The Cold War wasn't just one massive conflict - it... Show more
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
6
1
milly
08/12/2025
History
GCSE Cold War Event Notes
259
•
8 Dec 2025
•
GCSE Notes: Cold War Key Events
milly
@mmch07
1 / 10
Key Cold War Dates (1947-1991)
Memorising these dates might seem boring, but they're absolutely crucial for your exams! The Cold War timeline spans from 1947 to 1991, covering everything from the Truman Doctrine to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The early years (1947-1949) were packed with major developments. You've got the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Aid in 1947, followed by the formation of NATO and the Berlin Airlift in 1949. These events show how quickly tensions escalated after World War II ended.
The middle period includes massive crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) and the Prague Spring (1968). The later dates show détente and eventual peace, with treaties like SALT I (1972) and the INF Treaty (1987) leading to the Cold War's end in 1991.
Exam Tip: Focus on clustering dates by themes - like treaties, crises, or leadership changes. This makes them much easier to remember!
The Big Three Wartime Conferences
These three conferences basically shaped the post-war world - and set up all the Cold War tensions you'll study later. Tehran (1943), Yalta (February 1945), and Potsdam (July 1945) show how the wartime alliance gradually fell apart.
At Tehran, things were still quite friendly. The leaders agreed on D-Day, plans for Japan, and moving Poland's borders. Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin were still working together against their common enemy - Nazi Germany.
Yalta was the last time they really cooperated properly. They sorted out Germany's future (divided zones, reparations, demilitarisation) and agreed on democratic elections for liberated countries. The United Nations was also planned here.
By Potsdam, everything had changed. Roosevelt was dead, Churchill lost the election, and America had the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb revelation created massive distrust between Truman and Stalin, setting up decades of Cold War tension.
Key Point: Each conference shows the alliance getting weaker - from cooperation at Tehran to serious mistrust at Potsdam.
Hungary 1956: When Reform Went Too Far
The Hungarian Revolution perfectly shows what happened when Soviet satellite states pushed for too much freedom. After Stalin died, de-Stalinisation began, but Hungary's situation was desperate - food was being shipped to Russia and the communist leader Rakosi was absolutely ruthless.
Imre Nagy came to power as a more liberal leader, but he went way too far for Moscow's liking. He wanted Hungary to leave the Warsaw Pact, hold free elections, and get UN protection from the Soviet Union. For Khrushchev, this was completely unacceptable.
The Soviet response was brutal - 200,000 troops invaded to remove Nagy from power. Many Hungarians were killed, and Nagy himself was executed. However, the new leader Kadar was more moderate, making Hungary one of the better communist countries to live in.
This crisis showed the limits of reform in Eastern Europe. The Soviets would tolerate some changes, but leaving their sphere of influence was absolutely forbidden.
Remember: Hungary 1956 proves that détente had strict boundaries - economic reform was okay, but political independence wasn't.
Czechoslovakia 1968: The Prague Spring Crushed
The Prague Spring was another attempt at reform that went too far for Soviet comfort. Czechoslovakia's economy was failing, Novotny was deeply unpopular, and de-Stalinisation was happening too slowly for many Czechs and Slovaks.
Alexander Dubček introduced the Prague Spring reforms, creating "socialism with a human face." This meant reduced police power, trade with the West, and freedom of travel and politics. For ordinary Czechoslovaks, this was brilliant - but Moscow was terrified.
The Soviets worried that Czechoslovakia might leave the Warsaw Pact entirely. Even though Dubček promised to stay communist and signed the Bratislava Declaration, it wasn't enough. When Albania left the Warsaw Pact, Soviet fears intensified.
400,000 troops from Warsaw Pact countries invaded in August 1968. Dubček was arrested, all reforms were stopped, and censorship returned. The message was clear - reform could only go so far before Soviet tanks would roll in.
Interesting fact: There was an unspoken deal that if America didn't intervene in Czechoslovakia, the USSR wouldn't interfere in Vietnam.
Cuban Missile Crisis: 13 Days That Nearly Ended the World
The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest the world ever came to nuclear war. It all started because Cuba had become communist under Fidel Castro, replacing the US-friendly dictator Batista, and America wasn't happy about having a communist neighbour.
The Bay of Pigs invasion (1961) was a complete disaster for America. The CIA trained Cuban exiles to invade and overthrow Castro, but 1,400 invaders faced 20,000 Cuban troops who actually supported their government. This failure pushed Cuba firmly into Soviet arms.
By 1962, the USSR was placing nuclear missiles in Cuba that could reach American cities. When U2 spy planes photographed the missile sites, panic began in Washington. Kennedy's ExComm team had to decide between military action and negotiation.
The crisis was resolved through secret diplomacy. Khrushchev agreed to remove missiles from Cuba if America promised never to invade Cuba and secretly removed missiles from Turkey. Both leaders avoided nuclear war, but it was terrifyingly close.
Critical Point: This crisis led to the "hotline" between Washington and Moscow and several arms control treaties - nobody wanted to get that close to nuclear war again.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Cuban Missile Crisis
Most popular content in History
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE Notes: Cold War Key Events
milly
@mmch07
The Cold War wasn't just one massive conflict - it was decades of tension, negotiations, and close calls between the superpowers. Understanding the key dates and major events helps you see how this global standoff developed and eventually ended.
Key Cold War Dates (1947-1991)
Memorising these dates might seem boring, but they're absolutely crucial for your exams! The Cold War timeline spans from 1947 to 1991, covering everything from the Truman Doctrine to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The early years (1947-1949) were packed with major developments. You've got the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Aid in 1947, followed by the formation of NATO and the Berlin Airlift in 1949. These events show how quickly tensions escalated after World War II ended.
The middle period includes massive crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) and the Prague Spring (1968). The later dates show détente and eventual peace, with treaties like SALT I (1972) and the INF Treaty (1987) leading to the Cold War's end in 1991.
Exam Tip: Focus on clustering dates by themes - like treaties, crises, or leadership changes. This makes them much easier to remember!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Big Three Wartime Conferences
These three conferences basically shaped the post-war world - and set up all the Cold War tensions you'll study later. Tehran (1943), Yalta (February 1945), and Potsdam (July 1945) show how the wartime alliance gradually fell apart.
At Tehran, things were still quite friendly. The leaders agreed on D-Day, plans for Japan, and moving Poland's borders. Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin were still working together against their common enemy - Nazi Germany.
Yalta was the last time they really cooperated properly. They sorted out Germany's future (divided zones, reparations, demilitarisation) and agreed on democratic elections for liberated countries. The United Nations was also planned here.
By Potsdam, everything had changed. Roosevelt was dead, Churchill lost the election, and America had the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb revelation created massive distrust between Truman and Stalin, setting up decades of Cold War tension.
Key Point: Each conference shows the alliance getting weaker - from cooperation at Tehran to serious mistrust at Potsdam.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Hungary 1956: When Reform Went Too Far
The Hungarian Revolution perfectly shows what happened when Soviet satellite states pushed for too much freedom. After Stalin died, de-Stalinisation began, but Hungary's situation was desperate - food was being shipped to Russia and the communist leader Rakosi was absolutely ruthless.
Imre Nagy came to power as a more liberal leader, but he went way too far for Moscow's liking. He wanted Hungary to leave the Warsaw Pact, hold free elections, and get UN protection from the Soviet Union. For Khrushchev, this was completely unacceptable.
The Soviet response was brutal - 200,000 troops invaded to remove Nagy from power. Many Hungarians were killed, and Nagy himself was executed. However, the new leader Kadar was more moderate, making Hungary one of the better communist countries to live in.
This crisis showed the limits of reform in Eastern Europe. The Soviets would tolerate some changes, but leaving their sphere of influence was absolutely forbidden.
Remember: Hungary 1956 proves that détente had strict boundaries - economic reform was okay, but political independence wasn't.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Czechoslovakia 1968: The Prague Spring Crushed
The Prague Spring was another attempt at reform that went too far for Soviet comfort. Czechoslovakia's economy was failing, Novotny was deeply unpopular, and de-Stalinisation was happening too slowly for many Czechs and Slovaks.
Alexander Dubček introduced the Prague Spring reforms, creating "socialism with a human face." This meant reduced police power, trade with the West, and freedom of travel and politics. For ordinary Czechoslovaks, this was brilliant - but Moscow was terrified.
The Soviets worried that Czechoslovakia might leave the Warsaw Pact entirely. Even though Dubček promised to stay communist and signed the Bratislava Declaration, it wasn't enough. When Albania left the Warsaw Pact, Soviet fears intensified.
400,000 troops from Warsaw Pact countries invaded in August 1968. Dubček was arrested, all reforms were stopped, and censorship returned. The message was clear - reform could only go so far before Soviet tanks would roll in.
Interesting fact: There was an unspoken deal that if America didn't intervene in Czechoslovakia, the USSR wouldn't interfere in Vietnam.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Cuban Missile Crisis: 13 Days That Nearly Ended the World
The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest the world ever came to nuclear war. It all started because Cuba had become communist under Fidel Castro, replacing the US-friendly dictator Batista, and America wasn't happy about having a communist neighbour.
The Bay of Pigs invasion (1961) was a complete disaster for America. The CIA trained Cuban exiles to invade and overthrow Castro, but 1,400 invaders faced 20,000 Cuban troops who actually supported their government. This failure pushed Cuba firmly into Soviet arms.
By 1962, the USSR was placing nuclear missiles in Cuba that could reach American cities. When U2 spy planes photographed the missile sites, panic began in Washington. Kennedy's ExComm team had to decide between military action and negotiation.
The crisis was resolved through secret diplomacy. Khrushchev agreed to remove missiles from Cuba if America promised never to invade Cuba and secretly removed missiles from Turkey. Both leaders avoided nuclear war, but it was terrifyingly close.
Critical Point: This crisis led to the "hotline" between Washington and Moscow and several arms control treaties - nobody wanted to get that close to nuclear war again.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
6
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Cuban Missile Crisis
Most popular content in History
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user