Berlin Crisis and Berlin War Flashcards
Why was Berlin a key issue regarding East-West relations?
- W. Berlin was a western military outpost well within the Communist bloc
- Berlin was the only gap in the ‘Iron Curtain’ where free travel between East and West could take place.
Why and when was the border shut between East to West (excluding Berlin)?
GDR (East Germany) sealed the border with FRG (West Germany) in 1952
- Due to mass migration from East to West
What was the consequence for migrating to the West in 1957?
Migration was denounced and punished by up to 3 years in prison for those caught
How many fled East Berlin in 1960?
190,000
Why was Germany an issue for the Soviets prior to wall?
- West Germany was member of NATO, this could mean she gets nuclear weapons and so threatens Soviet security
- No real restrictions on Germans leaving the GDR (East Berlin) for the FRG (West Berlin) – and this exodus undermined economy in GDR even more
- The West had not yet recognised the GDR
Reasons for the USSR to change attitude on Germany (USSR position)
- By 1958 Sino-Soviet relations were deteriorating and Khrushchev needed to strengthen the USSR’s credentials as the dominant communist power
- Khrushchev’s priorities were to strengthen the economy and defences of the USSR, and to spread communism and Berlin was the focus to fulfil these objectives
- USSR’s hold on her satellite states was fragile
How did the arms race impact Berlin/Germany in 1958?
- By 1958 the US was becoming concerned by the USSR’s progress in the nuclear arms and space races.
- USSR feared the US might address this by placing nuclear missiles in West Germany.
When was the Berlin Ultimatum from the USSR?
27 Nov 1958
What was the Berlin Ultimatum?
Six-month ultimatum to the west demanding the withdrawal of their troops from West Berlin and it to be declared a free city and without 4 power control
What would happen if the West did not agree to the Berlin Ultimatum and what would this mean?
USSR would sign a separate treaty with the GDR
- Threaten the Western powers’ access to, and occupation of, West Berlin
- Transfer all Soviet rights in Berlin to the GDR, meaning they controlled access to West Berlin
- Therefore, the Western powers would be forced to negotiate with, and therefore recognise, the GDR
When was the Hallstein Doctrine?
1955
When did the West reject the Berlin Ultimatum?
31st December 1958
What was the Hallstein Doctrine?
- FRG (West Germany) had the right to represent entire German nation
- Government refused to maintain diplomatic relations with states that recognised the GDR (except USSR)
- The FRG would regard the recognition of the GDR, by any state other than the USSR, as an unfriendly act and would therefore end diplomatic relations with such states
Why did issue of Berlin re-erupt in 1961?
When Khrushchev met JFK at the Vienna Summit and JFK made it clear he would not give up West Berlin
How many had fled East Berlin by 1961?
2.7 millions
What was Khrushchev’s initial attitude towards a wall and why did this change?
Consistently avoiding closing the East Berlin border however the continuously migration led to his mind changing
- Many skilled workers aiding the economy left
Who was the East German chancellor and when did he begin pushing for the wall?
Walter Ulbricht in 1952
When did the wall building begin?
13th August 1961
Immediate impact of the Berlin Wall
- Could be used as USA propaganda to emphasise the West’s focus on freedom by controlling expansionist communism
- GDR’s immediate economic crisis was resolved as skilled workers unable to leave
- Showed West had reached somewhat recognition for the GDR as there was a lack of action and somewhat tolerance of the wall
- Argued it guaranteed no military conflict between USSR and USA as it was better than a nuclear wall and wall shows the USSR understood the threat weapons could have
What was Checkpoint Charlie?
The only crossing point between East and West Berlin
When was the Ich bin ein Berliner speech?
June 1963
When was the Checkpoint Charlie standoff?
27th-28th October 1961
What was the fate of USA and USSR following standoff and wall?
- Kennedy accepted the Soviet action. He refused to use US troops to pull down the wall to avoid war.
- Kennedy looked weak but West turned it into propaganda
- Khrushchev lost face by failing to remove the West from Berlin.
