Foreign Policy (whole course) Flashcards
When was the ‘Monroe Doctrine’ released?
1823.
Who was the ‘Monroe Doctrine’ released by?
It was released by the President at the time James Monroe and his Secretary of State James Quincy Adams.
What was the ‘Monroe Doctrine’?
It was a policy of isolationism, which said:
- America should avoid becoming involved in European wars unless US interests were involved.
- American continents were not to be colonised by European powers.
- Any attempts at colonisation would be regarded as unfriendly acts.
When were the Fenians established?
1858.
Who were the Fenians?
They were an Irish Republic organisation which were set up in the USA to fight for independence from Britain.
When were the Fenian Raids?
1866-1871.
What were the Fenian Raids?
Raids by Irish groups in American who wanted independence from Britain and tried to get a reaction from the British government by attacking the border of Canada, as Canada was allied with Britain.
How many Fenian Raids were there in total?
Five.
Why did the American government refuse to intervene in the Fenian Raids?
Britain and Canada were allies and America wanted payment from Britain for the damage to the Alabama Ship.
What happened with the Alabama Ship?
The Alabama was a Confederate ship which broke a blockade of Northern ships which were trying to stop the cotton trade during the war. Britain and Canada during the war had supported the South and had helped the Alabama ship to break the Northern ships, which caused tension between the US and Britain and Canada.
How much did the US demand from Britain for damages caused by the Alabama?
$2 billion.
How much did Britain pay the US for the damages caused by the Alabama?
$15 million.
When was the Alaska purchase?
1867.
How much was Alaska purchased for?
$7.2 million.
Who was responsible for the purchase of Alaska?
William Seward, Secretary of State.
From which country was Alaska purchased by?
Russia.
What were some of the nicknames for Alaska after the Alaska purchase?
- Seward’s Icebox.
- Seward’s Folly.
What did the Chicago Evening Journal say about the Alaska purchase (negative comment)?
They said Alaska “adds little productivity to the nation”.
What did the Chicago Evening Journal say about the Alaska purchase (positive comment)?
They remarked that the extension of Alaska to the US “more than doubles our Pacific coast”
What did the New York World say about the Alaska purchase?
They said the US had been sold “a sucked orange” by Russia (this was in reference to the fur trade, as most fur had been poached by the Russians).
Give some of the positives of the Alaska purchase.
- 1869, major gold deposit found in Yukon.
- Gateway to Klondike gold fields.
- Military base during World War II.
What year was the annexation of Midway Island?
1867.
Why did the US annex Midway Island?
For guano (fertiliser) and trade routes to the East.
What was US’ involvement in Mexico in Johnson’s presidency?
50,000 US troops sent to Mexico by Seward (Secretary of State) to get Napoleon to withdraw his forces from Mexico in their war with France.
What year was the Burlingame Treaty signed?
1868.
Why did the US sign the Burlingame Treaty with China?
- To encourage immigration to the US from China.
- To improve/create trade links with China.
When did the Dominican Republic offer themselves to be colonised by the US (+bonus: what was Congress’ reaction and why)?
1869 - Congress refused the offer to stick to the ideas of the Monroe Doctrine and isolationism.
When was the Dominican Republic annexed by the US?
1870.
When did Britain pay the US for damages caused by the Alabama?
1872.
When did the King of Samoa offer the annexation of his country (+bonus: what was Congress’ reaction)?
1872 - Congress refused to annex Samoa.
When was the US-Hawaii Friendship Treaty signed?
1875.`
What did the US-Hawaii Friendship Treaty agree?
The US could import sugar from Hawaii tax free and Hawaii had to pay tariffs on US goods.
When was the US-Samoa Treaty signed?
1878.
What did the US-Samoa Treaty agree?
The US would have a Naval station in Samoa, as well as US assistance being offered to Samoa if they needed it.
Who advocated Pan-Americanism?
James Blaine, Secretary of State.
When was Pan-Americanism advocated?
1881.
What was Pan-Americanism?
The idea that all countries in North and South America should be united with the US acting as a leader for the countries.
When was the Chinese Exclusion Act passed?
1882.
What did the Chinese Exclusion Act say?
10 year ban on Chinese immigration was passed and citizenship of Chinese people already in the US was denied.
Who was William Hunt?
Secretary of the Navy.
What did William Hunt advocate in 1882?
Expansion of the Navy.
Who else (apart from William Hunt) advocated Naval expansion?
Captain Mahon.
How many US Navy Ships were found to be operational in 1882?
42 out of 140.
When was the US-Hawaii Treaty of Friendship renewed?
1887.
What was agreed when the US-Hawaii Treaty of Friendship was renewed?
Trade agreements continued and a Naval base was established at Pearl Harbour.
When did the US meet with Latin American countries for the Pan-American Conference?
October 1889.
How many Latin American countries came to the Pan-American Conference?
18.
What was agreed at the Pan-American Conference?
There would be free trade within all countries and created a system to avoid future wars and conflicts.
When did the US get involved in Venezuela’s problems?
1895.
How did US get involved with Venezuela’s problems?
Venezuela and British colony of Guiana were disputing over borders. President Cleveland demanded that the issue go into arbitration or he would send in 54 vessels. Britain accepted and the arbitration ended in favour of Venezuela.
How did the US intervene in Samoa (Cleveland’s Presidency)?
Germany had installed a monarch in Samoa so President Cleveland sent 3 ships into Samoan waters.
How did the situation in Samoa resolve (Cleveland’s Presidency)?
An agreement between US, Britain and Germany was signed over the island.
When did tensions with Chile erupt?
May 1891.
What caused tensions between Chile and the US?
- US seized Chile rebel ship.
- Fight between US and Chile soldiers caused deaths of 2 Americans.
What was the end of the situation of tensions with Chile?
War was considered but Chile backed down and payed $75,000.
When was the Queen of Hawaii deposed?
January 1893.
What was US’ reaction to the deposition of the Queen of Hawaii?
- Sent in 150 marines to protect the new Hawaiian Government.
- President Harrison even ordered the annexation of Hawaii, but the Senate refused to act.
When did the USS Maine explode?
15th February 1898 after visiting Havana Harbour in Cuba for a friendly visit.
How many Americans were killed by the explosion of the USS Maine?
266.
What was the reaction of the press to the explosion of the USS Maine?
The press blamed the Spanish (who occupied Cuba) and said they had deliberately caused the ship to explode.
What was public opinion towards Cuba after the explosion of the USS Maine?
US public wanted to support the Cuban independence bid as they believed Spain had caused the explosion.
Who wrote the letter condemning President McKinley?
The Spanish Minister to the US.
What did the letter condemning President McKinley say?
It called McKinley a “weak bidder for the admiration of the crowd” and was very insulting.
How did the letter condemning McKinley change public opinion towards Cuba?
Public opinion was very definitely towards supporting Cuban independence as they became more annoyed with Spain.
When did the Spanish-American War begin?
25th April 1898.
When did the Spanish-American War end?
August 1898.
How was the Spanish-American War ended (+bonus: what was agreed)?
Signing of the Treaty of Paris between US and Spain. The treaty agreed:
- US would recognise Cuban independence.
- US would take control of Guantanamo Bay.
- Spain gave Puerto Rico and Guam to US.
- US were allowed to buy the Philippines $20 million.
When was Hawaii annexed by the US?
7th July 1898.
What was ‘Open Door Policy’?
US, Britain, France, Russia and Japan agreed to respect each others’ trading rights in China.
Who advocated the ‘Open Door Policy’?
John Hay, Secretary of State.
When was ‘Open Door Policy’ advocated?
1899-1900.
When was the Boxer Rebellion?
1900.
What was the Boxer Rebellion?
A rebellion in China aimed at foreigners.
How did the US react to the Boxer Rebellion?
US forces were sent in to rescue foreign embassies in Peking and protect US citizens in China.
What was the Platt Amendment?
Allows the US to be involved in Cuban affairs and preserves US control of the island.
When was the Platt Amendment signed?
1901.
When did US help with the Russo-Japanese War?
1904.
How did US help with Russo-Japanese War?
Roosevelt invited delegates from Russia and Japan to the US to sign a peace treaty to end the war.
What reward was Roosevelt given for his actions in the Russo-Japanese war?
He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1906.
When did construction of the Panama Canal begin?
1906.
When was the ‘Great White Fleet’ sent around the globe?
1907.
What was the ‘Great White Fleet’?
A large fleet of white ships that were sent around the globe on a ‘tour de force’.
When was the Root Takahira agreement signed?
30th November 1908.
Who signed the Root Takahira agreement?
US and Japan.
What did the Root Takahira agreement agree?
That US and Japan would respect each other’s trading rights in China.
When was a treaty signed between US and Nicaragua?
1911.
What did the treaty signed between US and Nicaragua agree (+bonus: did this ever go through)?
That Nicaragua would become a US protectorate, but the Senate later rejected the treaty.
When did Taft send US troops to China and why?
During the Chinese Revolution to protect US interests there.
When was the Panama Canal finished (+bonus: when was it opened)?
1913 and was opened in August that year.
When did Haiti become a US protectorate?
1915.
What was the agreement with Haiti about becoming a US protectorate?
Haiti would be a US protectorate for 10 years and US forces would stay there for 10 years.
What was the Zimmerman Telegram?
A telegram sent between German Foreign Minister and German Ambassador to Mexico hinting that Germany and Mexico would ally in the event of war with the US. The German Ambassador also said that Mexican land lost to the US would be returned.
When was the Zimmerman Telegram sent?
1917.
When did the US enter WW1?
6th April 1917.
What were Wilson’s 14 points?
The 14 things he believed would bring a just and lasting peace.
How many US soldiers were killed in WW1?
50,000.
How much had the US loaned to the Allies in WW1?
$22 billion.
Who’s idea was the League of Nations?
Wilson.
Which country refused to join the League of Nations?
The US.
When and where was the idea of the League of Nations first presented?
1919 at the Paris Peace Conference.
Why did the US public want a return to isolationism after WW1?
- They believed WW1 had been caused by selfish European rivalries and wanted to avoid any future involvement with them.
- Red Scare: the public did not want Communism to spread to the US.
- US wanted to focus on their trade interests in the Far East.
When was the Washington Conference?
1922.
Which countries came to the Washington Conference?
US, UK, Japan, France and Italy.
What was agreed at the Washington Conference?
Arms would be limited and stability and peace would be brought to the Pacific. Each country had to reduce the tonnage of battleships for 10 years.
Which treaty was signed at the Washington Conference?
Four Power Treaty: the countries involved agreed to respect each other’s interests in the Far East as well as maintain the Open Door Policy in China.
What are some of the limitations of the agreements made at the Washington Conference?
The agreement placed no limit on the size of armies or air force and there was no method of enforcing it. Japan started expanding in the 1930s.
How did the US help in the Nicaraguan Civil War?
5,000 US troops were sent to deal with the Civil War.
When did the US help in the Nicaraguan Civil War?
1926.
When were troops removed from Nicaragua?
1932.
When was the Kellogg-Briand Pact?
1928.
How many countries signed the Kellogg-Briand Pact (+bonus: give some examples)?
15 (France, US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Japan, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Italy).
What did the Kellogg-Briand Pact agree?
The countries who signed the pact agreed not to go to war except in self defence and that they would try to peacefully end conflicts.
What was the limitation of the Kellogg-Briand Pact?
There was no punishment put in place to deal with any country that might break the agreement.
How did the Dawes Plan come about?
- Charles Dawes sent to investigate why Germany couldn’t afford to pay their reparations
- In 1924, published a report saying reparations should be on a fixed scale ie Germany pays more as their economy gets better.
- German payments decreased to $250 million a year then increasing over the next 5 years.
What did the Dawes and Young Plan give Germany?
Loan of 800 million marks, half provided by US bankers.
What price did the Young Plan set the German reparations payments at and for how many years?
$26 billion to be paid back over 59 years.
Why did the Dawes and Young Plan come about?
American wanted to stop the spread of communism in Germany by helping to restore its economy.
What was America’s attitude to being involved with Latin America in the 1920s?
They wanted to continue to peruse and protect their interests in Latin America, which was mainly economically motivated.
How had US investment in Latin America changed in the 20s?
It had doubled from $1.5 billion to $3 billion between 1924 and 1929.
Give an example of an American company having influence in Latin America in the 20s.
General Electric - in 1923 it controlled the electricity supplies of 8 countries.
Give examples of how the US government were involved in Latin America in the 1920s.
- US gave Colombia $25 million in compensation for its support of Panama’s independence.
- In 1926, 5,000 US troops were sent to Nicaragua to deal with the Civil War.
What was the Good Neighbour Policy?
FDR created this policy to improve economic co-operation with Latin America.
Give some examples of American actions under the Good Neighbour Policy.
- 1934: US signed a treaty that nullified the Platt Amendment (1901) which had given the US occupation of Cuba. The US just kept Guantanamo Bay.
- Tariffs were lowered which helped Latin American economies.
- FDR passed Reciprocal Trade Agreement in 1934 - repealed isolationist policies from the 20s and helped the US to compete better in foreign trade, giving FDR power to negotiate tariffs and trade treaties without first consulting Congress.
When was the first Neutrality Act?
1935.
What did the first Neutrality Act do?
Gave the President power to stop US ships carrying US made munitions to countries at war.
When was the second Neutrality Act?
1936.
What did the second Neutrality Act do?
It banned loans or credits to countries at war (however there was no limit to trade on materials useful in war).
When was the third Neutrality Act?
1937.
What did the third Neutrality Act do?
Forbade the export of munitions for use by either of the opposing sides in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). It allowed countries at war to buy US goods if they paid in cash and used their own ships to collect them - known as “cash and carry”.
When was the fourth Neutrality Act?
1937.
What did the fourth Neutrality Act do?
Allowed the US president to decide what could and couldn’t be bought (excluding munitions) to be paid for on delivery, and it made travel on ships of countries at war unlawful.
Why were the Neutrality Acts passed?
There was growing feeling that the US should not have become involved in WW1 and they wanted to avoid war with Europe in the future.
When did US attitudes become anti-Japanese?
1937 after Japan invaded China.
When and what was the Panay Incident?
December 1937 - American gunboat ship USS Panay was sunk by Japanese warships off the coast of Korea.
Why did Congress decide not to go to war after the Panay incident?
They wanted to avoid conflict and the Japanese had apologised and paid compensation so there was no real need for conflict.
In 1937, what did the general public think about WW1?
70% believed it had been a mistake.
In 1937, what did the general public think about war in general?
95% opposed any future involvement in war.
When was the Quarantine Speech?
October 1937.
What did FDR say in the Quarantine Speech?
He warned of the dangers of totalitarianism, which was growing in Europe, and war, but also the dangers of isolationism. He also criticised the bombing of civilians in Spain and the aggressive Japanese policy against China. He suggested quarantining aggressors.
How did Nazi Occupation of Europe urge America to join WW2?
- By June 1940, Nazis were in control of Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium and France.
- A Nazi occupied Europe would not be good for US trade.
How did Nazi Occupation of Europe urge America to join WW2?
- By June 1940, Nazis were in control of Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium and France.
- A Nazi occupied Europe would not be good for US trade.
What was the Selective Service and Training Act?
It introduced conscription for men aged 21-36 (for the first time during peacetime).
How did sympathy towards Britain urge America to join WW2?
- When Britain declared war on Germany, America immediately sided with them.
- Congress passed acts to help the British buy American goods.
- FDR gave then 50 WW1 destroyers in exchange for naval bases in British colonies.
How did Japan’s actions against China urge America to join WW2?
- 1931: Japan invade China breaking League of Nations agreements
- 1937: China broke into a civil war and Japan took advantage of this weakness.
- Japanese plans for expansion began to develop beyond China.
How is it obvious the US sided with China over issues with Japan?
- Loaned them $250 million.
- Closed the Panama Canal to Japanese boats in August 1940.
- Banned US oil exports to Japan - reduced Japanese fighting time to another 18 months maximum.
When was the Lend-Lease Act passed?
March 1941.
What was the Lend-Lease Act?
It allowed the US to lend or lease arms and supplies to any nation if it felt the country’s defence was necessary for the defence of America.
When was the western Atlantic declared a neutral zone?
1941.
What did FDR order to happen to German U-boats?
He ordered them to be sunk on sight after they fired on US ships.
What happened in October 1941 in regards to conflict in the Atlantic?
A US ship was sunk killing 126 Americans so Congress repealed the Neutrality Acts allowing merchant ships to arm themselves.
How did the Lend-Lease Act lead to conflict in the Atlantic?
There was increased trade from the US across the Atlantic which led to more US goods being sunk by U-boats.
When did the US agree to support the USSR and why?
24th June 1941 as they were invaded by Germany.
When did FDR release an order regarding Axis ships?
November 1941.
What was FDR’s order regarding Axis ships?
He ordered all Axis ships to be shot on sign in US waters.
What happened to the USS Kearney?
It was shot and sunk by a German U-boat.
What happened to the Reuben James ship (+bonus: what was the effects)?
It was sunk by a German U-boat, killing 100 Americans.
When was the attack on Pearl Harbour?
7th December 1941.
How many US servicemen were killed and injured in the attack on Pearl Harbour?
2,335 and 1,143 injured.
How many American aircraft were destroyed in the attack on Pearl Harbour?
180.
Give examples of the US role in the war.
- October 1942: Eisenhower helped push the Germans out of North Africa.
- Invention of radar, sonar and depth changes reduced the effectiveness of German U-boats, meaning the US could keep Britain equipped and ready to fight.
- Churchill persuaded US to invade Italy to open a second front for the allies.
- American forces landed in Normandy on D-day.
- In January the US crossed into Germany. They surrendered in April.
What was America’s role in the Pacific during the war?
- May 1942: the US army stop Japanese expansion.
- June 1942: Battle of Midway sunk 4 Japanese carriers and 300 planes, caused the Japanese to retreat.
- America took most islands on the way to Japan.
When was an atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima?
6th August 1945.
How many people were killed by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima?
237,000.
When was an atomic bomb dropped on Nagaski?
9th August 1945.
How many people had died as a result of the bomb dropped on Nagaski by 1945?
80,000.
How much had been spent on developing the bombs to be dropped on Hiroshima and Nagaski by the Manhattan Project?
$2 billion.
What was agreed in terms of Germany for WW2?
The East of Germany and East Berlin would be controlled by the Soviets and the West of Germany and West Berlin would be controlled by the Western powers.
What was the Truman Doctrine?
Truman addressed the spread of Communism and said the US would fight it by helping countries faced with Communism.
When was the Truman Doctrine first announced?
March 1947 when Truman asked Congress for $400 million to fight the spread of Communism.
What was the Marshall Plan?
Secretary of State Marshall offered financial assistance to European countries after WW2.
When was the Marshall Plan announced?
1948.
Who did not benefit from the Marshall Plan?
Soviet Union refused to take the money and they stopped their satellite states from accepting the money as well. This meant East Germany did not receive the money.
How much money was offered by the Marshall Plan?
$13 billion.
Why did the US propose the Marshall Plan?
To help countries badly affected by the war to rebuild with the help of Capitalism so they would not turn to Communism.
When was the Berlin Airlift?
June 1948.
Explain the Berlin Airlift.
Stalin stopped Allied access to West Berlin, so Truman decided to airlift in supplies.
When did the Berlin Airlift end?
May 1949.
When did the USSR test its first nuclear weapon?
September 1949.
What was Truman’s reaction to the first USSR nuclear weapon?
He said that US would develop the first hydrogen bomb.
What does ‘NATO’ stand for?
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
What was ‘NATO’?
An agreement signed by Western powers to stop Soviet expansion.
When was ‘NATO’ signed?
April 1949.
Give examples of some countries who signed ‘NATO’.
USA, Britain, France, Belgium, Holland.
How did Stalin view ‘NATO’?
As an ‘aggressive alliance’.
What was the Warsaw Pact?
This was an agreement signed between Soviet powers agreeing to support each other if they were attacked.
When was the Warsaw Pact signed?
1955.
Who established the Warsaw Pact?
Khrushchev.
How many Soviet nations signed the Warsaw Pact?
8.
What was the ‘domino theory’ surrounding Communism (+bonus what were its effects)?
The domino theory was the idea that when one country fell to Communism, the next county would and so on, until many countries had fallen to Communism. The idea terrified the Americans who were so opposed to Communism and did not want it to spread. It could be said to have lead to America’s involvement in the Korean War.
Give the dates of the Korean War.
1950-1953.
What happened to Korea after WW2?
It was divided into 2 sections, North and South Korea. The Soviets were given control of the North and USA was given control of the South.
What was the line called which divided North and South Korea?
The 38th Parallel.
How and when did the Korean War begin?
March 1950 - North Korea invaded South Korea.
What was the West’s reaction to the beginning of the Korean War?
The UN sent troops to stop the invasion, the majority of which were US forces led by General MacArthur.
Were the West successful in intervening in Korea (+bonus: what was the result of this)?
Yes - the UN forces managed to liberate the South but General MacArthur wanted total victory, so invaded North Korea.
Which other country became involved in the Korean War and which side did they support?
China - they sent troops to help the North defend themselves from US and Southern invasion.
How many US troops were killed in the Korean War?
27,000.
How many Korean civilians were killed in the Korean War?
1 million.
How was the Korean War resolved?
An agreement was made to have a Communist North and a non-Communist South, with the 38th Parallel continuing to divide the two.
When did Stalin die?
1953.
Who succeeded Stalin as leader of the Soviet Union (+bonus: when)?
Khrushchev in 1955.
What was Khrushchev’s image compared to Stalin?
He seemed a lot more liberal and less threatening, for example, he was focused on agricultural reform.
What was ‘de-Stalinization’?
Khrushchev criticized Stalin’s ruthless methods, freed political prisoners from the Gulag, reduced Red Army by half a million men, returned a naval base in Finland, controls were tightened on Eastern Europe.
What happened in Hungary in 1956?
- Moderate Communists threatened to leave the Warsaw Pact.
- Khrushchev sent tanks in.
- Moderate Communist leader Nagy was shot.
- New, more radical Communist Janos Kadar took over in Hungary.
What was the US’ reaction to the events in Hungary in 1956?
The US did not intervene as they were already preoccupied with the Suez Canal Crisis and did not want to go to war with the USSR.
Why did Khrushchev not want Hungary to leave the Warsaw Pact?
He believed it would make the Warsaw Pact look weaker than NATO and that if Hungary left, other countries may choose to leave as well.
When was the Suez Canal Crisis?
July 1956.
Explain the Suez Canal Crisis.
- Egyptian leader took control of the Suez Canal.
- Britain, France and Israel invaded canal zone.
- Egypt and Syria turned to support the USSR.
Why did the US not help in the Suez Canal Crisis?
They did not want to alienate Middle Eastern countries as they relied on them for oil and also needed their support against the Communist bloc. If the Middle East turned to the USSR, Communist sphere of influence was closer to America.
When did Khrushchev try to get the US to recognise East Germany as a state (+bonus: what was the US’ reaction)?
1958 - the US refused to recognise East Germany as a state.
How did Khrushchev try to force the West to recognise East Germany as a state?
- Threatened to give East Germany control of the West’s routes into West Berlin.
- He said (in Nov 1958) that the West would face ‘dire consequences’.
When did Khrushchev back down in trying to get the West to recognise East Germany as a state?
March 1959.
When did Khrushchev meet with Eisenhower in the US (+bonus: what was agreed)?
September 1959 - they made no progress.
Which summit was supposed to happen in May 1960 but never did (+bonus: why did it never happen)?
Paris, which was to deal with Berlin - the USSR had shot a US spy plane, capturing famous spy Gary Powers and the two refused to meet again.
When was the Sputnik launched into Space?
1957.
When was the first Russian man in Space?
1961.
When did Khrushchev and Kennedy meet in Vienna?
June 1961.
What did Khrushchev threaten when he met with Kennedy in Vienna and why?
Khrushchev threatened that the East would be given access to West’s trade routes into West Berlin if the US refused to recognise East Germany as a state and something wasn’t done about Berlin by December 1961.
When did Khrushchev order construction of the Berlin Wall?
August 1961.
When did US and USSR tanks come to a standstill (+bonus: who withdrew)?
Between 27th and 28th October 1961. US tanks withdrew.
When did Fidel Castro overthrow the pro-US government in Cuba in the revolution?
1959.
When was the ‘Bay of Pigs’?
April 1961.
Explain the ‘Bay of Pigs’.
Kennedy ordered invasion of Cuba at Bay of Pigs to overthrow Castro.
Was the ‘Bay of Pigs’ successful?
No, it failed and Castro actually grew more popular.
When did Cuba turn to Communism?
1961.
When did Soviet missiles begin to be installed in Cuba?
September 1962.
When did Kennedy find out that Soviet missiles were installed in Cuba?
16th October 1962.
When did Kennedy impose a naval blockade on Cuba?
20th October 1462.
What was Khrushchev’s reaction to the US naval blockade on Cuba?
He wrote a letter to Kennedy saying Soviet ships would break through the blockade.
When Kennedy wrote to Khrushchev, what did he ask?
To remove missiles from Cuba.
How did the Cuban Missile Crisis resolve?
- Khrushchev agreed that missiles would be removed from Cuba if Kennedy removed missiles from Turkey.
- Kennedy secretly removed missiles from Turkey.
- 28th October 1962: the deal between the two countries was announced.
What were the consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis?
- Perception was that Kennedy backed down - led to over confidence in US.
- Soviets began working so their nuclear weapons were equal to the US.
- A direct hotline was set up between the White House and the Kremlin.
- Partial Test Ban Treaty - agreed to stop testing nuclear weapons.
When was the Chinese Civil War?
1945-1949.
Who did the US support in the Chinese Civil War and how?
The Chinese Nationalist Party - they sent money and aid to party leader Chiang Kai-shek.
When did China become Communist?
1949.
What happened to the Chinese Nationalist Party after China turned Communist?
They left China and went to Taiwan (island near China).
Who was the Chinese Communist leader?
Mao Zedong.
What did Eisenhower’s Secretary of State say about Chinese Communism?
That it was more threatening than Soviet Communism.
How was their Communism viewed in the US after their entrance into the Korean War?
The US believed their Communism was expansionist.
During the Korean War, how did the US oppose the People’s Republic of China?
They placed a trade embargo on People’s Republic of China, and kept them out of the United Nations.
When was the US-Taiwan Defence Treaty?
1954.
What did the US-Taiwan Defence Treaty agree?
The US set up military bases in Taiwan.
What was China’s reaction to the US-Taiwan Defence Treaty in 1955 and 1958 (+bonus: how did the US react to this)?
Mao shelled 2 Chinese Nationalist Islands (the Chinese Nationalist Party was supported by the US). The US then threatened to use an atomic bomb on China. Mao backed down.
When and why did relations between China and the USSR begin to deteriorate (+bonus: what was the US’ reactions?
1968 - China denounced the USSR’s invasion of Czechoslovakia, which created tension between the 2 Communist powers. Nixon decided to try and take advantage of this.
Why did Nixon want to improve US-Chinese relations?
- He hoped that having a better relationship with China would lead to a better relationship with the USSR.
- He hoped that it would end the war in Vietnam as China had close links with North Vietnam.
- He hoped that a better relationship would stimulate better trade between the two countries.
What happened at the World Table Tennis Championships in 1971 that improved relations between China and the US?
- Chinese team offered US player a ride when he missed his bus.
- Chinese team offered a paid trip to China for the US team. They were the first Americans to visit the country for 20 years.
When was the trade embargo on China lifted by the US?
14th April 1971.
How did it become evident that US-Chinese relations had improved?
- Mao Zedong and President Nixon met during an official US visit to China.
- China’s legitimate rights were restored in the United Nations by a majority vote.
Who was Ho Chi Minh and what did he want?
The Communist leader of North Vietnam who wanted independence for Vietnam and wanted the whole country to be united under one government.
Which new political party was created in Hong Kong in 1929?
Indochinese Communist Party.
Who had been in charge of Vietnam before WW2?
The French.
Who invaded Vietnam during WW2?
The Japanese.
Who did the US help regain control of Vietnam (+bonus: specifically which President and why)?
The US helped the French regain control under Truman to stop the spread of Communism - part of the Truman Doctrine.
How much money had the US given France by 1950?
$100 million.
How big was Ho Chi Minh’s army by 1952?
250,000 soldiers and 2 million in the militia.
When was the Geneva Conference?
1954.
What was agreed at the Geneva Conference?
- There would be Communist rule in the North.
- The South would be non-Communist, and Diem would be Prime Minister.
- In 1956, there would be democratic elections for a single Vietnamese government.
Who supported the 2 sections of Vietnam?
North: China.
South: USA.
What was the problem with the Geneva Conference agreements?
Neither side got what they wanted and this caused tension.
What was the problem with Diem (South Vietnam leader)?
- He used violence towards those who voted against him.
- He claimed he had won more votes than the number of people actually registered to vote.
- He was ruthless and corrupt.
- He was Catholic when the majority of people in Vietnam were Buddhists.
What did the US’ backing of Diem show about their knowledge of Vietnam and the war?
It showed that the US had little knowledge about the country itself as Diem was a Catholic and many of the people were Buddhists, which caused tension and problems.
Which regime was more popular in South Vietnam in the 1950s (Ho’s regime or Diem’s regime) and why?
Ho’s Communist regime was becoming more popular in the South as Diem was ruthless and there was lots of foreign intervention in the government as USA was giving lots of money to Diem. Furthermore, Diem was Catholic when many Vietnamese were Buddhists.
Give an example of how Vietnamese protested Diem’s religious alignment.
One Buddhist Priest set himself on fire in the street.
When Kennedy became President, what did he criticise Eisenhower for in terms of the Vietnam War (+bonus: what did he say he would do instead)?
Kennedy criticised Eisenhower for allowing Communism to spread and become more popular in the South and said he would do all he could to stop Communism spreading further.
What was Kennedy’s first action towards the war in Vietnam?
Increased troops from 3,000 in 1961 to 12,000 in 1962.
Why did the relationship between Diem and the US worsen?
Diem stopped taking the advice of the US.
Which military advisor did Kennedy choose to operate the US side in the war in Vietnam?
Henry Lodge.
When was there a Coup against Diem?
1963.
Who was killed in the Coup against Diem?
Diem.
Who orchestrated the Coup against Diem?
Generals of the South Vietnamese Army.
Who was accused of being involved in the Coup against Diem?
Henry Lodge - Kennedy’s US military advisor.
By 1964, how much land was in control of the People’s Army of Vietnam?
Around half of the South was controlled by the People’s Army of Vietnam.
What was Lyndon Johnson’s attitude to the War in Vietnam?
That the US could not pull out and the war must be won.
What had the CIA been secretly organising in Vietnam (+bonus: why)?
Sabotage missions orchestrated by South Vietnamese teams sent into the North, in the hope the North would retaliate, making them look like the aggressors and the US could declare war.
When was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
1964.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
The US claimed that there had been 2 unprovoked attacks on the US ship Maddox by North Vietnam.
What was Johnson’s reaction to the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
He asked Congress for power to avenge the attacks.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin resolution?
Passed by Congress - gave President power to wage attacks on North Vietnam until the South was secure or until Congress told him to stop.
What was ‘Rolling Thunder’ and when did it happen?
A series of bombing raids on North Vietnam carried out by the US from 1955 onwards.
How many Americans supported the policy of ‘Rolling Thunder’?
67%.
Why did Johnson never officially declare war on North Vietnam?
- He still wanted to spend money on his Great Society.
- He believed the Chinese and the USSR would get involved.
How much money did Congress approve for the Vietnam War?
$700 million.
How many US soldiers were in Vietnam by 1968?
500,000 (half a million).
Give some of the US fighting techniques in the Vietnam War.
- Use of ‘search and destroy’ techniques, where USA troops were flown into North Vietnamese villages and killed all Viet Cong they could find.
- Use of Napalm, a sticky flammable jelly which burned the flesh of victims and was hard to wash off.
- Use of Agent Orange, a chemical gas which killed vegetation to uncover the jungles that the Viet Cong used to hide in and killed their crops.
- Use of cluster bombs, which open as they are dropped and fire out fiberglass.
- Torture methods were used against the Viet Cong, for example 6 inch peg inserted into the ear canal. =
How many cluster bombs were dropped by the USA in the Vietnam War?
260 million.
During the ‘Rolling Thunder’ raids and between the years 1966-1968, how many tons of bombs were dropped on North Vietnam every day?
800 tons of bombs dropped daily.
What and when was the My Lai Massacre?
March 1968 - mass murder of 500 unarmed Vietnamese citizens by US troops.
Give some of the Viet Cong fighting techniques in the Vietnam War.
- Use of guerilla warfare, where the Viet Cong disguised themselves as South Vietnamese citizens so that the US troops would help them or talk to them and then they could attack.
- Wired up dead bodies with mines in the hope US troops would try and pick them up or move them.
- Underground tunnels built to hide from the US bombing raids.
- Booby traps like the ‘bouncing Betty’.
What percentage of all US troops injured were wounded by ‘bouncing Betty’ mines?
20%.
Name some of the strengths of the Viet Cong in the Vietnam war which enabled them to win.
- They were passionate about the cause that they were fighting for.
- They just kept fighting despite many casualties.
- Had the support of China and the USSR.
- Had the support of the South Vietnamese citizens and they would help them in their missions.
Name some of the weaknesses of the US army in the Vietnam war which caused them to lose.
- Many US troops were young and inexperienced.
- Many didn’t want to be in Vietnam and weren’t passionate about the cause they were fighting for.
- They weren’t supported by the public at home in the US, and some of the media coverage was negative towards the troops.
- There was a low morale among troops.
- Chemical warfare by the US army caused the South Vietnamese to support the Viet Cong.
What was Nixon’s attitude towards the end of the Vietnam War?
He wanted ‘peace with honour’, where the war was over but it did not look like the US had lost or backed down. He hoped the North would accept Thiem as leader in the South and the country would be left in 2 sections.
What did Nixon do in Spring 1970 during the Vietnam War?
Removed 150,000 troops.
Where did Nixon extend the bombing campaign to in the Vietnam War (+bonus: what was the effect of this)?
He extended bombing raids into Laos and Cambodia, which made the Communists even more popular.
In which conference did Nixon try to come to an agreement with the Viet Cong (+bonus: what was the Viet Cong’s reaction)?
Paris - the Viet Cong refused to accept the US’ terms.
Who was urging the North to withdraw from the Vietnam war towards the end?
USSR and China.
Why did Nixon stop bombing raids on North Vietnam?
The US had little money left and Congress refused to give him more funding for the war.
When and where was a peace treaty agreed between North and South Vietnam (+bonus: what was agreed)?
27th January 1973 in Paris - it was agreed that Vietnam would be left in 2 sections, with Thiem leading the South, POWs would be returned/exchanged and Nixon secretly promised millions of dollars in aid to Hanoi to help them rebuild.
When did Cambodia fall to Communism?
April 1975.
When did North Vietnam override South Vietnam after the war was over?
April 1975 in the fall of Saigon.
How much per year did the Vietnam war cost the US?
$30 billion.
How many US soldiers died in the Vietnam war?
50,000.
What was the Nixon Doctrine?
He said that the US expected their allies to take care of their own military defence.
By 1967, what percentage of news coverage was dedicated to the Vietnam war?
90%.
How many people watched TV daily during the Vietnam war?
50 million.
How did mass media coverage affect US public image of the war in Vietnam?
People were against the war as they could see the trauma and the atrocities caused by the war - lots of it was streamed on television.
What does ‘détente’ mean?
An easing of hostility or strained relations.
Why did ‘détente’ happen?
- Hotline between Kremlin and White House.
- Test Ban Treaty, which agreed to stop testing nuclear weapons.
- People had felt scared/threatened by the tensions during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- US were fearful of growing military strength of USSR.
- Easing of relations with China.
What does SALT stand for?
Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty.
When was SALT 1 signed?
1972.
What did SALT 1 agree?
Imposed limits on the nuclear capacities of the US and the USSR.
When were the Helsinki Agreements?
1975.
How many countries signed the Helsinki Agreements?
35 - including US and USSR.
What did the Helsinki Agreements agree?
- West would recognise current borders in East Europe.
- The Soviets would recognise West Germany.
- West Germany renounced its claim as sole legitimate state.
- Agreed to respect basic human rights and freedoms.
- Called for closer scientific, economic and cultural links to create a closer political relationship.
