Cold War Heats Up

Fulgencio Batista

Dictator of Cuba before the Cuban Revolution, known for corruption and human rights violations.

Fidel Castro

Leader of the Cuban Revolution who aimed to overthrow Batista and establish a socialist government in Cuba.

Cuban Revolution

The uprising led by Fidel Castro to overthrow Batista's government in Cuba.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

A failed CIA-led invasion of Cuba in 1961 aimed at overthrowing Fidel Castro.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

An alleged attack on U.S. ships by North Vietnam that led to increased U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

Vietnamization

Nixon's policy of withdrawing U.S. troops from Vietnam and transferring military responsibility to South Vietnam.

Détente

A policy aimed at reducing Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Glasnost

A policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev that promoted openness and transparency in government in the Soviet Union.

The Fall of Saigon

Event marking the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, leading to the reunification of Vietnam under communist control.

My Lai Massacre

Incident in 1968 where U.S. soldiers killed hundreds of Vietnamese civilians, impacting public opinion on the Vietnam War.

Kent State Massacre

1970 event where National Guard shot and killed four students during a Vietnam War protest, influencing anti-war sentiment.

Viet Cong

Guerrilla fighters in South Vietnam who supported communism during the Vietnam War.

Tiananmen Square

Site in Beijing where pro-democracy protests occurred in 1989, ending in military suppression.

Reagan Doctrine

U.S. foreign policy that increased support for anti-communist movements around the world during Reagan's presidency.

Nikita Khrushchev

Soviet Premier during the early Cold War known for his roles in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Agent Orange

Herbicide used by the U.S. during the Vietnam War, causing severe health issues for veterans and Vietnamese civilians.

Nixon's Foreign Policy

Characterized by détente with the Soviets, opening relations with China, and Vietnamization.