HISTORICAL, POLITICAL CONTEXT D83

Question 1

What was the Cold War?

Answer 1

• Period of global geopolitical tension and
• Struggle for ideological and economic dominance between the US AND SU.

Question 2

How is the Cold War central to the historical context of the show?

Answer 2

• The show takes place during the tensest periods in the CW.
• Exacerbated by arms race and Able Archer.

Question 3

Why was Germany split?

Answer 3

• So it couldn’t threaten European peace and security again.

Question 4

How is the ideological divides central to the historical context of the show?

Answer 4

• WEST AND EAST Germany were divided via ideological and geograhical lines.
• East Germany (alligned with SU)= emphasised collective values, loyalty to the state, anti-capitalist rhetroic.
• West Germany (aligned with NATO)= Emphaised individual freedoms, consumerist and western culture.

Question 5

How is nuclear threat central to the historical context of the show?

Answer 5

• The series highlighted global fears of nuclear conflict in the 80s ( exacerbated by arms race, Able Archer)

Question 6

What is Able Archer?

Answer 6

• A NATO military exercise conducted in 1983.
• Caused the Soviet Union to misinterpret the exercise as a potential real preparation for war
• Ecalating Cold War tensions and nearly leading to a nuclear conflict

Question 7

How is propaganda and mistrust central to the historical context of the show?

Answer 7

• Both EAST AND WEST used media and propaganda to demonize the other side, shaping how citizens perceived the enemy.
• Martins journey exposes the contradictions and hypocrisy of both sides.