Conflict & Tension Between East & West, 1945–1972 Flashcards
What were the main ideological differences between the USA and the USSR after WWII?
The USA promoted capitalism and democracy, favoring free elections and individual freedoms. In contrast, the USSR advocated for communism, emphasizing state control over the economy and a one-party political system.
What was the significance of the Yalta Conference in 1945?
At Yalta, the Allies agreed on the post-war division of Germany, the establishment of the United Nations, and free elections in Eastern Europe. However, differing interpretations of these agreements sowed seeds of mistrust between the USA and USSR.
How did the Potsdam Conference exacerbate tensions between the USA and USSR?
Held in July 1945, Potsdam highlighted disagreements over Germany’s future, reparations, and Eastern Europe’s governance. The USA’s new president, Truman, adopted a tougher stance against Stalin, increasing mutual suspicion.
What was the purpose of the Truman Doctrine (1947)?
It aimed to contain communism by providing political, military, and economic assistance to countries resisting Soviet influence, marking a shift to active US involvement in global affairs.
How did the Marshall Plan support the Truman Doctrine?
The Marshall Plan offered economic aid to rebuild European economies, preventing the spread of communism by stabilizing nations economically and politically.
What triggered the Berlin Blockade in 1948, and how did the Allies respond?
Stalin blocked all ground routes to West Berlin to force the Allies out. In response, the Allies organized the Berlin Airlift, supplying the city by air for almost a year until the blockade was lifted.
What was the significance of NATO’s formation in 1949?
NATO established a military alliance among Western nations, committing to collective defense. It marked a formal opposition to Soviet expansion, intensifying the Cold War divide.
How did the Korean War (1950–1953) reflect Cold War tensions?
The war was a proxy conflict, with the USA supporting South Korea and China (backed by the USSR) supporting North Korea. It exemplified the global struggle between capitalism and communism.
What was the impact of the arms race on US-Soviet relations?
The development of nuclear weapons led to a balance of terror, with both sides amassing arsenals to deter the other, escalating tensions and fostering a climate of fear.
What events led to the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961?
A mass exodus from East to West Berlin threatened East Germany’s stability. To stop this, the USSR supported building the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the Cold War’s physical and ideological divide.
What caused the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962?
The USSR placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, prompting a US naval blockade. The 13-day standoff ended with the USSR withdrawing missiles in exchange for a US non-invasion pledge and the secret removal of US missiles from Turkey.
How did the Cuban Missile Crisis affect superpower relations?
It brought the world close to nuclear war, leading to improved communication (the “Hotline”) and the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, initiating a period of détente.
What was the significance of the Prague Spring in 1968?
Czechoslovakia’s attempt to implement liberal reforms was crushed by Warsaw Pact troops, demonstrating the USSR’s commitment to maintaining control over its satellite states.
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?
It stated that the USSR had the right to intervene in any socialist country threatened by internal or external forces hostile to socialism, justifying actions like the invasion of Czechoslovakia.
How did the Vietnam War influence Cold War dynamics?
The USA’s involvement aimed to prevent communism’s spread in Southeast Asia. The war’s unpopularity and eventual US withdrawal highlighted the limits of containment policy.
What was détente, and what factors contributed to its emergence?
Détente was a period of eased tensions between the superpowers, driven by mutual interest in avoiding nuclear conflict, economic considerations, and the desire for more stable international relations.
What were the key agreements during the détente period?
Notable agreements included the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I), the Helsinki Accords, and improved trade relations, aiming to reduce the risk of nuclear war and promote cooperation.
How did the space race reflect Cold War competition?
The USA and USSR competed in space exploration achievements, symbolizing technological and ideological superiority, culminating in events like the moon landing and satellite launches.
What role did espionage (spying) play in the Cold War?
Both superpowers engaged in extensive spying to gather intelligence, leading to incidents like the U-2 spy plane crisis, which heightened mistrust and tensions
How did the Cold War impact global alliances?
The Cold War led to the creation of military alliances like NATO (1949), uniting Western capitalist countries against the perceived threat of communism. In response, the USSR formed the Warsaw Pact (1955) with Eastern Bloc nations. These alliances formalized the division of Europe and increased the risk of global conflict by committing members to collective military defense.
