Cold War Intensifies + Berlin + Cuba Flashcards
Why was NATO formed in 1949?
Was created due to the increase of tensions between the East And West. After the Berlin crisis, the military powers in the West wanted to form an alliance.
What were the aims of NATO? What does it stand for? Who were the members?
NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
Aims of NATO
1. Protect against a possible attack from the Soviet Union.
2. Agree to assist a member if attacked.
3. Strengthen relationships with the West.
Members were the Western Countries, (USA, UK, Canada etc)
Why was NATO a positive impact in the West? Why did it increase tensions? What did it lead too?
Showed that they were now officially prepared to use military in Europe, having full involvement.
Increased tensions, and it led to the Soviet Union creating their own military alliance, the Warsaw Pact.
Why was the Warsaw Pact formed in 1955?
The creation of NATO increased tensions, hence the Soviet Union also needed to come together for military presence.
Also, West Germany joining NATO would of meant a Powerful West Germany threatens the East.
What were the aims of the Warsaw Pact? Who was involved?
Aims
1. Protect against a possible attack by the USA or it’s NATO allies.
2. Agree to assist a member if attacked.
3. Strengthen relations between countries in the East.
Members included the ‘Eastern Bloc’ countries (e.g Poland, Romania..)
What was the impact of the Warsaw Pact?
It confirmed the separations between the East and the West.
The presence of two military alliances in Europe would increase risk of war, and led to both groups increasing military power.
What was the timeline of the ‘arms race’?
1945 - Atomic bomb used by the US.
1949 - The Soviet Union tests and deploys their first atomic bomb.
1952 - The US develops the Hydrogen Bomb
1953 - The Soviet union develops their first Hydrogen Bomb.
1957 - Both the US and Soviet union test and launch Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)
What was the difference between the atomic bomb and Hydrogen bomb? (Detonation, Power and Destructive Ability)
Detonation - Atomic bomb was nuclear fission, Hydrogen bomb was Nuclear Fusion.
Power - Approximately 1,000 kilotons was the Atomic bomb, hydrogen bomb was 10,000 kilotons (unit of TNT)
Destructive Ability - Atomic bomb had a blast radius of 5 square miles, Hydrogen bomb had a blast radius of 44 square miles.
Why were ICBMs so powerful/effective?
ICBMs, carried nuclear warheads and did not have to ben flown to have an impact, they could hit a target over 2700 miles away.
What were the causes of the Arms Race? What were the consequences? (3 for each)
Causes
1. Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
2. Increased competition of between soviet union and US.
3. Fear of attack.
Consequences
1. Increase in the US and the soviet union’s army, naval submarines and Nuclear Weapons.
2. Competition between the two countries in the space race.
3. Nuclear Weapons became a deterrent to war between the US and Soviet union.
Who was the new US president in 1952? What was his attitudes with the Soviet Union?
President Eisenhower became president, he was anti-communist but feared Nuclear Warfare so worked with the Soviet Union in improving relations.
When did Khrushchev become leader of soviet union? What was his beliefs? What did he do? What was his attitudes against the US?
He became leader in 1956, he thought Stalin abused his power, and the process of de-Stalinisation occurred. Lifted some censorship, release of political prisoners, increased consumer goods.
He aimed to improve relations with the US.
How did the change in leadership in 1953-56 improve relations? What happened in Austria in 55?
There was an economic motivation due the excess money used on arms race but they could not come to a conclusion.
The powers could not agree with issues on Austria and its disarmament, and how Germany could be governed. Overall, they could not be too collaborative.
What was the situation in Hungary in 1956? (Think ; students soldiers) When was order restored?
Start of October 1956, Protests were occurring in the capital which were violent.
Students led a peaceful demonstration asking for freedom, the secret police retaliated violently, when students attempted free they were shot.
Soldiers began to join the protests.
By 24th October, order was restored in Budapest.
Who was Imre Nagy? Why did Khrushchev appoint him?
Nagy was previously a prime minister of Hungary, but he was removed in 1949, and served again between 1953-56.
He was appointed because people liked Nagy and limited reforms would stop Hungarians from protesting.
What did Nagy’s reforms entail? (4 with explenation)
- Leaving the Warsaw Pact - On the 1st November, 1956 he announced that Hungary would be removed from the Pact.
- Withdrawing Soviet Troops from Hungary
He persuaded Krush to remove soviet troops, this was liked by many. - Releasing political prisoners - Many were innocent.
- Reorganising the government - Include non communist politicians, to end the one party state.
How did Khrushchev stop the Hungarian Uprising?
- Sent an invasion force of 1,000 troops on 4th November 1956.
- Nagy and his followers fought these troops, he contacted the West asking for support.
- The invasion killed 20,000 Hungarians. Causing an end to the Uprising.
- Established a stronger Communist Leader.
- Nagy was kidnapped, and in July 1958, he was executed.
What were some of the ideas surrounding that the USA should invade Hungary? What were the opposite ideas? What happened in the end?
USA Should Help Hungary
1. Khrushchev’s repression went against Human Rights.
2. Nagy’s government ideas matched the democratic values of the USA.
3. Hungary could be used as a key place for the US in terms of placing weapons.
USA Should NOT help Hungary
1. Had a foreign policy of containment.
2. Nuclear war could occur if invaded.
3. Still distrusted communist governments/countries.
Eisenhower did NOT invade.
How did relations between the US and Soviet Union change after the Hungarian Uprising? (5 ideas written)
They worsened, because
1. Krush’s repression shocked and appaled the West.
2. Krush increased power.
3. Tightened the Warsaw Pact.
4. Ruined the USA’s reputation as they did not take the opportunity to free Hungary from Communism.
5. Proved that the USA did not back what they said, which would make satellite states less likely to rebel and increased Soviet Union’s confidence.
What were the causes and consequences of the Hungarian Uprising? (3 for each)
Causes
1. Fuel shortages and poor Harvest.
2. Discontent and protest about the lack of freedom in Hungary.
3. Imre Nagy’s Reforms.
Consequences
1. The USA’s reputation as a protector of freedom is ruined.
2. Worsening the relationship between the USA and Soviet Union into the 1960s.
3. Khrushchev had tighter control of Eastern Bloc through Warsaw Pact.
In the Western Berlin, what were living conditions? In Eastern Berlin, what were conditions like? What did this lead to?
Western Berlin - High living standards and freedom. Good Economy
Eastern Berlin - Low living standards and restrictions. Bad economy.
This led to people migrating to West Berlin from East Berlin and becoming refugees.
What caused the refugee crisis in 1958? What did this lead too?
There were many factors that led to the crisis, the poor living conditions and lack of freedom of speech led to people not wanting to live in the East.
There was a revolt in the East, and the police calmed this down. But many left east as there was this idea of ‘free movement’ (Moving sides with legal docs etc)
The West struggled to house these new citizens as so many were arriving, the population of the East fell leading to open job vacancies.
How many Germans left East Berlin by 1958? What did Khrushchev do with the figures and why?
Three million Germans had left East Germanay. Due to censorship, the Soviets did not want to disclose such information. So Krush increased the figures to aid negations with the West.
What was the Impact on the refugee crisis? What happened due to this?
There was a skill gap in the GDR as they knew West Germany would pay higher wages if they migrated.
There was a huge loss of income, it was a propaganda failure for Krush, and he had to take action.
What is an Ultimatum? When is it used?
An ultimatum is when a person or country warns another that, if they do not do or stop a certain action, an unpleasant consequence will happen.
It is usually used as a last resort. It has a time limit.
Why did Khrushchev result to an Ultimatum?
He was getting annoyed with the West, especially after the migration to the West, and the loss of income for the country.
He wanted to permanently push out the West to gain income, and it would be used as a buffer zone against the West.
What did Khrushchev’s ultimatum include? What would happen if the demands were not met?
Khrushchev’s Demands
1. Demilitarise Berlin
2. Remove Western troops from Berlin.
3. Make Berlin a free city.
They had 6 months, if the demands were not met
1. Khrushchev would hand over all transport routes in Berlin control to the East.
What were the reactions to Khrushchev’s Ultimatum? (American Perspective, Soviet Perspective, FRGs)
American Perspective - Eisenhower considered the actions of kicking out the USA from Berlin as a spread of communism.
Soviet Perspective -
Khrush thought he was right, it was the only way to stop mass migration out of the GDR.
The FRG’s perspective - He did not want to recognise the GDR as a country, he also did not want the issue of Berlin to cause Nuclear war.
What did the USA decide about Khrushchev’s Ultimatum? What did the USA do?
The USA did not accept Khrush’s terms, so they held peace summits with the Soviet Union, to discuss better solutions.
What were the causes and consequences of Khrushchev’s Ultimatum? (3 for each)
Causes
1. Berlin’s refugee crisis.
2. Comeptiton between the US and soviet union.
3. Arms race.
Consequences
1. Worsening US-Soviet relations.
2. Peace summits about Berlin between 1959 and 61.
3. The creation of the Berlin Wall in 1961.
What were the aims of the Geneva Summit? What were the outcomes of the Summit? (2 for each)
Aims of Geneva Summit
1. To find a solution for Khrushchev’s Ultimatum.
2. To agree on a way that the USA and Soviet union could govern Berlin.
Outcomes of Geneva Summit
1. The representatives could not agree with what they were going to do with the Ultimatum.
2. Eisenhower and Khrush’s relationships improved, Eisenhower invited Khrush to visit the USA later in the year.
What were the aims of the Camp David Summit? What were the outcomes of the Camp David Summit? (2 for each)
Aims of Summit
1. Find a solution to Khrushchev’s Ultimatum
2. To agree on a way that the USA and Soviet Union could govern Berlin.
Outcomes of Summit
1. The representatives could not agree on a solution to the Ultimatum.
2. The relationships improved, they agreed to held further talks in Paris the following year.
What happened before the Paris Summit? How did Eisenhower react?
On the 1st of May, a U-2 spy plane was shot down, in the Soviet Union, which was believed to be taking pictures for an espionage mission. Eisenhower did NOT apologise, as he stated it was important for the countries safety.
What were the aims of the Paris Summit? What was the outcome of the Paris Summit? (2 for each)
Aims for Paris Summit
1. Find a solution for Khrushchev’s Ultimatum.
2. To agree on wider international issues such as the overtaken of Cuba and the Test ban.
Outcomes of Summit
1. They could not agree on a decision for the Ultimatum.
2. Khrushchev was too angry about the U2 plane incident, and walked out increasing cold war tensions.
What happened after the Paris Summit?
President Eisenhower was replaced by John F Kennedy, he was anti-communist.
He suffered embarrassment from the Bay of Pigs invasion, and Khrushchev took this moment to call for a Summit.
What were the aims of the Vienna Summit? What was the outcome of the Vienna Summit?
Aims of Vienna Summit.
1. Find a solution for Khrushchev’s Ultimatum.
2. To agree on a way that the USA and Soviet Union could govern Berlin.
Outcomes of Vienna Summit.
1. He restated to Kennedy his ultimatum. The meeting ended with no resolution on Berlin
2. He refused to compromise with Khrushchev as he did not want to appear weak. This established a start for a Negative Relationship.
What were the impacts of the Peace Summits? (Causes/Consequences 3 for each?)
Causes of Summits
1. Berlin’s Refugee Crisis.
2. Khrushchev’s Ultimatum
3. The improvement of US relations with Eisenhower and Soviet Union.
Consequences of Summit
1. Worsening US-Soviet relations.
2. Kennedy increases the US armed forces budget to 2 billion.
3. The creation of the Berlin Wall in 1961.
What was the timeline of the Summits and any key events that took place during them?
- Geneva Summit - May 1959.
- Camp David - September 1959.
- 1st May 1960 - U2 Spy Plane shot down.
- Paris Summit - May 1960.
- January 1961 - Kennedy becomes president.
- Vienna Summit - June 1961.
Why was the Berlin Wall built in 1961?
As there was an increase in tensions from the Summits, people still migrating to the West, loss of income and this needed to be stopped.
When was barbed wire placed between the East and West Germany?
Under nightfall, the East German government placed barbed wire between East and West Berlin on 12th August 1961 and placed guards near the divide
What were the consequences of the Berlin Wall?
- Many people were divided between the two sides, including families many tried to escape because of this. With many escape plans being made.
- In 1962, the failed escape attempt by Peter Fechter caused international outrage, it damaged the GDR’s reputation as nobody went to help his injuries.
What were the negative consequences of the Berlin Wall for US-Soviet relations? (3 please)
- The US government was not spoken to about the authorisation of building the divide. It demonstrated that the Soviet’s did not value the West’s opinion.
- The possibility of uniting Germany into 1 had a big step back.
- It was more difficult to escape the GDR.
What were the positive impacts of the Berlin Wall for US-Soviet relations? (3 please)
- West Berlin remained independent and became a symbol of freedom.
- Berlin wall created a stalemate.
- The migration of millions of East Germans was no longer an issue for the West.
What was Kennedy’s “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech? How did this show the West as superior?
Kennedy visited Berlin in 1963 and thousands joined together in Unison to listen to this speech. The Germans were very thankful of his effort, and it boosted their confidence and showed the unison of the West + Superiority.
In the end, how did the building of the Berlin Wall ease tensions? How did it increase tension? (2 for each)
Ease Tension
1. Less chance of Nuclear War, Kennedy stated: “a wall is a hell of a lot better than a war”.
2. It ended the day to day comparison of the sides, and allowed them both to be independent.
Increase tension
1. Diplomatic failure for the USA and Soviet Union.
2. The Berlin Wall created a physical divide to match the ideological (Based on a system of ideas) divide between East and West
How was the US involved in Cuba before 1959? (Think Batista and economy.)
- Incredibly involved in the economy, US business controlled and profited from the sugar trade.
- As a result, the US wanted to attempt control of the political side of Cuba, they were supressed, but Batista began leading, he was corrupt.
- The USA ignored Batista, and the US provided him with weapons to maintain control.
What happened to Cuba when Fiedel Castro began an uprising?
Castro began a guerrilla warfare campaign against the Cuban Government.
The international media supported this.
On 1st January 1959, Castro and Guevara’s forces defeated Batista.
And he formed a new government in 1959.
Why did Castro’s government cause tension with the US? (Communism, Nationalist attitudes)
Communism - Castro appointed communists into his government, Khrushchev signed an agreement to buy sugar and Cuba agreed to receive arms from the Soviet Union.
Nationalist Attitudes - Castro did NOT want America to control Cuba’s Economy.
Why did Castro’s government cause tension with the US? , (Cuba and the IMF and Nationalising Land)
Cuba and the IMF - The US government recognised Castro’s government, they refused to give money to Cuba unless they followed the IMF.
Nationalising Land - They began to take back land owned by foreign nationals, the US refused to accept the policy, and Castro continued to take land.
How did Eisenhower react to Castro? (2 details)
- By October 1960, he began a trade embargo (ban) with Cuba.
- They ended their diplomatic relationship with Cuba.
What caused Kennedy to invade Cuba?
He did not want communism 90 miles away from the coast of Cuba. The CIA wanted Cuban exiles to invade Cuba. It would look like a counter revolution.
What were the CIA’s plans for the invasion of Cuba?
- Cuban exiles to land in the pay of pigs, Cuba.
- The invasion force would attract people to rise up, they would fight to remove Castro from power.
- The US-backed rebels would establish a pro American government in Cuba.
Explain Why did the Bay of Pigs Invasion fail? (Weakness of CIA and invasion force)
- The CIA gave the Cuban Exiles limited military training, Castro’s battle force were extremely experienced.
- The US government refused to give military support to the Cuban Exiles.
Explain why the Bay of Pigs invasion failed? (The strength of Castro’s government)
- Castro knew about the invasion before it began, and sent an army of 20,000 soldiers to attack,
- Cuban citizens were happy with Castro’s government. The invasion gained limited support.
How did the Bay of Pigs incident impact US-Soviet relations (give 3 details)
They worsened relations because.
1. Damaging to the USA reputation, the USA looked to be controlling the soviet union. Castro no longer wanted a diplomatic relationship with the US.
2. Success for communism was claimed from Khrushchev making him seem strong.
3. Cuba became closer to the Soviet Union, and openly agreed to storing weapons which led to an increased threat of nuclear warfare.
When was the Bay of Pig’s Invasion?
17th April, 1961.
What were the short them and medium term causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Short Term
1. On the 14th October, 1962 a U-2 spy plane took photographs of a launch pad of missiles in Cuba. Intelligence informed Cuba that a Soviet ship will approach Cuba carrying missiles.
Medium Term
1. The bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 increased tension. Castro announced he was communist, Kennedy warned Khrushchev not to place weapons in Cuba.
What was the long term cause of the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Long Term
1. Both countries had competed against each other to become the greatest superpower. The USA and Soviet union both developed extremely powerful nuclear weapons.
Why did Khrushchev choose to place nuclear weapons in Cuba? (3 reasons)
- NATO had missiles pointing at the Soviet Union in Turkey, he wanted the USA to experience what this threat felt like.
- His colleagues saw him as a weak leader after building the Berlin Wall in 1961.
- The soviet union worried about the increasing military strength of the USA.
What 3 options did Kennedy have to deal with Cuba? What did Kennedy have to decide with these options?
- Attacking the soviet ships en route to Cuba.
- Bombing the missile sites on Cuba.
- Planning an US invasion of Cuba.
Kennedy had to decide how the public would react on what his decision was. He had limited options.
What is 16th- 28th October 1962 known as? What happened between the 16th and 22nd?
It is known as ‘The Thirteen Days’.
What occurred -
1. On the 16th October, Kennedy assembled ExComm to discuss the US reaction to Cuba. They met every day for the next 13 days.
2. On the 22nd October, Kennedy established a naval blockade around Cuba. No boats could pass through. That evening, Kennedy announced about the missile sites on Cuba.
3. The USA Government prepared 54 bombers with nuclear warheads in preparation for the Soviet Union to ignore the blockade.
In the ‘Thirteen Days’ What happened between the 23rd - 28th?
- On the 24th October, the Soviet Ships turned around when they were met with the blockade in Cuba.
- On the 24th October, the USA and Soviet Union reached an agreement to end the Cuban Missile Crisis.
What happened to stop the Cuban Missile Crisis?
- On the 26th October, Khrushchev telegrammed Kennedy. Kennedy agreed with Khrushchev not to invade Cuba if the Missile pads were removed.
- On the 27th, Khrush wanted NATO to remove the missiles in Turkey, which they did.
- By the 28th, they had reached a solution WITHOUT the public knowing.
What were the 4 treaty’s made after the Cuban Missile Crisis?
- The Hotline.
- The Test Ban Treaty.
- The Outer Space Treaty.
- The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
When was the Hotline Treaty introduced? What was it?
When was the Test Ban Treaty introduced? What was it?
The Hotline was created in June 1963. It was agreed that Moscow and Washington would have a direct phone line to improve communication.
The Test Ban treaty was introduced in August 1963, it was a treaty that banned the testing of Nuclear Weapons in space, underwater and in the atmosphere.
When was the Outer Space Treaty introduced? What was it?
When was the The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty introduced? What was it?
The Outer Space treaty was introduced in 1967, and it detailed that space should not be used for military purposes.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was introduced in 1968, it detailed that Nuclear weapons should NOT be shared with other countries.
What happened to Kennedy’s popularity after the Cuban Missile Crisis? Explain?
What happened to Khrushchev popularity? Explain?
Kennedy became more popular, The US public believed that Kennedy had dealt with the Cuban Missile Crisis effectively. Also, he looked like a strong leader and gained more confidence.
Khrushchev popularity decreased, it was told that he had humiliated his country. Leonid Brezhnev ousted Khrushchev from power in 1964
