Loading...
6. World War II and the Cold WarLoading...
1941
Japanese warplanes attack US fleet at Pearl Harbour in
Hawaii, leading to US joining World War II against the Axis powers.
Hawaii, leading to US joining World War II against the Axis powers.
1945
US drops two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Japan surrenders.
Japan surrenders.
1947
US enunciates policy of aid for nations it deems threatened
by communism in what became known as the Truman Doctrine.
Cold War with Soviet Union begins.
by communism in what became known as the Truman Doctrine.
Cold War with Soviet Union begins.
1948
1948 - America's programme to revive ailing post-war European
economies - the Marshall Plan - comes into force. Some $13bn is
disbursed over four years and the plan is regarded as a success.
economies - the Marshall Plan - comes into force. Some $13bn is
disbursed over four years and the plan is regarded as a success.
1950-54
Senator Joseph McCarthy carries out a crusade against
alleged communists in government and public life; the campaign
and its methods become known as McCarthyism. In 1954 McCarthy
is formally censured by the Senate.
alleged communists in government and public life; the campaign
and its methods become known as McCarthyism. In 1954 McCarthy
is formally censured by the Senate.
