Era 1950-2000 Flashcards
What was the Korean War? 1950-1953
The Korean War was a conflict between North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and South Korea, supported by the United Nations, primarily the United States. Being the first major proxy war of the Cold War, a precedent of supporting opposing forces in foreign conflicts (especially civil wars) was set. Also cemented the division of Korea into North and South, continuing the divide in the Korean peninsula that still continues today.
What was the significance of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954?
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was the culminating engagement of the First Indochina War between the French and the Viet Minh forces, leading to France withdrawing from Vietnam, furthering the trend of decolonization. This victory led to the Geneva Accords, which partitioned Vietnam and set the stage for the Vietnam War, one of the bloodiest proxy wars that would escalate the Cold War, and subsequently, US-USSR tensions.
What was the Bandung Conference in 1955?
The Bandung Conference was a meeting of Asian and African states promoting economic and cultural cooperation and opposing colonialism, leading to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement
What was Khrushchev’s policy of de-Stalinization in 1956?
Nikita Khrushchev’s policy of de-Stalinization involved the denunciation of the repressive regime of Joseph Stalin and led to increased intellectual freedom and political relaxation in the Soviet Union. It significantly altered Soviet political culture and foreign relations. It would aid in Soviet international diplomacy, as it was viewed as an attempt to distance the USSR from Stalin’s harsh totalitarian form of Marxism-Leninism. (Note: Marxism-Leninism is simply a form of communist thought, which was practiced in the USSR.)
What was the Suez Canal Crisis in 1956?
The Suez Canal Crisis occurred when Egypt nationalized the canal, leading to a military attack by Israel, France, and the UK. It marked the decline of British and French influence in the region and highlighted the growing importance of oil politics. Continuing the theme of decolonization and the growing influence of the Third World, Britain, France, and Israel would withdraw their troops, the Egyptians victorious in the crisis.
What was the significance of Sputnik launched in 1957?
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, into space. This event began the US-USSR competition within the study and deployment of space technology, showing yet another field which would rapidly grow as a result of Cold War rivalry. Simply put, began mankind’s first steps into space, but also started the Space Race, in which the United States and Soviet Union would compete all the way up until the moon landing.
What was the Cuban Revolution in 1959?
The Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro overthrew the Batista regime, leading to the establishment of a communist government in Cuba. This significantly impacted the Cold War dynamics in the Western Hemisphere, leading to decades of tension between Cuba and the United States.
What was the Berlin Wall?
The Berlin Wall was constructed by East Germany to prevent East Germans from fleeing to West Berlin and the West. Furthered the divide between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, with many referring to it as the literal incarnation of the “Iron Curtain,” which Churchill said had divided east from west. Its eventual fall in 1989 showed the oncoming collapse of Soviet control in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War in favor of the US.
What was the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962?
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba. It is considered the closest the Cold War came to escalating into a full-scale nuclear war, as the crisis would’ve certainly led to a catastrophic war if improperly handled. However, the handling of the issue between John F. Kennedy of the US and Nikita Khrushchev of the USSR would contribute to the pursuit of détente, a policy in which both parties agreed to scale back their ongoing arms race.
What was the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty in 1963?
1963
Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (above ground)
The treaty banned nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater (though underground tests continued). Signed by the US, USSR, and UK, it marked the first Cold War agreement limiting nuclear arms, easing Cold War tensions. Showed early steps toward détente, though China and France refused to join.
What was the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)?
Chinese Cultural Revolution
Launched by Mao Zedong, the Cultural Revolution aimed to reassert communist ideology by removing capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. Led by the Red Guards, it caused widespread chaos, persecution of intellectuals, mass destruction of cultural heritage, and disrupted China’s economy and education system. It ultimately weakened Mao’s influence and left long-lasting scars on Chinese society.
What was the Six-Day War in 1967?
Six-Day War
A short but pivotal conflict in 1967 between Israel and neighboring Arab states (Egypt, Jordan, and Syria). Israel achieved a swift and decisive victory, gaining control of the Sinai Peninsula (region connecting Africa and Middle East), Gaza, and East Jerusalem (part of the Holy Land). The war deepened tensions in the Middle East and set the stage for future Arab-Israeli conflicts.
What was the Yom Kippur War in 1973?
The Yom Kippur War involved a coalition of Arab states against Israel, leading to an OPEC oil embargo that caused the 1973 Oil Crisis.
What was the Cambodian Genocide (1975-1979)?
Under Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge conducted a genocide in Cambodia, resulting in approximately 1.7 million deaths.
What were China’s economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in 1979?
Deng Xiaoping’s reforms transitioned China to a more market-oriented economy while retaining political control under the Communist Party.
What was the Iranian Revolution in 1979?
The Iranian Revolution overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty and established an Islamic republic, increasing tensions between the West and Iran.
What was the First Palestinian Intifada in 1987?
The First Intifada was a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, bringing international attention to the Palestinian cause.
What happened at Tiananmen Square in June 1989?
Thousands of pro-democracy protesters gathered in Tiananmen Square, leading to a violent crackdown by the Chinese government.
What was the significance of Namibia’s independence in 1990?
Namibia’s independence marked the end of colonialism in Africa, continuing the new age of geopolitics with independent African states.
What was the First Persian Gulf War in January 1991?
Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait prompted a US-led coalition intervention, highlighting US military dominance post-Cold War.
What happened when the USSR disbanded on December 31, 1991?
The disbanding of the USSR marked the end of the Cold War, resulting in the emergence of fifteen new countries and leaving the US as the sole superpower.
What was NAFTA formed in 1994?
The North American Free Trade Agreement created one of the world’s largest free trade zones, increasing trade between the US, Canada, and Mexico.
What was the Rwandan Genocide in 1994?
Ethnic tensions in Rwanda led to the mass killing of around 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus, exposing failures in international humanitarian response.
What were the first all-race elections in South Africa in April 1994?
South Africa held its first democratic elections, officially ending apartheid and leading to Nelson Mandela becoming the first Black president.
