Berlin Wall Flashcards
1956 What did Khrushchev start to do as the new Soviet leader 5
implemented Policy of destalinisation, distanced himself from brutal side of Stalinism
ended feuds between China and Yugoslavia
Closed Cominform
released political prisoners
Wanted to try peaceful co-existence
What was Eisenhower concerned about that caused issues for Peaceful co-existence? 3
USSR’s continued production of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles)
Khrushchev’s treatment of Hungarian crisis
Khrushchev often appeared volatile & unpredictable
describe how Berlin was an issue for Peaceful co-existence 4
Berlin became “microcosm of the Cold War” ever since it had been divided after Potsdam
Two opposing systems were on display
West refused to give up West Berlin
USSR didn’t like Capitalism and Westerners in East Germany
Howcome the West refused to give up West Berlin? 3
West Berlin gave “eyes and ears” into Soviet East
Went against Policy of containment
Sign of weakness
How did Krushchev react to Capitalism and
Westerners in East Germany? 3
1958 Khrushchev demanded foreign powers leave Berlin to ease tensions
Eisenhower suggested everyone withdraw from Berlin and let UN manage it
1959 Khrushchev visited USA for further discussions
& agreed to talk again at 1960 Paris Summit
describe the Problems in GDR & East Berlin 6
Failing economy
Many citizens leaving forthe West through Berlin
GDR citizens hated Walter Ulbricht harsh rule
Poor indictment of Communist system
Brain drain from skilled workers leaving
Standard of living was much lower. Very obvious in West Berlin where ppl moved freely between zones
describe how USA/USSR relations went wrong in early 60s 4
May 1960 U2 incident. Eisenhower refused to apologise. Cancellation of Paris Summit
Kennedy becomes president and Bay of Pigs incident leaves Kennedy humiliated
Soviets take lead in Space Race: Yuri Gagarin
1961: Vienna Summit, Khrushchev bullies
Kennedy and insisted that USA removes
troops from Berlin, Kennedy refused
describe the erection (haha penis) of the Beralin wall 7
13 August 1961 Soldiers erected (penis hehe) a barbed wire barricade along Eastern frontier between zones
In contrast with Ulbricht assuring ppl that “nobody intends to put up a wall”
ended free movement from East to West
Wire was replaced by concrete barrier
All crossing points sealed except Checkpoint Charlie
Over next 20 years wall was increasingly fortified at great expense
Hundred killed trying to get across wall
describe Kennedy’s reaction 4
Kennedy spoke out against Wall but didn’t risk war over it bc:
No “act of aggression” occured
No barriers placed in West Berlin zones
Wall was used as effective antiSoviet propaganda by West
Describe the almost hot point of the cold war over the Berlin Wall 3
American Official and his wife were denied entry in East Berlin
General Clay sent US tanks to Checkpoint Charlie
Ulbricht sent Soviet tanks on other side and they had a 16 hour stand off
