Cold War Flashcards
Cold War?
Intense rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States, that lasted for 50 years. They competed for power around the world.
Why did the U.S. and Britain distrust the Soviet Union?
They disliked the communist rejection of religion and private property.
What did the Soviet Union want to overthrow?
Overthrow noncommunist governments.
Why did the Soviet Union distrust the U.S.?
They feared that the U.S. would use its military power to attack the Soviet Union
What did Soviet Armies do before WWII?
Drove back German forces into Germany
What did Stalin promise, but then later broke?
Hold free elections as soon as possible in Eastern Europe nations.
Satellite Nation?
One that is dominated politically and economically by a more powerful nation
What was in each satellite nation and what happened to protesting citizens?
In each satellite nation, the Soviets backed harsh dictators. Citizens who protested were imprisoned or killed.
Containment?
Keep Soviet influence contained within existing boundaries
What did President Truman ask Congress for?
$400 million in military and economic aid for Greece and Turkey
What was Greece and Turkey able to do, with the help of the U.S.?
Hold of communist threats
Truman Doctrine?
Program to encourage nations to resist communist expansion
What did WWII leave Europe like?
Left Europe’s homes, roads, and factories in ruins.
Who was George Marshall, what did he do, and what did he see?
Secretary of State George Marshall toured Europe, he saw millions of homeless, hungry refugees.
Marshall Plan?
Plan to help rebuild Europe. The plan provided more than $12 billion in aid to Western European countries. The plan helped reduce the threat of communist revolutions in Europe.
What did the Allies do to Germany after the war?
The Allies divided Germany into four zones
What were the four zones?
American, British, French, and Soviet troops each occupied a zone
When and what did U.S., Britain, and France want to do?
1948, they wanted to reunite the zones
What did Stalin feel about the plan and why did he feel this way?
Stalin opposed the plan because a reunited Germany would be a threat to the Soviet Union
What did Stalin do?
Closed all roads, railway lines, and river routes connecting Berlin with West Germany.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)?
U.S. set up alliances with friendly nations to contain Soviet influence.
What was the goal of NATO?
To defend Western Europe against any Soviet threat.
Warsaw Pact?
Formed by the Soviet Union, the Soviets dominated their neighbors forcing them to follow its policies.
United Nations?
World organization established to provide peaceful resolutions to international conflicts.
What did each UN member have?
At the UN every member has a seat where problems can be discussed.
What di the U.S. and the Soviet Union agree on after WWII ended?
They agreed to a temporary division of Korea at the 38th parallel.
38th Parallel?
Line dividing North and South Korea.
What did U.S. support?
Supported South Korea, a noncommunist government