Cold War Rivalry Flashcards
What happened to the relationship between the USA and USSR after the Grand Alliance broke down?
It changed dramatically, with both nations viewing each other with suspicion and as enemies.
What was agreed upon regarding Germany and Berlin at Yalta?
Germany and Berlin would be divided into four zones.
What was agreed upon at Potsdam regarding the administration of each sector?
Each sector would be administered by one of the allies.
Why was it agreed at Potsdam that the USSR would receive the bulk of reparations?
Because Russia had the highest casualties in the war.
What did both the USA and USSR want as revealed by secret telegrams?
Both nations wanted world domination.
What policy did the USA move away from under the Truman Doctrine?
The policy of isolationism.
What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?
To provide financial aid.
What was the policy of containment based on?
The domino theory.
What was Stalin’s response to the Allies’ plan to create a West German state?
He initiated a blockade of road, rail, and canal traffic to starve the Allies out of West Berlin.
How did Truman respond to Stalin’s blockade?
He organized an airlift to supply West Berlin.
How many tons of supplies were airlifted each day during the Berlin airlift?
An average of 4000 tonnes.
How long did the Berlin airlift last?
10 months, beginning in June 1948.
What were the consequences of the Berlin Crisis?
Increased east/west rivalry, creation of NATO and Warsaw Pact.
What was the significant event that occurred in 1961 related to the Berlin Crisis?
The construction of the Berlin Wall.
What was the main reason behind the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962?
The installation of ballistic missiles by the USSR in Cuba.
What event in Cuba in 1959 led to increased tensions between the USA and USSR?
The revolution that overthrew Batista and brought Fidel Castro to power.
What was the Bay of Pigs invasion?
A failed attempt by the USA to overthrow Fidel Castro.
What was JFK’s response to the crisis posed by Soviet missiles in Cuba?
He imposed a naval blockade.
What was the agreement reached between JFK and Khrushchev regarding the missiles?
Khrushchev would remove missiles from Cuba if the USA removed missiles from Turkey.
What was the concept of brinkmanship?
Pushing to the verge of war.
What was the significance of the Hotline established between the Kremlin and the White House?
It facilitated direct communication to avoid misunderstandings.
What was the Domino Theory in relation to Vietnam?
If Vietnam fell to communism, all of Southeast Asia would follow.
Who was the leader of North Vietnam?
Ho Chi Minh.
What event provided the USA with the excuse for military involvement in Vietnam?
The Gulf of Tonkin incident.
