Cold war

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Timeline: Cold war

Years: 1944 - 1990	Subject: History, Military History
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191737909

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BCE CE

Year	Event
1944	November - Tito and his partisans, with Soviet assistance, liberate Belgrade Go to Tito (1892–1980) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Communism War Europe Wars since 1900 December 21 - with Budapest still in German hands, the Soviets set up a provisional Hungarian government, at Debrecen Go to Rakosi, Matyas (1892–1971) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 December 26 - the Soviet army surrounds the Hungarian capital, Budapest Go to Budapest, siege of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Communism War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900
1945	February 4 - Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill meet at Yalta to discuss Allied post-war plans Go to Yalta Conference (February 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Communism War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Europe Russia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 February 11 - Stalin, at Yalta, promises free elections in post-war eastern Europe Go to Yalta conference (11 February 1945) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 March 6 - the Soviets install a puppet government in Romania while the fight continues against Germany Go to Groza, Petru (1884) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Wars since 1900 March 7 - Tito becomes head of a provisional government in newly liberated Yugoslavia Go to Tito, Josip (b. 25 May 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Wars since 1900 April 30 - Soviet troops storm the Reichstag in the centre of Berlin on the day when Adolf Hitler commits suicide in his bunker below them Go to Berlin, fall of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 July 3 - the four Allied powers (USA, UK, France, USSR) provide occupation forces for separate zones of Austria, Germany and Berlin Go to Occupation of Germany in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Austria Germany Wars since 1900 July 16 - US scientists succeed in exploding an atom bomb at Alamogordo, a test site in the New Mexican desert Go to Nuclear Weapons. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Science Physics War Weapons US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States July 17 - Truman, Stalin and Churchill meet for a summit conference in Potsdam Go to Potsdam Conference (July–August 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 August 12 - the Japanese in Korea surrender to the Russians in the north and to the Americans in the south Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Korea Wars since 1900 August 19 - with the surrender of the Japanese, Vietminh guerrillas seize the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi Go to Vietminh in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Wars since 1900 September 2 - Ho Chi Minh proclaims the democratic republic of Vietnam, independent of the colonial power, France Go to Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 French empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1946	The Communists become the largest party in Czechoslovakia, winning 38% of the vote in a free election Go to Czechoslovakia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 Communist leader Enver Hoxha begins nearly 40 years as dictator of Albania Go to Hoxha, Enver (16 Oct. 1908) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Wars since 1900 The Indochina War breaks out in Vietnam between the French colonial forces and the Vietminh Go to Indochina War (1946–54) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 French empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Europe Empires Wars since 1900 March 5: Winston Churchill, in a speech in Fulton, Missouri, expresses the harsh truth that an iron curtain has descended across Europe Go to ”Iron Curtain” speech in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain
1947	An election campaign in Poland, marked by violence and the use of terror, brings a Communist landslide Go to Poland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 President Truman defines postwar US policy by pledging support for any nation defending itself against Communism Go to Truman Doctrine in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States
1948	An armed coup, led by Klement Gottwald, imposes single-party Communist rule in Czechoslovakia Go to Gottwald, Klement (b. 23 Nov. 1896) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 George Marshall, the US secretary of state, launches a plan to distribute aid to sixteen European countries Go to Marshall Plan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 North America United States Tito accepts Marshall Aid from the USA, setting Yugoslavia on the path of non-alignment in the Cold War Go to Yugoslavia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900 US lawyer Alger Hiss is denounced, controversially, as a Soviet spy Go to Hiss, Alger (1904–1996) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 North America United States Kim Il Sung becomes prime minister of North Korea on the withdrawal of the Soviet occupying force Go to Kim Il Sung (1912–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Asia East Asia Korea Wars since 1900 June 24 - the Soviet Union imposes a blockade on Berlin by denying the other powers access through the land corridor to the city Go to Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948–1949) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Germany Russia Wars since 1900 June 26 - the Western powers respond to the Soviet blockade by launching the Berlin airlift, flying in necessary provisions of every kind Go to Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948–1949) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900
1949	The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is set up by the USA and Canada, together with Britain and other European countries, for purposes of collective security Go to NATO in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Wars since 1900 North America Canada United States The first Soviet atomic bomb, called by the Americans Joe One, is successfully tested in Kazakhstan Go to Joe One in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Science Physics War Weapons Asia Central Asia Wars since 1900 British atomic physicist Klaus Fuchs is discovered to be a Soviet agent, passing nuclear secrets to the USSR Go to Fuchs, Klaus (1912–88) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain Mao Zedong, standing on the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Beijing, proclaims the new People's Republic of China Go to China, People's Republic of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Asia East Asia China Wars since 1900 Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) sets up a new Republic of China in Taiwan, vowing to recapture the rest of the nation in due course Go to Taiwan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Wars since 1900 May 12 - the Soviet Union lifts the blockade on Berlin and the airlift ends, after providing for nearly a year a lifeline to the city Go to Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948–1949) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 May 25 - the Federal Republic of Germany is formed from the British, French and US zones of occupation Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 May 30 - the USSR grants nominal independence to east Germany as the newly established German Democratic Republic Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Germany Wars since 1900
1950	In response to the Soviet atom bomb, President Truman announces a crash programme to develop a hydrogen bomb Go to Teller, Edward (1908–2003) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Science Physics War Weapons Wars since 1900 North America United States A witch hunt begins when Senator Joseph McCarthy says he knows the names of 205 Communists in the US State Department Go to McCarthy, Joseph Raymond (b. 14 Nov. 1908) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War Wars since 1900 North America United States Julius Rosenberg is arrested on suspicion of being a Soviet spy, and his wife Ethel is arrested a few weeks later Go to Rosenberg, Julius (b. 12 May 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 North America United States
1951	The first hydrogen bomb is successfully tested by the US at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands Go to hydrogen bomb in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Science Physics War Weapons Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 North America United States
1952	A left-wing coup brings Paz Estenssoro to power and launches a 12-year revolution in Bolivia Go to Paz Estenssoro, Victor (1907–2001) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 Latin America South America
1953	Imre Nagy becomes prime minister of Hungary, but is driven out of office two years later by hard-line Communists because of his relative liberalism Go to Nagy, Imre (7 June 1896) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 US citizens Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are sent to the electric chair as convicted spies Go to Rosenberg, Julius (b. 12 May 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 North America United States The first Soviet hydrogen bomb is successfully tested at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan Go to nuclear bomb in The Oxford Companion to the History of Modern Science (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Communism Science Physics War Weapons Asia Central Asia Europe Russia Wars since 1900
1954	Senator McCarthy's Communist witch-hunt is broadcast live for several weeks on US television Go to McCarthy, Joseph Raymond (b. 14 Nov. 1908) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War Wars since 1900 North America United States J. Robert Oppenheimer, the 'father of the atomic bomb', is investigated for Communist sympathies and his security clearance is withdrawn Go to Oppenheimer, Robert (1904–67) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War Wars since 1900 North America United States The term Domino Theory is coined to reflect President Eisenhower's view of how states might fall to Communism Go to domino theory in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States An invasion of Guatemala from Honduras, with CIA support, brings to power a right-wing military junta Go to Guatemala in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Wars since 1900 Latin America Central America Relations are normalized between West Germany and the USA, France and Britain, ending the postwar period of occupation Go to Occupation of Germany in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900
1955	Russia forms the Warsaw Treaty Organization (or Warsaw Pact) with her east European allies, as a counterbalance to NATO Go to Warsaw Pact in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 Nasser alarms the west by buying eastern-bloc arms through Czechoslovakia Go to Nasser, Gamal Abdel in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Africa North Africa Egypt Wars since 1900 Austria achieves a much delayed return to nationhood after the Soviet Union finally agrees to withdraw from the country Go to Austrian State Treaty (15 May 1955) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s Second World War 20th century Politics War Austria Wars since 1900
1956	The USA and Britain withdraw their offer of financial aid for Nasser's Aswan dam Go to Aswan High Dam in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States Egypt's president Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalizes the Suez canal and wins Soviet finance for his Aswan dam Go to Suez Crisis in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa North Africa Egypt Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Students are fired on in Budapest when protesting against repressive Communist policies Go to Hungary in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 Confronted by a popular uprising, Communist leaders in Hungary bring back the reformist prime minister Imre Nagy Go to Hungary in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 Russian and Warsaw Pact troops invade Hungary to end the uprising and arrest Imre Nagy Go to Hungary in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 The Kremlin imposes János Kádár on Hungary as head of a new government Go to Hungary in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 Communist activist Fidel Castro returns from Mexico to Cuba to organize guerrilla warfare against the Batista regime Go to Castro Ruz, Fidel (13 Aug. 1926) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba Mexico
1957	The FNLA is established, with US support, as a guerrilla group to fight for a non-communist independent Angola Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1958	The new hard-line Hungarian government headed by János Kádár tries and executes Imre Nagy Go to Kádár, János (b. 26 May 1912) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 Dictator Fulgencio Batista flees from Cuba, leaving Havana open to Fidel Castro and his victorious guerrillas Go to Batista y Zaldívar, Fulgencio (1901–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba
1959	Fidel Castro begins more than four decades of authoritarian rule in Cuba Go to Castro Ruz, Fidel (b. 13 Aug. 1927) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba Vice-president Richard Nixon engages in a 'kitchen debate' with Soviet leader Nikita Khruschev at a US exhibition in Moscow Go to Nixon, Richard M. (1913–1994) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War US presidents Europe Russia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States
1960	Soviet forces shoot down a US high-altitude U-2 spy plane and capture the pilot, Gary Powers Go to Powers, Gary in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 North America United States The Vietcong, or NLF, is formed as a guerrilla force to liberate South Vietnam from the US-backed government Go to Vietcong in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Communism War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900
1961	An invasion force of about 1500 Cuban exiles comes ashore in Cuba's Bay of Pigs in an attempt to topple the Castro regime Go to Bay of Pigs (April 1961) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba Two days after landing in the Bay of Pigs, 114 Cuban exiles are dead and about 1300 have been captured Go to Bay of Pigs (April 1961) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba The East German government erects the Berlin Wall to prevent an exodus of its citizens Go to Berlin Wall in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Terrorism and assassination War Germany Wars since 1900 Largely under the influence of Tito, a summit is held by nations eager to be non-aligned in the Cold War Go to Tito, Josip (b. 25 May 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900 Latin America
1962	US intelligence reveals nuclear missile bases under construction in Cuba, causing an international crisis Go to Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Weapons US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States President Kennedy sends the US navy to prevent delivery of Soviet missiles to Cuba Go to Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States A deal between President Kennedy and Soviet premier Khrushchev defuses the Cuban missile crisis Go to Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Weapons US presidents Europe Russia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States Fidel Castro releases, for $53 million in food and medicine, the Cuban exiles taken prisoner in the Bay of Pigs fiasco Go to Bay of Pigs (April 1961) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba
1963	British diplomat Kim Philby defects to the USSR and is discovered to have been a Soviet spy Go to Philby, Kim (1912–1988) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 Britain President Kennedy, in divided Berlin, makes the dramatic declaration: Ich bin ein Berliner ('I am a Berliner') See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War US presidents Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States Saloth Sar, changing his name to Pol Pot, begins to build up the Cambodian Communist party and Khmer Rouge Go to Pol Pot (b. 19 May 1928) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 The Partial Test Ban Treaty, signed by the USA, USSR and UK, is the first of many international attempts to limit the threat of nuclear war Go to Limited Test Ban Treaty in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Russia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States
1964	A reported incident in the Gulf of Tonkin triggers US intervention against North Vietnam, in a significant step towards the Vietnam War Go to Gulf of Tonkin incident (1964) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States A military junta seizes power in Bolivia, ending the 12-year left-wing regime of Paz Estenssoro Go to Bolivia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 Latin America South America
1965	US marines intervene in civil war in the Dominican Republic to prevent a communist takeover Go to Dominican Republic in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean North America United States
1966	Che Guevara arrives in Bolivia in the hope of fomenting a left-wing revolution Go to Guevara (de la Serna), Che (1928–1967) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Wars since 1900 Latin America South America
1967	Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara is captured and executed in Bolivia Go to Guevara (de la Serna), Che (1928–1967) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Wars since 1900 Latin America South America Nicolae Ceauşescu becomes president of the State Council of Romania Go to Ceausescu, Nicolae (b. 26 Jan. 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Wars since 1900
1968	Alexander Dubcek becomes first secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist party, following pressure for reform from party intellectuals Go to Dubček, Alexander (1921–92) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 New Czech leader Alexander Dubcek facilitates the Prague Spring, aiming in his words to provide 'socialism with a human face' Go to Prague Spring in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Social and domestic War Bohemia Czech Republic Society Wars since 1900 Soviet and Warsaw Pact troops invade Czechoslovakia to end the Prague Spring Go to Prague Spring in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 Reformist Czech leader Alexander Dubcek is arrested and flown to Moscow Go to Dubček, Alexander (27 Nov. 1921) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 Harvard academic Henry Kissinger is selected by President Nixon as his national security adviser Go to Kissinger, Henry Alfred (1923– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 North America United States
1969	Moscow imposes Gustav Husak as first secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party, with the brief to reverse Dubcek's reforms Go to Husák, Gustáv (b. 10 Jan. 1913) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900
1970	Salvador Allende, heading a Socialist and Marxist coalition, is elected president in Chile Go to Allende, Salvador (b. 26 July 1908) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Communism War China Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America Norodom Sihanouk is removed from power in Cambodia in a US-supported coup led by General Lon Nol Go to Lon Nol (b. 13 Nov. 1913) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900
1971	With support from Moscow, Erich Honecker takes Walter Ulbricht's place as leader of East Germany Go to Honecker, Erich (b. 25 Aug. 1912) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Communism War Germany Wars since 1900
1973	President Salvador Allende appoints Augusto Pinochet commander-in-chief of the Chilean army and brings him into the cabinet Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War China Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America Chilean president Salvador Allende dies in the Chilean capital, Santiago, in a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet Go to Allende, Salvador (b. 26 July 1908) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War China Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America
1974	Augusto Pinochet takes sole power in Chile, at the head of a junta which governs with extreme brutality Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War China Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America
1975	In Angola the USA and USSR fund rival guerrilla groups, MPLA and UNITA Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War Africa South Africa Wars since 1900 Cuban troops, sent by Castro to Angola, clash with South African forces attempting to combat communism Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Communism War Africa South Africa Wars since 1900 Latin America Cuba
1980	Electrician Lech Walesa emerges as the leader of a strike in the Gdansk shipyard in Poland Go to Wałesa, Lech (1943– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 A trade union, Solidarnośc (Solidarity), is formed by strikers in the Gdansk shipyard in Poland Go to Solidarity in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 Lech Walesa is elected chairman of the newly formed Polish trade union movement Solidarnośc (Solidarity) Go to Wałesa, Lech (1943– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Europe Poland Wars since 1900
1981	The Kremlin appoints a general, Wojciech Jaruzelski, as prime minister of Poland Go to Jaruzelski, Wojciech Witold (b. 6 July 1923) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 Polish prime minister Wojciech Jaruzelski imposes martial law and suspends Solidarnośc (Solidarity) Go to Jaruzelski, Wojciech Witold (b. 6 July 1923) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900
1982	The trade union movement Solidarnośc (Solidarity) is declared illegal by the Polish government Go to Solidarity in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression War Europe Poland Wars since 1900
1984	The CIA covertly arranges for mines to be laid in Nicaragua's harbours Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Terrorism and assassination War Wars since 1900 Latin America Central America
1985	New Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev brings glasnost ('openness') and perestroika ('reform') to the USSR Go to Gorbachev, Mikhail S. (1931– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 With the return of democracy to Bolivia, the 77-year-old Paz Estenssoro is once again elected president Go to Paz Estenssoro, Victor (b. 2 Oct. 1907) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 Latin America South America
1988	A cease-fire withdraws Cuban troops from Angola and South African forces from Angola and Namibia Go to Angola in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century War Africa South Africa Wars since 1900
1989	Elections in Poland bring Solidarnośc nation-wide success, and the party is soon at the head of a coalition government Go to Solidarity in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 Erich Honecker, leader of East Germany since 1971, is forced to resign after massive popular demonstrations Go to Honecker, Erich (25 Aug. 1912) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Germany Wars since 1900 Citizens of East Berlin demolish the Berlin Wall, in what proves a symbolic end to the Cold War Go to Berlin Wall in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Germany Wars since 1900 The Communist party relinquishes power without bloodshed in Czechoslovakia's Velvet Revolution Go to Velvet Revolution (1989) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 Nicolae Ceauşescu and his wife are captured and executed in a Romanian uprising Go to Ceauçescu, Nicolae (1918–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Wars since 1900 Alexander Dubcek is Speaker of Parliament and Václav Havel is President in the new democratic government of Czechoslovakia Go to Havel, Václav (5 Oct. 1936) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900
1990	Solidarnośc leader Lech Walesa wins Poland's first free presidential election Go to Wałęsa, Lech (29 Sept. 1943) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Europe Poland Wars since 1900

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date: 09 December 2023

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