Category Archives: Early War

Olympic Games

Posted on March 12, 2012 by theory

Olympic Games 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988 Sport often served as an outlet for the intense competition between the Superpowers, and that competition was never so intense as at the Olympics. The Olympics served … Continue reading →

Posted in Early War, Neutral Events | Tagged | 16 Comments

Truman Doctrine

Posted on March 2, 2012 by theory

Truman Doctrine 1947 Before a joint session of Congress, the President announced the new Truman Doctrine, ushering in an era of intense intervention on behalf of states with liberal economic and political institutions. Truman stated “I believe that it must … Continue reading →

Posted in Early War, US Events | Tagged | 11 Comments

Captured Nazi Scientist

Posted on February 27, 2012 by theory

Captured Nazi Scientist 1945–1973 Code named “Project Paperclip” in the United States, the victors of World War II scrambled to “recruit” former Nazi scientists into their own research establishments. In the West, such efforts involved shielding scientists from war crime … Continue reading →

Posted in Early War, Neutral Events | Tagged | 7 Comments

De Gaulle Leads France

Posted on February 24, 2012 by theory

De Gaulle Leads France 1958–1969 Founder of France’s Fifth Republic, De Gaulle’s role during the Cold War is generally viewed through the lens of his second presidency. While still a western ally, De Gaulle attempted to establish France as an … Continue reading →

Posted in Early War, USSR Events | Tagged | 15 Comments

Warsaw Pact Formed

Posted on February 20, 2012 by theory

Warsaw Pact Formed 1955 A reaction to perceived Western aggression by the creation of NATO, the Warsaw Pact was a Russian-dominated military alliance that included all of the states of Eastern Europe except Yugoslavia. It integrated both tactics and equipment … Continue reading →

Posted in Early War, USSR Events | Tagged | 12 Comments

Regions: Middle East

Posted on February 13, 2012 by theory

Middle East In 1946, Truman had to threaten to send warships to the Mediterranean to compel the Soviets to remove troops from Iran. Thus began the Cold War struggle in the Middle East. Since this region provided Western economies with … Continue reading →

Posted in Early War, Neutral Events, Regions | Tagged | 14 Comments

Nasser

Posted on February 6, 2012 by theory

Nasser 1954-1970 One of the giants in the Pan-Arab movement, Gamal Abdel Nasser rose to power through military coup. Attempting to steer an independent course during the Cold War, he provoked western governments by accepting Soviet aid, and nationalizing commercial … Continue reading →

Posted in Early War, USSR Events | Tagged | 4 Comments

Comecon

Posted on January 24, 2012 by theory

Comecon 1949–1991 The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) was founded in reaction to the allure of the Marshall Plan to the Soviet satellites in Eastern Europe. While very loosely organized and dominated by the Soviets in its early years, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early War, USSR Events | Tagged | 7 Comments

Arab-Israeli War

Posted on January 16, 2012 by theory

Arab-Israeli War 1948–49, 1956, 1967, 1968-1970, 1973, 1982 The State of Israel was virtually born of war. After the end of the British mandate, Israel was thrust into conflict with its Arab neighbors. Israel prevailed in all such wars, excepting … Continue reading →

Posted in Early War, USSR Events | Tagged | 13 Comments

Romanian Abdication

Posted on January 2, 2012 by theory

Romanian Abdication 1947 King Michael I, a westernized monarch, was forced to abdicate his throne at gunpoint. Romania was thereafter declared a democratic socialist republic. After the death of its first communist leader, Gheorghiu-Dej, Romania was ruled by Nicolae Ceausescu, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early War, USSR Events | Tagged | 3 Comments