Key Terms: The Cold War Era, 1945-1991

Question 1

Containment

Answer 1

Name of U.S. foreign policy made to contain or block the spread of Soviet policy. Inspired by George F. Kennan, expressed in Truman Doctrine, and implemented in the Marshall Plan and NATO alliance.

Question 2

Decolonization

Answer 2

Process where colonies gain independence from the imperial European powers after WWII.

Question 3

Destalinization

Answer 3

Policy of liberalization of Stalinist system in the Soviet Union. Carried out by Nikita Khrushchev, meant to denounce Stalin’s cult of personality, producing more goods, allowing greater freedom, and pursuing peaceful coexistence with the West.

Question 4

Brezhnev Doctrin

Answer 4

Assertion that the Soviet Union and allies had right to intervene any socialist country whenever needed. Justified the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.

Question 5

Detente

Answer 5

Relaxation of tensions between the US and Soviet Union. Introduced by Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and President Richard Nixon.

Question 6

Solidarity

Answer 6

Polish labor union founded in 1980 by Lech Walesa and Anna Walentynowicz. Contested Communist Party programs and ousted the party from the Polish government.

Question 7

Glasnost

Answer 7

Policy initiated by Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid 1980s. Resulted in new openness of speech, reduced censorship, and greater criticism of Communist PArty policies.

Question 8

Perestroika

Answer 8

Economic policy initiated by Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev in mid 1980s. Meant “restructuring,” and called for less government regulation and greater efficiency in manufacturing and agriculture.

Question 9

Welfare State

Answer 9

Social system in which the state assumes primary responsibility for welfare of its citizens in matters of health care, education, employment, and social security.