History Cold war Flashcards
What are some of the characteristics of a communist government? [6]
One party dictatorship.
Opposed to capitalism.
All business and industry owned by the state.
Standard of living lower but extreme poverty much rarer. Everyone is equal.
Censorship of media.
What are some of the characteristics of a capitalist and democratic government? [5]
Voters choose gov’. Opposed to Communism. Private ownership. Extremes of wealth and poverty. Free of control.
When, and who was involved in the Tehran conference, and what was it’s general effect?
- 1943: Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin.
- The tension and mistrust that had existed before the war was re-ignited as the war drew to a close.
When and who was involved in the Yalta conference, and what was the general effect?
- 1945: Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin.
- It was largely a success and tensions were eased.
When and who was involved in the Potsdam conference?What changes had happened leading up to it?
What was the general effect? [4]
- 1945: Attlee, Truman, and Stalin.
- The USSR had not removed it’s army from the liberated countries in Eastern Europe.
- Truman was much less willing to compromise with Stalin. “get tough with the Soviets”
- Increased mistrust between the allies.
Date and effects of the Korean war?
1950-53, demonstrated America’s commitment to containment, lead to the rearmament of the west — US increased military spending by 400% and Marshall aid was diverted to defence spending.
Causes for the Korean war?
Soviet and American liberation along the 38th parallel set up opposing nations with leaders of conflicting ideologies, Kim Il-Sung and Rhee Syngman. THis was a direct reason for Kim Il-Sung do try and get Soviet aid to invade the South.The US withdrew troops from the south in 1948.
Main events of the Korean war?
The North occupies all but a tiny area around Pusan. UN troops push the North Koreans back to the Yalu River under General MacArthur. 200 000 CHinese soldiers push back to the 38th parallel.
Date and causes of the Hungarian Revolution?
1956:
- There is an oppressive government with a dictator Matyas Rakosi ‘The bald butcher’ who was a Stalinist and imprisoned and executed many people, creating fear and making communism unpopular. There was the AVH and Cominform (lowered standards of life, agricultural exports at their lowest 1952)
- Khrushchev’s ‘secret speech’ and Thaw encouraged Hungarians that there was hope of change.
Main events of the Hungarian Revolution?
Student riot in Budapest, and Khrushchev agrees to appoint Nagy, who tries to turn Hungary into a democracy and leave the Warsaw Pact. The Soviets intervened because they were not willing to lose control and were worried other East European countries would follow suit.
Effects of the Hungarian Revolution?
Served as disencouragement to other Eastern European countries as they saw the lack of support from the West and NATO. Soviets get back in control, executing Nagy, and appointing Kadar.
What were some things that were agreed / disagreed upon at Tehran? [4]
- Britain and France agreed to open a second front (appeared to have been dragging their feet)
- Agreed that there should be spheres of influence and that part of Poland would be given to the USSR - creates rivalry.
- They disagreed about Germany’s future,
- Disagreed whether to invade the Balkans (in Eastern Europe) … Churchill wanted to stop Soviet advancements.
What were some things that were agreed / disagreed upon at Yalta? [4]
- Agreed that the USSR would enter the war against Japan.
- Agreed to divide Germany and Berlin into four zones.
- Agreed that liberated countries should have free elections.
- Disagreed about German reparations (Stalin wanted more)
What were some of the things agreed / disagreed upon at Potsdam? Why? [3]
- Confirmed the division of Germany and Berlin, and agreed to demilitarise Germany.
- Disagreed upon the reparations. Stalin wanted much to compensate for the war and to prevent future attacks. Truman wanted a Germany that could stand up to USSR attack.
- Disagreed upon the implications of spheres of influence. Stalin wanted Soviet friendly gov’s and Truman wanted free elections. Both seem aggressive demands.
When and what were the causes of the Berlin blockade? [3]
1948:
- Stalin is provoked by what he interpreted as hostile actions by the USA, such as the creation of “bi-zonia” and “tri-zonia”, which benefits from Marshall Aid. There is a new currency, the Deutschmark, and a new constitution considered. All things put together, West Germany is looking strong and threatening.
- The fact that there is capitalism inside Stalin’s sphere of influence. West Berlin lies 110 miles inside Soviet territory. Stalin feared democratic ideas would spread to the Soviet zone.
What are the main events of the Berlin blockade? [3]
- Stalin hopes to force the Allies out of west Berlin and abandon their plans for development.
- All road, rail, and canal traffic is cut off from entering West Berlin.
- Planes land every 4 minutes with supplies. 275 000 flights in total.
When was and what were the effects of the ‘secret speech’? [2]
1956:
- Began a period of more peaceful relationships between the USSR and the USA. Cominform was disbanded, and Khrushchev decided to visit the USA in 1959.
- Sparked the Hungarian revolution: the promise of ‘De-Stalinisation’, reduced travel restrictions and talk of ‘peaceful coexistence’. This gave Hungarians hope and determination.
What were the effects of the arms race? [2]
- Creates a lack of trust… Both countries feel the need for military superiority and so create more weapons, thus increasing the stakes. Khrushchev said the USSR was ‘producing missiles like we are producing sausages’
- Prevents war in Europe because it means that Stalin was too afraid to invade the West for fear of nuclear retaliation.
What were the causes for the Berlin wall? [1]
- It provided an escape from communist rule: many skilled laborers and other people migrated, resulting in a propaganda victory for the West.
What were the effects of the Cuban missile crisis? [3]
- Improves relations: leads to numerous agreements that prevent future war. A hotline is set up from Moscow to Washington for better communication. There is a limited test ban treaty 1963 to reduce nuclear testing.
- Russian officials feel pushed around. Khruschev looses support and is removed.
- More stability. Gives rise to MAD, which provides countries a reason to avoid war.
What were the consequences of the Berlin blockade? [2]
- Propaganda victory for the allies. Stalin made to look aggressive, the allies peaceful.
- Further increased division of east and west as the Federal German Republic and the German Democratic Republic are created. Creation of NATO.
When and what were the consequences of NATO? [2]
1949:
- Increases tension as it is a sign of aggression… provokes the Warsaw Pact
- Helps prevent war in Europe, as it gives nuclear insurance to all countries.
What were the main events of the Berlin wall?
- A barbed wire fence was set up overnight, and this was slowly built up into a formidable barrier. As little as 5000 people safely managed to made it across.
What were the contents of and what were the effects of the long Telegram? [3]
1946:
- Stalin was calling for the destruction of capitalism.
- The USSR was building up it’s military power.
- This was very concerning for the USA. They became very agitated about the possibility of war.
