Cold War

Question 1

Explain the BERLIN WALL CRISIS

Answer 1

THE BERLIN WALL CRISIS 1961
Khrushchev wanted to build a war separating East and West Berlin, in order to block out western influence. For 18 hours from Oct 27th to 28th, US and soviet tanks stood fully armed I’m a stand off. Eventually US tanks pulled away and Kennedy had been forced to back down

Question 2

Why was the Berlin Wall Crisis significant?

Answer 2

• Increased Cold War tensions
• Soviet propaganda claimed that they had forced America to back down
• Encouraged Khruschev to put missiles in Cuba, therefore leading to the Cuban missile crisis

Question 3

When was the Cuban Missile crisis?

Answer 3

16th - 27th October 1962

Question 4

16th Oct

Answer 4

JFK was informed that Khruschev intended to build missile sites in Cuba

Question 5

18th Oct

Answer 5

JFK held talks with close advisors - the ‘Hawks’ wanted an aggressive policy whilst ‘doves’ favoured a peaceful solution

Question 6

20th Oct

Answer 6

JFK imposes naval blockade around Cuba to prevent soviet missiles from reaching it

Question 7

21st Oct

Answer 7

JFK makes broadcast to public informing them of potential threat and what he intends to do

Question 8

23rd Oct

Answer 8

Khruschev wrote to JFK informing him that his ships would not obey the blockade

Question 9

24th Oct

Answer 9

Soviet ships approach blockade them retreat. Khrushchev announced that he will use nuclear weapons in the event of war

Question 10

25th Oct

Answer 10

Kennedy ignored 2nd aggressive letter and instead replied asking him to withdraw missiles from Cuba

Question 11

26th Oct

Answer 11

Khruschev agreed to withdraw weapons from Cuba on the terms that US would not invade Cuba and would withdraw missiles from turkey

Question 12

27th Oct

Answer 12

Terms accepted over national radio

Question 13

What came out of the Cuban missiles crisis?

Answer 13

JFK appeared to have won, which led to over confidence in Vietnam
Also set up hotline telephone between White House and Kremlin

Question 14

CHINA

What were the reasons for I proofed relations with China?

Answer 14

Improved relations with China was undoubtedly one of Nixon’s greatest successes
REASONS:
- Relations between USSR and China were weak and Nixon wanted to exploit this
- Hoped that improve relations would help end war in Vietnam

Question 15

‘PING-PONG DIPLOMACY’

What were the events of the ping-pong tournament and what impacts did this have?

Answer 15

A new period of diplomacy began at World Table Tennis Championships in Japan on 6th April 1971
Chinese team invited US team to play on all expenses paid trip
When a US player missed his team bus a Chinese player offered him a lift - this display of good will was well publicised
14th April 1971 - Nixon lifted trade embargo with China which had lasted 21 years

Question 16

Was is DÉTENTE

Answer 16

The improvement in relations between USA and USSR following the Cold became known as ‘detente’ - a French word referring to a reduction in tension

Question 17

What did detente happen?

Answer 17

• Hotline between Khruschev and Kremlin
• The test ban treaty showed a willingness to acres the issue
• Both were keen on arms limitations to control defence spending

Question 18

What is SALT1?

Answer 18

STRATEGIC ARMS LIMITATIONS TREATY 1972
Imposed limitations on the nuclear capabilities of both the USSR and the USA. It was significant because it was the first agreement between the two superpowers that successfully limited the number of nuclear weapons they held

Question 19

THE HELSINKI AGREEMENTS 1975

Answer 19

THE HELSINKI AGREEMENTS 1975
A series of talks during which 35 nations made declarations on 3 national issues
- West recognised boundaries in Europe
- Agreementsto respect human rights and basic freedoms
- A call for closer economic and cultural links