3) The Cold War 1956-84 Flashcards
1
Q
How was the Hungarian crisis dealt with successfully by the ussr?
A
- 30th October issued ‘Decleration of Principles of Development’ and a further strengthening of friendship and Cooperation between the USSR and other socalist countries- attempted to provide mutual agreement for soviet military bases in E.Europe (but did not stop Nagy wanting to withdraw from Warsaw Pact)
- Nagy executed and uprising crushed
- Eisenhower made clear usa would not be involved
- 200,000 hungarians fled to Austria before boarder copsed
- Khrushchev re-installed iron curtain
2
Q
How did US policy respond to the Hungary crisis?
A
- USA’s radio free Europe encouraged Hungarians to revolt (promote anti-soviet propaganda)
- Hungarians were led to believe that NATO would intervene but that was very unrealistic
- Eisenhower made it clear that NATO would not save Nagy. And ordered secretary of state John Foster to declare that the USA wasn’t interested in the independence of the satellite states as they weren’t seen as military allies
3
Q
What was the Suez crisis and Hungary?
A
- GB, Fra, and Israel wanted Nasser removed from power, and they used nationalisation of the Suez canal as an excuse
- October 16th 1956 GB and Fra sent 80,000 troops to protect the canal. Israel the attacked on 29th October meant GB and Fra demanded withdrawal of forces, which Nasser refused
- 31st Oct GB bombed Egypt’s airfields
- Khrushchev was convinced Nasser would be removed quickly which would setback Hungary and Ussr might never recover
- Nov 4th Soviet troops advanced into Hungary and Kader, a soviet loyal govt, was installed
4
Q
How did the US intervene in the Suez crisis?
A
- Nasser saved by Americans. Khrusuchev had viewed the Suez as an attempt by GB and Fra to support their empires
- Eisenhower refused to support as he was being elected.
- Attack condemned by the UN and refused loan to GB
- Eisenhower halted fighting on 6th Nov via diplomatic financial pressure on London and Paris- determined to prevent soviet attempts at increasing influence in middle east
5
Q
What was the soviet missile threat after the Suez and Hungary crisis?
A
- Khrushchev exploited split in western alliance
- 5th Nov threatened nuclear missile attacks on Gb, Fra and Israel if the didnt stoo the war
- West aware that Ussr were bluffing but it now looked as if western forces had stopped due to soviet threats and not USA pressure
- Khrushchev could now claim defeat over the ‘imperialists’
6
Q
What was the aftermath of the Hungary and Suez crisis?
A
- Showed how hard it was for Soviet to encourage reform in satellite states without them demanding democratic regimes
- Khrushchev became convinced weaponry threats could weaken the west to make concessions in Berlin- nuclear policy, Sputnik in oct 1957 and first ICBM in Aug 1957
Moscow conference Oct 1957:
* recognised Ussr as ‘first and mightiest’ of socialist countries
* Made clear communist leaders under pressure could appeal to soviet bloc for ‘mutual aid’
* Economic help given to satellite states by Ussr (But must stick to soviet policies)- Led to break with Tito
* Dulles warned Khrushchev that he was the ‘most dangerous person to lead the USSR since the october rev’- Khrushchev didn’t calculate risks
7
Q
What were the issues concerning German rearmament?
A
- Allies agreed in wartime that Ger should be demilitarised
- By 1949 the cold war and soviet agression in E. Europe changed the attitude especially for the USA
- Adenauer was keen for Germany to regain military strength and argued that West Ger needed a strong military to stop any soviet threats- strengthened by the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 when communist North Korea invaded the south. Ulbricht supported North Korea and suggested to reunite Ger in the same manner
8
Q
How did the USSR respond to the rearmament of west Germany?
A
- Stalin’s note 1952: proposed a united neutral Germany, with free elections supervised by the 4 powers
- The NATO countries feared this new Ger would be an open plane of the soviets to invade and rejected
9
Q
When was west Germany admitted to NATO and give details of what happened?
A
- 1955 Adenauer’s wish was granted
- Compulsary military service began in 1955 and by 1961 the west ger army was the second largest in NATO, 35,000 men
- To counter this threat Stalin created the Warsaw Pact, the USSR also began to expand the east Ger army- NVA
10
Q
Describe the situation in West Ger
A
- did not want to get involved at Berlin
- 1953 Adenauer re-elected
- 1955 joined NATO and allowed an army to oppose ussr threat
11
Q
Describe the situation in East Ger
A
- post Stalin’s death Ulbricht continued regime- collectivisation, heavy industry
- poor living conitions, coal and electricity rationed
- Ulbricht tolerated no opposition
- Beria executed- Stalin’s henchmen guilty of brutality
- After its formation 1949 675,000 east germans fled to West germany
- Kremlin leaders begged him to soften
- Workers began protesting- 40 killed, thousands arrested
- Big resentment for non communist leaders and deeply embarassed at poor economic situation
12
Q
What happened at the East German uprising?
A
- 16th of June 1953 riots broke out protesting for higher wages and more political freedom
- The govt appealed to the soviets, and on June 17th backed by tanks soviet troops suppressed the riots
- 125 killed, 19 in East Belrin
13
Q
What was the US reaction to the East Berlin uprising?
A
- Despite pledge to liberate Eastern Europe, Eisenhower did not interfere
- US believed sight of Soviet troops would persuade voters to re-elect Adenaeur
- But there was a danger USA would seem lazy, so Eisenhower launched 2 pronged strategy- USA would respond to pressure of public opinion in West Ger for intervention in East Ger by calling for foreign ministers meeting
- Broadcasts from west Berlin radio did all it could to prolongue demonstrations- strengthening Adenauer and he won in Sept
14
Q
What happened at the Berlin conference 25th Jan to 18th Feb?
A
- By 1954 conference hopes for a united Ger had ended
- Beria (was most keen for united Ger) had been arrested and executed
- USSR feared western proposal of free elections would lead to anti-communist vote
- Western powers feared a neutral Ger not in NATO was vulnerable to the USSR
- Remained deadlocked
15
Q
What was the ‘Thaw’?
A
- Came after 1953 and was followed by a series of summits betwee Eisenhower and Khrushchev
- Period of hope with more cooperation
- Happened after the death of Stalin and Eisenhower’s election
- Korean armistace signed in Geneva showed a promise of more cooperation
- ‘Peaceful cooperation’
16
Q
What was the Austrian state treaty 1955?
A
- Soviets wanted to mimic their policy towards Ger for Austria
- After war, USSR favoured a unified Ger and like Ger Austria had been divided up into occupation zones and the USSR received economic aid from Austria, like with Ger
- May 1955 the 4 powers reached an agreement to withdraw all occupying powers from Austria and declared it a neutral state
- Showed a serious intent towards mutual cooperation
- Following this western powers removed occupying forces from West Ger
- Khrushchev hoped this would lead to decisions on Ger
17
Q
What was Khrushchev worried about going into the 1955 Geneva summit?
A
- First meeting of powers since Potsdam
- Khrushchev accepted need for more flexible soviet policy, big incentive to slow down the arms race
- Khrushchev needed to promote internal economic development and a less confrontational relationship with the west, protecting the USSR’s national security
- West Ger had just been allowed into NATO and Khrushchev feared West Ger could become very powerful
- USA had agreed to permanently troops in Europe, concerning Khrushchev
18
Q
What were the outcomes of the Geneva summit 1955?
A
- Cultural exchange of scientists, musicians, artists between USA and USSR
- ‘Open skies’ proposal- Eisenhower proposed inspections of each other’s nuclear arsenals and allow ariel reconnaissence, moving towards disarmament
- Khrushchev rejected the proposal as he was aware soviets had nothing comparable to the U2 plane
- Korean armistace was confirmed- Dulles was relluctant and walked out of the conference
Future of Germany:
* Eisenhower proposed unified Ger with free elections and Ger’s freedom (would essentially become oart of NATO)
* Khrushchev would only accept a demilitarised and neutral Ger. Also refused to discuss future of eastern states
* IMPOSSIBLE TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT
19
Q
How did the Geneva summit 1955 develop diplomatic relations between USSR and USA?
A
Inspired wider diplomacy and layed foundations for peaceful coexistence:
- 1958 Camp David
- 1960 Paris
- 1961 Vienna
20
Q
Describe the Polish crisis and how it was resolved
A
- Summer 1956 Wanted change from Stalinist regime- Polish workers, in Pozan, demonstrated for bread and freedom from the ussr- 74 people killed, 300 injured
- Uprising fuelled rebellion, support from workers of comm party- Gomulka
- K tried to threaten Gomulka, but he refused, insisting polish troops would resist any armed intevention
- Gomulka promised to stay in Warsaw Pact, communism allowed to prevail in Poland
- Khrsuchev allowed Poles to choose own path: Gomulka hated collectivisation
- Soviets still in control but showed that sometimes could be overthrown/ outgunned
21
Q
Describe the reasons for the Hungary crisis
A
- Rakosi- dictator
- Mikoyan sent to warn Rakosi and remove him from power
- Comm supporters wanted independent leader, Nagy
- Inspired by Polish crisis 1956
- Khrushchev put pressure on Hungarian comm party to replaces Rakosi with Gero (more liberal)
22
Q
What were Khrushchev’s aims for Berlin in 1958?
A
- Confident he could force the Usa into concessions over Berlin
- Planned to grossly over-exaggerate the extent of soviet nuclear power to put pressure on West berlin
- Wanted to stop/delay NATOs decision to equip FRG with nuclear weapons
- Overall wanted a German peace treaty and western withdrawal from Berlin
23
Q
What were the events of the Hungary crisis?
A
- 23rd October 1956 Budapest demonstration- wanted freedom from ussr. Nagy misjudged and assumed they wanted communism- met with fire bombs and machine guns
- Nagy arranged ceasefire with Russian tanks
- Suez canal attacked by Gb and France- hungarians and USA furious
- Nagy declared neutrality from Warsaw pact
- Nov 4th 1956 red army re-entered hungary
- Ussr mobilized 30,000 troops with tanks
24
Q
Why did the Berlin Crisis occur 1958-1961?
A
- 1956 acted in loyalty to Ussr, contrasting Hungary and Poland
- GDR very fragile
- Very bleak conditions
- To improve this situation Khrushchev aimed for the improvement of living conditions and economic policies
25
Q
What was the Berlin ultimatum Novermber 1958 and why did Khrushchev do it?
A
10th- Khrushchev called for a peace treaty between FRG and GDR
27th- a 6 month ultimatum demanding west Ber to be demilitarised and that Berlin become a free city
- If turned down, Khrushchev threatened to conclude a peace agreement with just the GDR and recognise its soverignity over east berlin
26
Q
What was the western reaction to the Berlin ultimatum?
A
- Rejected peace treaty, but forced to discuss ‘German question’ and Feb 1959 agreed to foreign ministers conference in Geneva
- Khrushchev could see splits in Western alliance
27
Q
What happened at 1959 Geneva conference?
A
- No agreement on ‘German question’ made
- West demanded free elections, Ussr suggested two Gers form a confederation (causing a slow evolution into united state)
- Khrushchev thought threats were paying off and renewed ultimatum in June
28
Q
After the Geneva conference in May- Aug why was so little progress made (Sept 59- May 60)?
A
- 1959-61 most summits across the whole period
- Khrushchev visited Eisnehower at Camp David in Sept 1959, mood was friendly but made no agreements
- Next 2 years Khrushchev alterated between Detente and temporarily allowing ultimatum to continue- threats made over the status of Ber and Ger’s futures
- Adenauer was desperate to stop plans, reducing FRG to a second rate state by Paris Summit May 1960 he had no idea what was going to be propsed (summit never held due to U2 flight)
29
Q
How did nuclear weapons and the arms race by 1955 intensify the cold war?
A
- It was perceived that the USA was ahead and that it was therefore safer than the USSR. As it could defend itself from attack by aeroplanes deploying nuclear weapons from much further
- The idea of mutually assured destruction increased
- Soviet fear of atomic monopoly
30
Q
How did Stalin react to w.Ger joining NATO?
A
- May 1955 The Warsaw pact was established in Moscow- defence alliance
31
Q
Why was the USSR rocket programme significant?
A
- Sputnik sent Russia to space
- Shocked US military
- New era of nuclear war
32
Q
Why was the U2 spy plane flight significant?
A
- Showed US were ahead in arms race- USSR bluffing
- Lost Eisenhower the election (looked as if soviets were close)
- embarassed US
- Meant Khrushchev could avoid Paris summit schedueled for May 1960
33
Q
Why did spending on missiles increase after 1960?
A
- USA wanted to ‘catch up’ with soviets- and JFK had promised to do so and had to even after seeing U2 report
- addition $12 billion to USA missile fund
- Russia had first Russian in space
- Russia wanted to prove they weren’t bluffing
34
Q
What caused the Berlin wall to be built 1961?
A
- Until 1960 K determined the course of the crisis and Ulbricht just a spectator
- Great numbers of refugees were fleeing encouraging Khrushchev to sign for a peace treaty with the GDR
- April 1960 the economic crisis worsened as remaining independent farmers were forced into collectives- caused a disasterous impact, crop yields plummeted, shortages of bread and meat and butter
- 1960 199,000 people fled to the west and in until June 1961 a further 103,000 fled
- August Khrushchev decided to cloe the boarder, confirmed at Warsaw pact meeting 3rd August
35
Q
What were the events of the Berlin wall?
A
- August 13th1961 building operations began
- Sealed the gap between east and west Ger
- East Ger economy began to improve
- Wall milked as a propaganda gift for the west
36
Q
How did the USA react to the Berlin wall?
A
- USA not fussed- sigh of relief as Berlin crisis solved- Threat of war lessened
- Willy Brandt (west Ger mayor) angry about passivity of usa- JFK received angry letter from brandt
- Kennedy ordered a show of force- troops sent into autobarns, LBJ (vice pres) addressed west berlin confirming support
- Aug 13th Wall built
37
Q
What was the impact of the Berlin wall on East Germany?
A
- 1961 207,000 people left to go to the west
- 1962 21,000 people left
- Many workers accepted there was no way out and stayed
- Accepted that Western powers were not going to leave Berlin
- SED could plan economic future- factories introduced 6hr work day and by 60s East Ger was one of the most successful economies in Eastern bloc
- Consolidated Ulbricht in GDR
38
Q
How did the Berlin wall impact the cold war and why was it significant?
A
- USA and USSR reluctant to be drawn into conflict
- Kennedy increased defence spending by $3 billion, largely on conventional weapons
- Conscription into US army tripled and reserves were called up
- August 18th 1962 USA sent 1500 troops into West Berlin
- Oct 1961 US and soviet tanks had a standoff at checkpoint charlie
- Khrushchev had failed to force west out of Berlin
- FRG had to recognise GRD’s independence
- Ulbricht able to develop his new economy
- Calmed the crisis over Ger
39
Q
What happened at checkpoint Charlie?
A
- Oct 1961 US diplomat stopped at crossing point (against Potsdam)- clay ordered armed us soldiers to escort cars through checkpoint charlie
- Clay moved tanks to checkpoints- russians responded with their own tanks- ordered to respond if forced
- USA ordered tanks to move back first- Berlin not worth starting a war over
- Ended Berlin as a point of cold war confrontation for 20yrs- allowed east Ger stability, west Ger accepted and western allies allowed to move on
