communication and the establishment of the Moscow-Washington hotline.

During the Cold War, both sides trained animals like dolphins and pigeons for espionage and reconnaissance missions, showcasing the lengths each would go for intelligence.