Cold War Timeline and Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards detailing key events, dates, and essential knowledge concepts of the Cold War from 1947 to 1962.

Truman Doctrine

A 1947 policy announced under President Harry Truman establishing U.S. support for countries resisting communist pressure.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

An agency founded in 1947 under President Harry Truman that carried out covert operations, including Operation PBSUCCESS and training Cuban exiles.

Organization of American States (OAS)

An organization founded in 1948 to promote political cooperation and diplomacy among countries of the Americas, which later excluded Castro's government from participation in 1962.

Moncada Barracks attack

A failed 1953 attack led by Fidel Castro against Batista's forces, resulting in Castro's imprisonment.

Operation PBSUCCESS

A 1953–1954 covert CIA campaign involving propaganda and support for anti-Árbenz forces in Guatemala.

1954 Guatemalan Coup

The resignation of President Jacobo Árbenz under CIA-backed pressure, leading to Carlos Castillo Armas later taking power.

Cuban Revolution

A campaign begun with guerrilla warfare following Castro's return in 1956 that succeeded in 1959 when Batista fled and Fidel Castro came to power.

Bay of Pigs invasion

A failed 1961 invasion in which CIA-trained Cuban exiles attempted to overthrow Fidel Castro.

Cuban Missile Crisis

An October 1962 confrontation caused by Soviet missiles in Cuba that brought the U.S. and USSR close to nuclear conflict before Kennedy and Khrushchev reached a settlement.