History FInal essays

Korean War (1950–1953)

What happened:
North Korea (backed by the Soviet Union and China) invaded South Korea (backed by the United States and UN forces).
Fighting ended in a stalemate, with no official peace treaty.
Why it mattered:
One of the first "hot wars" of the Cold War.
Millions died, and Korea remained divided.
Showed the global reach of Cold War tensions.

Korean Division at the 38th Parallel

What happened:
After WWII, Korea was split along the 38th parallel:
North Korea became communist.
South Korea became democratic/capitalist.
Why it mattered:
The division still exists today.
Became a symbol of the Cold War divide between communism and capitalism.
Created long-term regional instability.

Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979–1989)

What happened:
The USSR invaded Afghanistan to support a pro-Soviet communist government facing internal rebellion.
Met strong resistance from Afghan fighters (Mujahideen).
Why it mattered:
Often called the "Soviet Vietnam" — expensive, unpopular, and unwinnable.
Weakened the USSR economically and politically.
Helped speed up the collapse of the Soviet Union.

U.S. Support of Mujahideen

What happened:
The U.S. secretly gave weapons and training to the Mujahideen (anti-Soviet fighters)
Part of the Reagan Doctrine—supporting anti-communist resistance worldwide.
Why it mattered:
Turned Afghanistan into a Cold War battlefield.
Some Mujahideen later formed groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, with lasting consequences.
Showed how Cold War alliances could have long-term global effects.

Formation of NATO and Warsaw Pact

What happened:
NATO (1949): U.S.-led military alliance to defend against Soviet aggression.
Warsaw Pact (1955): Soviet-led alliance in response, including Eastern Bloc countries.
Why it mattered:
Formalized the division of the world into two armed camps.
Increased military buildup and tensions across Europe.
Many proxy wars were fought under these alliances.

Vietnam War, Angola, and Latin American Proxy Conflicts

What happened:
Vietnam War: U.S. tried to stop the spread of communism

Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)

What happened:
After years of protests and weakening Soviet influence, East Germany opened the Berlin Wall.
Crowds from East and West Berlin tore it down.
Why it mattered:
Symbolized the end of the Cold War and collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.
Led to the reunification of Germany.
Signaled the decline of Soviet power globally.