The document summarizes several Cold War conflicts between communist and capitalist nations from 1950 to the 1960s. It describes the division and wars in Korea and Vietnam, where the US and UN supported South Korea and South Vietnam against communist North Korea, China, and North Vietnam. It also discusses the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, when the US and USSR came close to nuclear war over Soviet nuclear missiles placed in Cuba. Finally, it notes the competition for influence between the US and USSR in newly independent African nations after World War II.

1. Cold War Conflicts

2. KoreaAfter WWII, Korea was dividedNorth Korea was communistSouth Korea was anti-communist

3. Korean War (1950-1953)North Koreans invaded South KoreaSupplied by USSR and China who wanted to unite the two Koreas under a communist governmentThe United Nations (UN) sent troops (mostly Americans) to protect South Korea and to stop the spread of communismThe Chinese sent troops into North Korea to fight the UNArmistice (ceasefire) signed (1953)The border between North and South Korea was set at the 38th Parallel (38 ۫۫ N latitude)Communism was contained and South Korea remained non-communist

4. VietnamVietnam was divided (1955)North Vietnam was communistLed by Ho Chi MinhSupported by China and the Soviet UnionSouth Vietnam was anti-communistSupported by the U.S. and France

5. Vietnam War (1957-1975)Vietnam War (1957-1975)Viet Cong communist guerrillas tried to take over South VietnamBacked by North Vietnam, China, and USSR

6. U.S. involvement in Vietnam (1960s - 1973)U.S. sent money, weapons, and military advisors to South VietnamU.S. began sending troops to Vietnam (1964)1.5 million Vietnamese and 58,000 Americans diedAmericans were bitterly divided over warAnti-war protests push U.S. to end warU.S. withdrew troops from Vietnam (1969-1973)Communists took over South Vietnam (1975)Vietnam reunited as communist nationU.S. failed to contain communism

7. CubaCuba was communistLed by Fidel CastroSupported by the Soviet Union

8. The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)Soviet Union brought nuclear missiles to CubaAmerican spy planes took photos of the missile sitesHuge threat to U.S. security!Cuba is only 90 miles away from the U.S.Missiles could easily reach major U.S. citiesThe U.S. and the Soviets came very close to nuclear warU.S. President John F. Kennedy demanded that the Soviets remove the missiles from CubaCuba was blockaded by the U.S. navy until the Soviets agreed to remove the missilesNikita Khrushchev, the Soviet leader, agreed to remove the missiles as long as the U.S. agreed not to invade Cuba and nuclear war was avoided!

9. Struggle for Influence in AfricaAfter WWII, African nations began fighting for independenceThe United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence in the African countriesGave money and military aid Tried to spread their ideasSome African nations chose not to take sides