Cold War Europe Flashcards
What does the term ‘Cold War’ refer to?
A state of hostility between nations without actual fighting.
The term originates from a book by Walter Lippmann.
What two superpowers were involved in the Cold War?
USA and USSR
What were the ideological differences between the USA and USSR?
USA: democracy and capitalism
USSR: communism
Define Communism.
A doctrine advocating a classless society with community ownership of production.
Often associated with one-party states and strong censorship.
Define Capitalism.
An economic system based on private ownership and a competitive market.
Define Democracy.
A government system based on the will of the people through elected representatives.
What historical events contributed to the Cold War tensions?
Bolshevik Revolution, Russian Civil War, and the mistrust developed during World War I.
What was the Grand Alliance?
An alliance formed by the USA, Britain, and USSR to defeat Nazi Germany.
What led to tensions within the Grand Alliance during WWII?
Soviet casualties, delay of second front, and secrecy of the atomic bomb.
What was decided at the Teheran Conference?
No Anglo-American invasion through the Balkans; recognition of Soviet supremacy in Eastern Europe.
What were the key agreements made at the Yalta Conference?
- Division of Germany into four zones of occupation
- Promise of free elections in Poland
- USSR’s participation in the United Nations
What was a major disagreement at the Potsdam Conference?
Disagreements on German reparations and the future of Eastern Europe.
Fill in the blank: The USSR established _______ in Eastern Europe after WWII.
communist governments
What were Soviet satellite states?
Countries in Eastern Europe under Soviet control, economically and politically dependent on the USSR.
Why did Stalin seek to control Eastern Europe?
To create a buffer against potential Western threats.
What was the impact of the atomic bomb on Soviet-Western relations?
Increased Soviet fears of Western aggression.
True or False: The Cold War involved direct military conflict between the USA and USSR.
False
What was the main result of the disintegration of the USSR in 1991?
It marked the end of the Cold War.
What led to the mistrust between the USA and USSR before WWII?
Ideological differences and historical grievances.
What was the initial governmental structure in Eastern Europe after liberation?
Coalition governments including non-communists were established
These governments were soon overtaken by communists who eliminated non-communist opposition.
Why did Stalin want control over Eastern Europe?
To create a buffer against Germany and to develop the Soviet economy
He viewed these countries as sources of cheap goods and raw materials.
What was the West’s reaction to Soviet control in Eastern Europe?
The West grew alarmed, viewing Stalin as a dictator
This led to Churchill’s ‘Iron Curtain’ speech in March 1946.
What is the definition of containment in the context of the Cold War?
Action taken to restrict the spread of a hostile element like communism
What was the ‘domino theory’?
If one country fell to communism, nearby countries would also be at risk