Key Cold War Events & 21st-Century Conflicts
Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a major diplomatic confrontation during the Cold War. Cuba agreed to install Soviet nuclear missiles on its territory. Intense negotiations between President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Khrushchev led to the Soviets agreeing not to install the missiles.
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
A military conflict affecting North and South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The United States was involved from 1964-1973, ultimately withdrawing due to factors including the Domino Theory.
Great Leap Forward (1958-1961)
An economic plan implemented by Mao Zedong’s government in China. The goal was to transform the countryside through collective farms and steel production, but it resulted in widespread failure.
Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)
The final stage of Mao Zedong’s rule in China, marked by political purges and violence against perceived opposition.
Civil Rights Movement (1960s)
A social movement in the United States aimed at guaranteeing equality for Black people.
May 1968 Student Protests
A non-violent revolution that began in Paris, demanding social and sexual freedoms.
Détente (1968-1979)
The third phase of the Cold War, characterized by a decrease in tensions between the superpowers.
1973 Oil Crisis
An economic crisis triggered by a decrease in oil production, starting in 1973.
Ronald Reagan (Presidency: 1981-1989)
President of the United States, Reagan revived Cold War tensions and pressured the Soviet Union, contributing to its eventual collapse in 1991.
Deng Xiaoping (Leader of PRC from 1978)
Deng Xiaoping implemented significant economic reforms in China, allowing companies to significantly increase exports.
Mikhail Gorbachev (Leader of the Soviet Union, 1985-1991)
Gorbachev’s reforms were intended to prevent the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Decolonization (Post-1945)
The process by which colonies gained independence, often led by individuals educated in the Soviet Union or Western Europe.
Bandung Conference (1955)
A meeting held in Bandung, Indonesia, attended by countries from the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa.
Non-Aligned Movement
A movement of states that did not formally align with either of the two superpowers during the Cold War.
Multipolarity
An international system with more than two major powers.
Wars of Yugoslavia (1991-1995)
Conflicts resulting from the violent breakup of Yugoslavia after the end of the communist system. Yugoslavia separated into Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Croatia.
Kashmir Conflict
A territorial dispute between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir region, which has a Muslim-majority population.
21st-Century Socialism
An ideology based on Marxist ideas combined with democratic elections, seen in countries like Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador. It often advocates for protective tariffs.
FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia)
A Marxist guerrilla group founded in 1964 in Colombia, known for its conflict with the Colombian state and its financing through kidnapping and drug trafficking.
Islamic Fundamentalism
The application of Islamic law (Sharia) as a political, economic, and social framework.
Al Qaeda
A terrorist group founded by Osama bin Laden in 1988, responsible for attacks such as those on the Twin Towers.
ISIS/DAESH
A self-proclaimed Islamic state that carried out terrorist attacks in Western Europe, particularly around 2014.
Arab Spring
A series of revolts that began in Tunisia in 2010, aiming for improved conditions, an end to corruption, and the removal of existing governments. The uprisings often resulted in more Islamist regimes.