Main Events 1949-1956 - Cold War

Question 1

1948-1949 Berlin Blockade

Answer 1

After new currency in Berlin,Stalin blockaded it to force West out. US refuse to give it up and begin Berlin Airlift.Massive propaganda victory for US, Stalin lifts blockade

Question 2

What formed in 1949?

Answer 2

China became Communist and USSR developed A Bomb in 1949. NATO formed as a “defensive alliance”. USSR saw this as a threat

Question 3

What happened in comecon 1949?

Answer 3

Council for Mutual Economic Assistance aimed to co-ordinate Eastern European economies – Stalin’s answer to Marshall Plan

Question 4

What happened in the Korean War 1950-53?

Answer 4

US sent troops to help South Korea fight against Communist north. Shows US willing to fight communism which becomes a clear sign to the USSR

Question 5

What happened in 1953?

Answer 5

Stalin had died a peaceful death. Eventually gets replaced by Khrushchev – de-Stalinisation, criticises Stalin’s policies. Talks of “peaceful co-existence” leads to hope for better relations. Appears less hard-line than Stalin, but this is not the case

Question 6

What formed in 1955?

Answer 6

The Warsaw Pact,USSR’s equivalent of NATO in response to West Germany joining NATO – worsened relations further, increased division. ironic as Kruschev talked about peaceful co-existence

Question 7

Hungary 1956

Answer 7

Hungarian Revolution – Imre Nagy becomes new leader and introduced changes. Announces withdrawal from Warsaw Pact.Ruthless response from USSR, 20,000 killed, Nagy executed