Chapter 9: Peaceful Coexistence Flashcards
What did the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, held in February 1956 represent?
A fundamental shit in the USSR’s thinking, as Krushchev abandoned the conventional Marxist-Leninist view that war between the socialist and communist camps was inevitable. Took the view that communism was so powerful it would be victorious without war.
What did Krushchev want states within the Soviet bloc to concentrate on, rather than preparation for an ideological war against against an ideological war with the West/
Wanted the communist states to focus resources on internal improvements and progress.
What did his speech at the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union make clear?
“We want to be friends with and cooperate with the Unite States”
The Soviet Union wanted to remain as the unchallenged leader of the Socialist community, a firm grip must be maintained over EE states, Germany must not become a future threat to the SU, the USSR must continue to expand nuclear capacity, spending on military security must be reduced and international tension must be defused.
What new policy did Krushchev want to adopt?
Wanted to meet, and counter, the growing power of the USA through a policy of peaceful coexistence. A strategy to consolidate Soviet international power and security by existing in a less volatile environemtn.
What had Stalinist aggression led to that Krushchev wanted to stop?
It had led to an escalation of expenses and government debt at a time when Krushchev wanted to concentrate Soviet resources on domestic developments.
What were the overall aims of peaceful coexistence?
Krushchev understood the potential risks of nuclear war, wanted to decrease military spending, and wanted to focus on USSR and EE rather than USA.
What was the Austrian State Treaty, 1955?
It led to the withdrawl of all occupying powers and the declaration that Austria would be a neutral state.
In addition to Austria, what other neutral states were there and what did this mean?
Finland and Yugoslavia were also neutral states and therefore not liable to be subjected to joining the Soviet sphere of influence.
How was Austria similar to Germany?
Like Germany, Austria had been divided into occupation zones, and the USSR had focused on receiving economic aid from Austria like Germany.
What were the impacts of the Austrian State treaty?
Showed a serious intent towards mutual cooperation between the Cold War powers and removed a major source o poetnrial conflict. It also eased the path towards further cooperation betwen East and West.
What did the Western powers do following the Austrian State Treaty?
Removed their occupation forces from West Germany.
What were Krushchev’s motivations for organising the Geneva Summit?
Krushchev accepted the need for flexibility in Soviet policy. He wanted to slow the arms race down, wanted to use forces to ensure compliance between EE states for security rather than Cold War. Also wanted to promote internal economic development i the Sovit Union.
What further emphasised the need for the Geneva Summit in Germany in May 1955?
The Federal Republic of Germany was admitted into NATO and rearmament began. Also the USA placed a large and permanent force of troops in Europe, to reassure the French that they were safe against threats from Germany.
When was the Geneva Summit and what two major issues did the powers discuss?
September 1955. They discussed nuclear disarmament and the future of Germany.
What was the Open Skies Proposal, proposed by Eisenhower?
Regarding the issue of the superpowers inspecting each other’s nuclear arsenals, thereby taking a step closer to disarmament. Called for each side to provide details of military installations and to allow aerial reconnaissance, even one or more of crew could be representative of inspecting nation. Krushchev refused.
