Berlin Wall Flashcards
Why did Khrushchev build the Berlin Wall?
Many people from east Berlin escaped into West Berlin, especially young and skilled workers.
Khrushchev believed the west was using Berlin to spy on communism.
When did Stalin die?
March 1953.
Who replaced Stalin?
First Malen Kov, then Nikita Khrushchev.
What did the west want out of Germany?
Prevent USSR from gaining control of west Germany.
To see a United, democratic Germany.
What did the east want out of Germany?
Maintain control over east Germany.
Make the west recognise it as an independent state.
Stop the flood of refugees especially the skilled and professional ones much needed in east Germany
Why did the Peace summit in 1960 collapse?
Khrushchev revealed that the USSR shot down an American U2 spy plane in Russia.
When did Khrushchev order the wall to be built?
August 1961.
What were soldiers patrolling the wall ordered to do?
Shoot down anyone who tried to go over it.
How did the USA respond to the Berlin Wall?
They protested but did nothing. Words not deeds.
JFK called himself a Berliner “Ieh bin ein Berliner”
