Category Archives: Cold War

Berlin salutes Robert Kennedy 50 years ago today (1962)

1960s, Cold War

(Thursday, February 22, 1962) — U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy flew to West Berlin today and pledged a new American determination to stand by the isolated city. Huge and emotional crowds greeted Kennedy today as he began a two-day visit. Continue reading Berlin salutes Robert Kennedy 50 years ago today (1962) →

Coup attempt against Gorbachev collapses 20 years ago today

1990s, Cold War


1991 Soviet Coup 2of3

(Wednesday, August 21, 1991)— Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev was said to be back in power today and returning to Moscow as the right-wing coup against him collapsed and its leaders reportedly fled. Continue reading Coup attempt against Gorbachev collapses 20 years ago today →

Resistance to Soviet takeover grows 20 years ago today

1990s, Cold War

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS66DJCXsaw
Tanks on the Moscow Streets - Vremya, TV program (August 20, 1991)

(Tuesday, August 20, 1991) — The leaders of the Kremlin coup, facing increased opposition, responded today with a curfew. This was understood as a sign that an attack on the White House, a government building in Moscow, was imminent.

Kennedy warns Khrushchev about Berlin

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwuakgMmhhE
President John F. Kennedy's 13th News Conference, June 28, 1961

(Wednesday, June 28, 1961) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy, in his 13th news conference as president, challenged the Soviet Union today to accept the principle of “self-determination” in Berlin—”and indeed in Europe.”

Kennedy warns of miscalculation

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzGlXZEsUAY

(Friday, June 2, 1961, 1:15 p.m. local time) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy said today it is important that there be no miscalculation on either party at this weekend’s Vienna summit with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev during a news conference in Paris.

Vice President Johnson concludes Asia trip

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCT87WGdeb8

(Wednesday, May 24, 1961) — U.S. Vice President Lyndon Johnson flew into Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, today, concluding a 15-day globe circling tour that took him to seven nations threatened by Communists, including South Vietnam.

Kennedy asks Canada to be partner in hemisphere aid

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUrD4-xz99E
Kennedy arrives at House of Commons, May 17, 1961

(Wednesday, May 17, 1961) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy urged Canada today to become a partner with the United States in Western Hemisphere affairs. In a speech to Parliament he declared his belief that “all the free members of the Organization of American States would be heartened and strengthened by any increase in your hemispheric role.”  Continue reading Kennedy asks Canada to be partner in hemisphere aid →

Kennedy strains injured back

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMQiNNQdih8
JFK tree planting (@ 1:39)

(Tuesday, May 16, 1961) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy, having just arrived for a state visit in Ottawa, Canada, badly strained his injured back tonight during a tree planting ceremony on the lawn of Government House. It couldn’t have happened at a worse time. He would be dependent on massive injections of painkillers as he faced Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in Vienna next month.

JFK pledges bigger U.S. space effort

1960s, Cold War, space exploration, U.S. Presidents

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WbYKkcP7vM

(Friday, May 5, 1961, 3:30pm ET) — President John F. Kennedy hailed his nation’s first manned shot into space today, and pledged “a substantially larger effort in that field” during a news conference. Continue reading JFK pledges bigger U.S. space effort →