Cold War

Question 1

What happened at the Tehran conference (November 1943)

Answer 1

A second front was opened to attack Germany from the West USSR declared war on Japan and Poland gained German land

Question 2

Who were the leaders at the Tehran conference

Answer 2

Churchill
Stalin
Roosevelt

Question 3

What happened at the Yalta conference (February 1945)

Answer 3

Germany would be divided into 4 zones and demilitarised, would have to pay $20 billion in reperations, the UN was set up and USSR joined the war against Japan

Question 4

Who were the leaders at the Yalta conference

Answer 4

Churchill
Stalin
Roosevelt

Question 5

What happened at the Potsdam conference (July-August 1945)

Answer 5

Britain, France, USA and USSR occupied a part of Germany and Berlin separately

Question 6

Who were the leaders at the Potsdam conference

Answer 6

Atlee
Truman (more against communism)
Stalin

Question 7

How did the dropping of atomic bombs end the grand alliance

Answer 7

USA dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (6 August) and Nagasaki (9 August) in 1945,
Truman trusted Stalin less due to Stalin breaking promises over Poland so Truman thought the bombs would intimidate Stalin.
Stalin wanted to feel more protected so created a buffer zone of countries which ultimately ended the grand alliance.

Question 8

What were the ideologies of the USA

Answer 8

Believed in capitalism
Everyone is free to make their own money
Free elections
People can own property
Trade between countries benefits everyone

Question 9

What were the ideologies of the USSR

Answer 9

Believed in communism
Only makes some people rich whilst exploiting everyone else
Single-party rule
Everyone is equal with little individual rights
All property is the states

Question 10

What was Kennan’s Long Telegram

Answer 10

Secret report from US ambassador in Moscow saying : the USSR saw capitalism as a threat that must be destroyed and peace between capitalism and communism wasn’t possible.

Question 11

What Novikov’s Telegram

Answer 11

Report from Soviet ambassador of the US told Stalin: the USA was building its military strength, the USSR was the only country that could stop the USSR and the USA were preparing war against the USSR

Question 12

How did the USSR take control of each satellite state

Answer 12

Bulgaria- In 1945 communists were elected and non-communists were executed.
Romania- Communist led coalition took power and by 1947,communists took over and it became a one-party state.
Poland- Stalin arrested 16 non-communist leaders and many other non-communists and in 1947, communists took power.
Hungary- Communist leader Rakosi took control and executed his opponents and Hungary became communist in 1949.
Czechoslovakia- Communists took power to stop the coalition government and in 1948, it became communist.

Question 13

What was the Truman Doctrine

Answer 13

Due to concerns that countries like Turkey and Greece would become communist, Truman created the Truman Doctrine. In 1947, Truman said that communism prevented freedom and the USA will contain communism by providing money and troops to help combat it.

Question 14

What was The Marshall Plan

Answer 14

The USA provided Europe with $12.7 billion which gave people a stake in the capitalist system. 16 Western countries benefited from it and the USSR didn’t like it as it threatened communist control in the east.

Question 15

What was Cominform

Answer 15

It was set up in 1947 by Stalin to organise the communist leaders so they would do what Moscow told them: it removed opposition to the satellite states and encouraged communists to ignore the Marshall Plan.

Question 16

What was Comecon

Answer 16

Set up in 1949 by Stalin as an alternative to the Marshall Plan, it included the satellite states, building up trade links between them and and prevented them from signing up to the Marshall Plan. This divided Europe into communists and capitalists by an ‘iron curtain’.

Question 17

What was NATO

Answer 17

A military alliance set up in 1949 and it consisted of many capitalist western countries; if one country was attacked, others would assist-this showed that the West were prepared to accept Soviet aggression.

Question 18

What was the Warsaw Pact

Answer 18

A defense treaty involving the eastern, communists which was set up on 14 May 1955; now there were two opposing alliances in Europe who had planned for military actions and strengthened Soviet grip on the east.

Question 19

How did Germany divide into East and West

Answer 19

Germany and Berlin were split up into 4 zones and in 1947, Britain and America joined theirs to create Bizonia and in 1948 France joined to create Trizonia and the deutschmark was created as the currency.
In September 1949, they officially formed as Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) who joined NATO in 1955.
Stalin felt threatened by this and felt that USA wanted to permanently divide rich West from poor East so in October 1949, the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) was officially formed and were part of the Warsaw Pact. This led to the complete separation of Germany.

Question 20

What was the Berlin Blockade

Answer 20

West Berlin was surrounded by Soviet-controlled Germany.
In June 1948, the USSR blocked all road, rail and canal links into West Berlin to force British, US and French troops to leave and pull out of Berlin.
To not be undermined, the US launched Operation Vittles where food, coal and supplies were flown over to West Berlin- this was the Berlin Airlift.
9000 tonnes of supplies were delivered every day until the blockade was removed in May 1949

Question 21

What was the Arms Race

Answer 21

The US thought their atomic bomb would intimidate the USSR until they created one themselves in 1949.
In 1952, the USA develops the hydrogen bomb and the USSR follows that in 1953.
Both countries developed the Inter-Continental-Ballistic-Missile in 1957 so had to stop any disputes which would cause MAD.

Question 22

How did Nagy try to reform Hungary

Answer 22

In 1956, Khrushchev became leader of the USSR and began a process of destalinisation; with this he appointed more liberal Nagy over the brutal leader Rakosi.
Nagy wanted to leave the Warsaw Pact, have UN protection and free elections.
Khrushchev disapproved of the reforms as it threatened communism so, on 4 November 1956, 200,000 Soviet troops were sent into Hungary to depose Nagy.

Question 23

What were the consequences of the Soviet invasion of Hungary

Answer 23

Over 5,000 Hungarians and around 1,000 Soviet troops were killed, Nagy and his government were deposed.
Nagy was arrested, tried and executed.
Kadar became the new leader and introduced a more moderate form of communism.
The US gave money, medical aid and accepted 80,000 refugees but did not give military support.
Satellite states knew the US wouldn’t help them so Soviet control had strengthened again.

Question 24

What was Khrushchev’s Berlin Ultimatum

Answer 24

Between 1949 and 1961, 2.7 million East Germans moved to the West via West Berlin as East Germany was struggling but it looked bad for the Soviets.
In November 1958, Khrushchev released his Berlin Ultimatum which said Berlin was East Germany’s and occupying troops must leave.
The Soviets knew they couldn’t beat the West in a war, so a series of summit meeting were held between the two leaders.

Question 25

What was agreed at each summit meeting (1959-1961)

Answer 25

Geneva, May 1959- Foreign representatives made no agreements but organised for leaders to meet. Camp David, September 1959- Khrushchev withdrew his ultimatum but only agreed another meeting with Eisenhower. Paris, May 1960- Before, a U-2 spy plane was shot down by the USSSR and the pilot (Gary Powers) admitted to spying. Khrushchev walked out and relations worsened. Vienna, June 1961- The ultimatum was reissued as Kennedy was thought to be weak and inexperienced but he didn't back down.

Question 26

Why was the Berlin Wall built

Answer 26

The summit meetings didn't solve the problems in Berlin and Khrushchev needed to stop the movement of refugees without nuclear war, so he built the wall. On 12 August 1961, a barbed wire fence surrounded West Berlin, it became a heavily guarded wall with Soviet tanks stopping Western access to the East. The Western powers stayed in Berlin, so he built the wall; 130 were shot trying to escape and this avoided war with the US but the USSR still looked strong

Question 27

What impact did the Berlin Wall have

Answer 27

It was better than a war, Khrushchev no longer wanted to unite a communist Berlin. A propaganda victory for the West: East Germans were forced to stay in communist East Germany. West Berlin became a symbol for freedom. In 1963, Kennedy visited West Berlin and said 'I am a Berliner' which showed that the USA would protect West Berlin from attack and he wasn't 'soft on communism'.

Question 28

What was the Bay of Pigs

Answer 28

A socialist revolution in Cuba in 1959 built a good relationship with the USSR as they traded oil for sugar. The USA didn't want Fidel Castro's socialist country in their sphere of influence, they thought a US-backed invasion of Cuba would overthrow Castro. During the Bay of Pigs Incident in 1961, US planes were recognised when 1400 Cuban exiles were defeated by Castro's 20,000 troops. Castro asked the USSR for weapons to defend against attack, ending a friendly US-Cuban relationship.

Question 29

What happened in the 13 days of the CMC

Answer 29

October1962 (16-28) US spy planes find missile sites in Cubs, close to the USA because NATO had the same in Turkey, near USSR. 22- A naval quarantine (blockade) surrounds Cuba, 54 bombers prepared. 24-Soviet ships turn around at the quarantine. 26- Khrushchev would remove the missiles if the US didn't invade. 27- Cuban missiles would be removed if the same was done in Turkey and a US spy plane was shot down with the Hawks in the Government demanding retaliation but Kennedy refused. 28- Khrushchev agrees to the deal if the missiles in Turkey are removed.

Question 30

What were the consequences of the CMC

Answer 30

Direct communication line between Washington and Moscow set up. Test Ban Treaty- nuclear weapons testing banned in August 1963. Outer Space Treaty- Deployment of nuclear weapons in space was banned in 1967. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty- nuclear technology cannot be shared with other countries in 1968. Kennedy's popularity increased as he didn't look weak and the removal of the Turkish missiles was done in private. All these US victories led to Khrushchev's dismissal in 1964.

Question 31

What was the Prague Spring

Answer 31

In 1968, Dubcek became Czechoslovakia leader after replacing hardline communist Novotny. Dubcek argued for 'socialism with a human face'. To improve communication and living standards, Dubcek introduced reforms: relaxation of censorship, Soviet control reduced and criticism was allowed. These reforms were popular amongst many people. Not everyone was happy due to some losing power. These reforms were known as the Prague Spring.

Question 32

What was Brezhnev's response to Dubcek's reforms

Answer 32

The reforms could show signs of Soviet weakness and lead to the break-up of the Warsaw Pact. On 20 August 1968, 500,000 Warsaw Pact troops and Soviet tanks invaded Prague to arrest Dubcek. Husak replaced him and reintroduced hardline communism. Brezhnev doctrine- any eastern bloc country could be invaded by Soviets if they threatened other eastern countries. Eastern countries had to stick to communism or face invasion but Yugoslavia and Romania backed off from the Soviet Union.

Question 33

What were the impacts from the invasion of Czechoslovakia

Answer 33

The US and West Germany condemned the invasion but offered no military support to not provoke a crisis. France and Italy communist leaders began to end Soviet links. Eastern countries made limited reforms due to fear of invasion, yet public protests still continued. Soviet control of the Eastern bloc strengthened but some countries began to divide the communist world. Less than 100 died from the invasion, which did little damage to the growing détente.

Question 34

What were the reasons for détente

Answer 34

The USSR had poor living conditions and a stagnant economy which they had to improve. US president Nixon wanted to end the conflict in Vietnam to have less conflict with the USSR. American people wanted more equality and to have less active role in international affairs. New West Germany Chancellor Brandt followed a policy of Ostpolitik to build better relations for Germany.

Question 35

What was SALT 1

Answer 35

Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty signed in 1972: Basic Principles Agreement- showed rules for the conduct of nuclear warfare to avoid nuclear war. Anti-Ballistic Treaty- 2 deployment sites allowed, each with a maximum of 100 ABM's. Interim Treaty- limited USA to 1054 ICBM's and 740 SLBM's and the USSR to 1618 ICBM's and 740 SLBM's. It slowed the arms race, led to further negotiations but didn't cover intermediate nuclear weapons.

Question 36

What was the Helsinki Accords, 1975

Answer 36

European borders- borders can't be altered by force, boundaries of East and West Germany were accepted. International co-operation- trade was agreed between USA and USSR as well as technology exchanges and a joint space mission. Human rights- free speech, religion and movement is respected but Soviets didn't like its betrayal of communism. The USSR still wasn't trusted due to their support in El Salvador, Nicaragua and Angola.

Question 37

What was SALT 2, 1979

Answer 37

Brezhnev and Carter signed it in June 1979. Each side was limited to 2250 warheads and it imposed limits on new launch systems. West Germany thought it weakened their defenses, some Americans thought it made too many concessions to the USSR. The treaty was never ratified by the US senate due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and Islamic, capturing the American embassy in Tehran and holding 60 hostages for 444 days weakened the US.

Question 38

Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan

Answer 38

Afghanistan was a communist neighbour to the USSR and received money from Moscow. When Muslim fundamentalists took control in Iran and the Afghanistan assassinated, replaced by Amin, the USSR felt threatened and invaded. On 24 December 1979, Soviet forces invaded after hearing that Amin was asking the US for support. On 27 December, Amin was assassinated and replaced by pro-soviet Kamal; Soviet troops remained there for 10 years.

Question 39

What were the consequences of the invasion of Afghanistan

Answer 39

The US boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics and the USSR boycotted the 1984 LA Olympics. SALT 2 was abandoned which ended détente. Carter doctrine introduced in 1980- US wouldn't trade with USSR, the US supplied the Mujahideen with supplies to oppose the Soviet troops in Afghanistan. The war resulted in 1.5 million civilian deaths cost the USSR $8 billion per year and caused the start of the Second Cold War.

Question 40

What was Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative

Answer 40

Reagan was very anti-communist and described the USSR as an 'evil empire', who's economy was suffering. In 1982, 13% more was spent on America's armed forces with an extra 8% in 1983 and 1984. The SDI was set up in March 1983 to put pressure on the Soviets, along with the US development of trident submarines and stealth bombers. The SDI's plan was to have satellites shoot lasers at Soviet missiles, Reagan didn't admit it was years from being ready.

Question 41

Who is Mikhail Gorbachev

Answer 41

Gorbachev became leader of the USSR in 1985 after Brezhnev died in 1982 as well as Andropov and Chernenko. The USSR was nearly bankrupt and the people wanted change. He followed the policies of Perestroika (reconstruction) and Glasnost (openness) to change the USSR. Due to the Chernobyl disaster and opposition to communism in satellite states he reformed the USSR. He stopped the Brezhnev doctrine, removed troops from Afghanistan and included some capitalism practices in the economy.

Question 42

What was agreed at each summit meeting (1985-1989)

Answer 42

Geneva Summit, November 1985- Gorbachev and Reagan met and agreed to improve relations. Reykjavik Summit, October 1986- reducing the number of nuclear weapons was agreed, removal of SDI wasn't agreed. Washington Summit, December 1987- INF treaty was signed, all intermediate range missiles were abolished. Moscow summit, 1988- INF treaty was resolved, later in the year, Gorbachev reduced Warsaw Pact troops. Malta Summit, 1989- Bush met with Gorbachev, marked the end of the Cold War.

Question 43

How did the USSR lose control of its satellite states

Answer 43

Hungary, May 1989- government removes the fence along the border, promising a democracy. Poland, June 1989- Solidarity is legalised, wins huge victory. East Germany, 1989- Gorbachev doesn't help East German government when many cross over the West and rip down the Berlin Wall, reuniting Germany. Czechoslovakia, November 1989- Velvet revolution overthrows communist government, non communist president elected. Romania and Bulgaria, December 1989- communist leaders are overthrown.

Question 44

What was the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall

Answer 44

On 9 November1989, East Germany were allowed to travel to West Germany and so many Germans chipped away at the Berlin Wall until it fell. This unified Germany and showed the end of Soviet control as they withdrew their troops from it. This led to the end of the Warsaw Pact in July 1991 and many of its previous members joining the expanding NATO. The Iron Curtain now ceased to exist.

Question 45

What led to Gorbachev's fall from power

Answer 45

The Soviet economy was performing poorly and the Baltic States and others wanted to leave the USSR, Gorbachev was blamed for this. Boris Yeltsin rallied the people of Moscow to oppose the coup of the hardline communist officers who felt betrayed by Gorbachev. 12 leaders of Soviet republics joined in a Commonwealth of Independent States, which led to Gorbachev resigning on 25 December 1991 and the fall of the USSR.