12.1_2 Flashcards
Q: What territories did Germany lose after WWII?
A: East Prussia, territories to Poland, and Soviet annexations.
Q: What did the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact lead to by the end of WWII?
A: Soviet annexation of Polish and German territories.
Q: How did post-WWII Soviet expansion affect Eastern Europe?
A: It became part of the Soviet bloc.
Q: What were the post-WWII zones of control in Germany?
A: Soviet, American, British, French zones.
Q: How was Berlin divided post-WWII?
A: Into four zones; East Berlin under Soviet control, West Berlin under Allied control.
Q: What did Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech signify?
A: The division between Soviet-controlled East and the West.
Q: Why was there mistrust between the Allies and the Soviet Union during WWII?
A: U.S. support for Mensheviks, Soviet non-aggression pact with Germany, and secrecy around the atomic bomb.
Q: How did the U.S. and Soviet views on post-war Europe differ?
A: U.S. focused on economic aid; USSR sought buffer zones.
Q: What was the Truman Doctrine’s purpose?
A: To contain communism, starting with aid to Greece and Turkey.
Q: What impact did the Marshall Plan have on Europe?
A: It provided economic aid for Western Europe’s recovery.
Q: What led to the Berlin Airlift, and its outcome?
A: Stalin’s blockade; airlift ended it without conflict.
Q: Describe NATO and the Warsaw Pact’s formation reasons.
A: To oppose each other; NATO against Soviet aggression, Warsaw Pact against NATO.
Q: What was the significance of the U.S. supporting the Mensheviks?
A: It fueled Soviet mistrust.
Q: How did the atomic bomb secrecy impact Soviet-American relations?
A: It deepened mistrust and led to an arms race.
Q: What was the effect of the U.S. not informing the USSR about the atomic bomb?
A: Increased Soviet suspicions and Cold War tensions.
Q: How did Stalin’s perception of the Allied invasion delay affect relations?
A: It contributed to Soviet mistrust and post-war tensions.
Q: What role did the UN play during the early Cold War?
A: A forum for U.S. and Soviet influence on smaller nations.
Q: Why was Truman considered unprepared for the presidency?
A: Roosevelt didn’t prepare him for post-war challenges.
Q: How did Roosevelt’s and Churchill’s health affect Yalta Conference decisions?
A: Possibly led to weaker Western positions and concessions.
Q: What was Stalin’s goal in creating a buffer zone in Eastern Europe?
A: To protect the USSR from future Western aggression.
Q: Why did the Allies combine their zones in Germany?
A: To form West Germany, opposing Soviet-controlled East Germany.
Q: How did the Berlin Airlift challenge Soviet policies?
A: Demonstrated Western commitment to oppose Soviet blockade.
Q: What was the immediate post-war fate of East Prussia?
A: Annexed by the USSR and Poland.