1.3 The Cold War Intensifies Flashcards
Why was nato created?
Stalin’s threat to Berlin and the communist takeover of Czech.
(If one memeber was attacked all the members would come to their aid.
What caused the formation of the Warsaw pact?
West Germany joining NATO in may 1955
(Armed and powerful West Germany on border of soviot controlled Eastern Europe.
When does Khrushchev make his speech criticising Stalin?
Feb 56
When does Rakosi fall from power in Hungary?
July 56
When do Budapest protest about communist rule turn to riots?
October 56
When does Khrushchev agree Nagy can be priminster?
24 oct 56
When does Nagy annouce Hungary is leaving the Warsaw pact?
3 nov 56
When do soviets return to Budapest and after a bloody battle gain control?
4 nov 56
What were Nagy’s reforms?
- non-communist parties
- immediate release of political prisoners
- persuaded Khrushchev to withdraw soviot troops from Hungary.
Was Krushschev prepared to accept the reforms if they calmed the unrest in Hungary?
Yes
Why did people begin to protest in Hungary?
- lack of political freedoms
- problems created by fuel shortages and poor harvests
- poor living standards
- fear of the secret police
- the economy was controlled by the soviots through Comecon
Why could Khrushchev not allow Nagy to leave the Warsaw pact?
Because if Hungary broke away other Eastern European countries (whole stratergy with surrounding soviots with communist goverments woukd br under threat.
What did Nagy and his supporters mis calculate about Khrushchev?
They thought his criticism of Stalin would lead to a softer approach on the satellite states- they were very wrong
Why did the US not get invloved in the Hungarian uprising?
They had a policy of containment meaning they would use military action to stop communisy spreading but it was not prepared to interfere in the affairs of an existing communist country.
(And they Did not want to risk a nuclear war)
When did studient demonstations begin in Budapest dmeanding free elections and withdraw of soviet troops?
23 oct 56
What did the Hungarian uprising do for khrushchev?
- made his position much more secure
- he became more confident in dealing with the US as he knew they were unlikely to take military action
How many people were polictical prisoners in Hunngary pre Nagy?
200,000
What did Stalin’s death in 53 cause
- a 3 year power struggle(Khrushchev comes in during 1956)
- khrushchev’s crisisism of his policies(khrushchev suggested peaceful co-existance with the west)
- hope on both sides as new leaders coild reduce tensions and find a solution for the expensive arms race(added by Khrushchev critisising Stalin)
- de stalinization
- due to Khrushchev critising Stalin, soviet authority in East europe decreases as they look to take advantage of Khrushchev’s approach by getting more freedom-UNTIL hungarian uprising
When do the soviets develop the atom bomb?
1949
When do the USA and soviets get the atom bomb
USA: -1945
Soviets: -1949
When do the USA and soviets get the hydrogen bomb?
USA: 1952
Soviets: 1953
When do the USA and soviets successfully test ICBMs?
USA: 1957
Soviets: 1957
Why was being the only country with the atom bomb important to the USA(until 1949)?
It made them feel secure and was an important counter as the soviets had more conventional weapons
How many times more powerful is a hydrogen bomb than a nuclear bomb?
1000 times more powerful
