Cold War Rivalries, 1955-63 Flashcards
How was the Soviet foreign policy contradictory?
One side= Peaceful coexistence and Summit Diplomacy, and the other side= Sputnik and support for revolutionary regimes.
How was USA foreign policy contradictory?
One side= Eisenhower decried ‘military industrial complex’ and other side= supported development of more weapons and Kennedy continued many of his policies.
When did the USA and USSR have H Bombs?
USA= 1954 USSR= 1955
What and when was the Gaither report?
- Eisenhower commissioned it to investigate the state of US-Soviet nuclear capability. The view was that the USSR were catching up with the USA. Eisenhower did it to calm the fears of the American people, but ended up doing the opposite as there was a 100 to 30 lead in ICBMs in favour of USSR. The U2 Spy plane however, suggested that USA were ahead of USSR.
What was the point in the Space Race?
It was theorised that the ability to build a satellite would give the developer superiority in the arms race.
When was Sputnik launched?
Sputnik was the first satellite to orbit the earth, launched by the USSR in 1957.
What was the USA’s reaction to Sputnik?
It alarmed the USA. Soviet space technology appeared to surpass their’s and convinced the USA that the USSR were about to launch Nuclear missiles against it. It also increased pressure for the US to develop a space technology programme.
How did the USA and the USSR’s space programme’s compare?
1957, US tried to launch their own rocket but crashed on takeoff. Was referred to as ‘flopnik’. In contrast, the Soviet Union space programme went from strength to strength. 1959, first satellite to orbit moon launched and 1961, first manned satellite to orbit moon launched. But then the US rapidly caught up, by 1962 they had successfully launched 63 space missions compared to the USSR’s 15 missions. There was a strong belief n the US that space was important to.US security and the control of space would rsult in global control.
When did Krushchev become leader of USSR and what were his priorities?
Became leader in 1958. His priority was to strengthen the economy and defences of the USSR and global ideological expansion. Berlin became the focal point for these objectives.
How did East and West Berlin compare?
They were very different. West had made heavy financial investments in Berlin throughout 1950s and this was showing.
What did Moscow fear regarding Berlin?
They feared the US mght make up for their insecurities about the USSR’s position in the Space Race by putting missiles in West Germany.
What did Krushchev want from US regarding Berlin?
Krushchev wanted to minimise US influence in Germany, wanted assurance that US wouldn’t put nuclear weapons in West Germany, believed Propaganda victory against Western Powers, particularly US in Berlin would strengthen Soviet position. So he gave them a 6 month ultimatum in 1958. Ultimatum demanded withdrawl of Western armed forces from West Berlin.
How did the US respond to Krushchev’s ultimatum?
There was a desire within the US and Britain to lessen confrontation with USSR which alarmed the FRG. West Germany’s chancellor feared American betrayl. The Paris Summit 1960 was haltd by U2 spy plane.
What was Krushchev’s ultimatum?
1958.
Gave the Western powers 6 months to agree to withdraw from Berlin to make it a free, demilitarised city. At the end of this period, Krushchev would turn over to East Germany complete control of all lines of communication with West Berlin. Thus, the Western powers would have access to West Berlin only by permission of the East German government.
