Part 2 - 1953 - 1964 (Height of Cold War Tensions) Flashcards
1
Q
After the Korean War, what happened in Asia regarding American influence?
A
Containment became instituionalised.
America signed over 20 treaties with Asian countries to set up military bases in the region.
I.E Seato.
2
Q
Summarise Eisenhower
A
New Look Policy foccused on “more bang for the buck”
He introduced massive retaliation and brinkmanship.
Still continued containment though he was influenced by Dulles (his secretary of state) and his policy of rollback - which was talked about in his election campaign.
VP: NIXON SS: DULLES
3
Q
What was the New Look Policy?
A
New Look Policy, October 1953
- Emphaised nuclear deterence over conventional military force
- Advocated for massive retalliation which would curb spending
- More aggressive and more “bang for your buck”
3
Q
Summarise the Red Scare?
A
Driven by senator Joseph McCarthy, he intensified fears in the US around the USSR.
He did this by creating the image that there were communist spies riddled in the US government.
He claimed he had a list of 205 people in the US government who were Communists, this changed to 57 a few days later and he lacked any real evidence.
4
Q
What was Alger Hiss?
A
Alger Hiss, Jan 1950
Former state department official accused of spying for USSR.
Went on trial from 1949 but was convicted of perjury in Jan 1950.
The HUAC did his trial - led by Nixon .
The media was all over it intensifying fears.
Nixon was a young congressmen at the time but launched his political career here through his aggressive questionining in trial of Hiss.
5
Q
Who were the HUAC?
A
House of Un American Activities Committee, established to investigate Communist influence in the U.S. during the Cold war.
It targeted government officials, Hollywood figures, and others.
HUAC’s hearings, such as the Hollywood Ten in 1947, led to blacklisting and widespread fear of Communism.
6
Q
Who were the Hollywood 10?
A
Hollywood 10, Novemeber 1947
10 Hollywood actors / screenwriters brought infront of the HUAC.
They refused to testify claiming their first amendment rights leading to blacklist.
7
Q
Who were the Rosenburgs?
A
A couple put on trial for passing nuclear secrets to the US.
Their trial was marked by controversy and lack of solid evidence - one of the key testimonys admitted to lying.
They were executed in June 1953 by electric chair - climax of the communist hysteria.
8
Q
Explain McCarthys downfall?
A
Started critising the army for having communist spies. This was risky and highly controversial and were people were unwilling to support attacks on the backbone of American defense against Communism.
During the Army-McCarthy hearings in April 1954 he was exposed for lack of evidence and unchecked aggression leading to the downfall of McCarthyism.
9
Q
Example of McCarthy no evidence?
A
Initial list of 205 US government officials who were communist changed to 57 after he recieved pressure to provide it and show solid evidence.
(He never publicly released the list or supply the HUAC with evidence)
10
Q
Impact of McCarthyism on the Cold War?
A
Intensified fears of Communism and lead to policies like NSC 68 , NSC 162/2, Korea etc.
11
Q
McCarthyism overall timeline?
A
- HUAC / Hollywood 10 - Nov 1947
- Alger Hiss trials - 1949
- First Lightnening intensifies fear - August 1949
- Alger Hiss prosecuted - Jan 1950
- Korean war breaks out - McCarthyism intensifies
- Execution of Rosenburgs - June 1953
- Army - McCarthy hearings - April 1954
- McCarthy formally condemned for abuse of power after the hearings by senate and loses power.
12
Q
Why was Korea a political disaster for USSR?
A
Did not help China intervene in October 1950 - started breakdown of relations - China emerged as key communist influence in the region
13
Q
End of Korean War?
A
Korean Armistice, July 1953
- Eisenhower was clearly more aggressive in his election campaign.
- The armistice ended the Korean War, resulting in a ceasefire but not a peace treaty. Korea remained divided at the 38th parallel.
14
Q
What does Eisenhower do before he gets elected regarding Korea?
A
In his campaign - he critised Truman for handling the Korean war too slowly. Therefore he spoke about going to Korea to see the landscape and how he could end the bloody stalemate himself.
In late October 1952, Eisenhower visited Korea secretly and was devastated by Seoul’s state. Once he returned in November he had won the polls and was determined to end the War.
15
Q
What was Eisenhowers Chance for Peace Speech?
A
Chance for Peace Speech - April 1953
- Olive branch presented to USSR after Stalins death from Eisenhower.
- Claimed spending is stealing from the welfare of people.
- Highlighted his concern over nuclear weapons.
16
Q
USSR response to Chance for Peace speech?
A
A month later, they supressed the E.German uprising killing 20 and arresting thousands. There was no sign of response from the USSR.
17
Q
Despite the Chance for Peace Speech what did the USA do in Iran?
A
August - Iran Coup D’etat
- US / UK overthrew Iranian government after their leader nationalised the oil industry - suspected communist.
- Operation Ajax- CIA covert operations - 200 killed by rioters
18
Q
What happened in Dien Bien Phu?
A
March - May 1954 - VietMinh defeat French colonial forces at Dien Bien Phu - splitting Vietnam.
After a grueling 56-day siege, the French forces at Dien Bien Phu surrendered in May with over 20,000 casulaties on each side.
This marked the end of the French Colonial rule in Indochina and led to the Geneva Accords.
Viet Minh led by Ho Chi Minh
19
Q
What was the Geneva Conference (1950s)
A
Geneva Conference, April - July 1954
- Focus on addressing the Indochina war
- Accords signed in July agreeing to call a ceasefire along the 17th parallel.
- Diem would control the South and Ho Chi Minh, the North.
- Plans for elections to reunify the country in 1956 - this did not happen partly due to opposition from US / SV who knew Ho Chi Minh would win - domino theory.
- Eisenhower first talked about the Domino Theory around this time and used it a lot in the conference.
19
Q
How did the USSR respond to the red scare?
A
Used it as a vehicle of propoganda - used the trials and execution to paint America as supressing free speech and being oppressive.
Soviet media painted the McCarthy hearings as a witch hunt driven by paranoia.
Soviet propaganda films and posters from this era often depicted U.S. officials as repressive and hypocritical
20
Q
What was the Geneva Summit (1950s)
A
Geneva Summit - July 1955
Stated mission was to reduce international tension between the big 4.
- Topics like trade, tariffs and the arms race were brought up AND Berlin.
- However, arguably the most important (radical) propositions were from Eisenhower.
- For instance, the Open Skies policy - free survelliance in the sky over eachothers territory!! - Attempt to reduce suspicion.
- Also reuinfication of Germany, and the building on the Atoms for Peace programme / speech.
- Khrushchev basically rejected them all
21
Q
What was the Atoms of Peace speech?
A
Atoms of Peace - December 1953
- Eisenhowers perfect antithesis to Brinkmanship.
- Speech discussing the importance of sharing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and simultaneously reducing nuclear tension.
- He built on it at the Geneva Summit in 1955 where he advocated for the peace and sharing of atomic energy.
22
Q
Summarise all Eisenhowers peace stuff
A
- Open skies / Reunification of Germany
- Atoms for peace
- Chance for peace
23
Why did Khrushchev reject open skies / other proposals?
The Soviet Union was highly secretive about its military infrastructure and technology. Allowing the U.S. to fly over Soviet territory would give away sensitive locations, especially since the U.S. already had more advanced aerial and satellite surveillance tech.
They called it a **clever American spying tactic.**
24
Summarise the Warsaw Pact
**Warsaw Pact, May 1955**
Massively solidified the Eastern Bloc - was a Soviet response to the formation of NATO in 1949 and the integration of West Germany into the organisation days before (also May 1955)
This was a direct attack on the east due to NATO’s “an attack on one is an attack on all” article 5 policy. This meant USSR influence in Germany was significantly limited.
The Warsaw pact **mirrored NATO** and aligned the Eastern Bloc militarily.
| Basically established the NATO article 5 in e.bloc
25
Why was Nixon Eisenhowers VP
Eisenhower was a democratic republican - offered democratic candidacy by Truman - rejected and truman never forgave him.
Nixon was a hardline republican hawk so he needed someone like that to appeal himself to the party / voters.
However, Ike did not like Nixon.
26
What was the major issue in the USSR that Stalin had left?
**Stalin had successfully turned the USSR into a military and industrial superpower.**
But, he left a major political problem:
* Stalin’s power was personal, it was independent of the Party or the state.
* Upon his death, there was a power vacuum, which threatened to cause chaos within the government.
* Malenkov and Khrushchev attempted to address this by shifting the balance of power away from the leader to the state and party.
27
What was the Russian Landscape like after Stalins death?
**Stalin dies - March 1953**
Stalin left no “Testament”, therefore no indication of who he wanted to replace him.
Stalin’s death led to a struggle for power.
Three main contenders for power:
**Georgy Malenkov:**
Rumoured to be Stalin’s choice for successor.
**Lavrentiy Beria:**
Head of Stalin’s political police.
**Nikita Khrushchev:**
Became Secretary of the Central Committee on Stalin’s death.
28
How did Khrushchev consolidate power?
**It wasn’t until 1956 that Khruschev fully consolidated his power through a coup against Malenkov who had fragile power.**
He also defeated other factions in the Communist party like Molotov (Stalin’s foreign affairs officer) and Beria (Head of NKVD) who Khruschev **executed** (Beria was a massive threat to power and a key symbol of the purges and oppression Stalin was so well known for)
29
What were Khrushchevs goals?
Khruschev believed Soviet rule should be based on consent rather than terror - he wanted to humanise communism (De-Stalinization) he knew communism needed to portray itself better on the world stage and that communism could only thrive if they had political and economic stability.
30
How did Khrushchev achieve Communism with a human face?
By 1958, Khrushchev released 1 million political prisoners from Gulags. He reduced the power of the NKVD and there was less censorship and more freedom.
However, he was still repressive and executed people - like Beria in Dec 1953
31
What was the secret speech?
**February 1656 - Secret Speech**
This was the nucleus of his humanisation where he **denounced Stalin’s “cult of personality” and accused him of being an oppressive dictator**.
He directly criticised Stalin’s purging and style of rule - A MASSIVE shock to the older communist members (suicides after hearing the speech) - he did NOT critcize communism but **indirectly inspired uprisings in Hungary and Poland by suggesting Soviet leadership could be challenged**—though Khrushchev ultimately crushed these uprisings, contradicting his own stance.
32
Significance of the secret speech on the wider cold war?
**Khrushchev's secret speech redefined the Cold War by:**
* Sparking revolts in Eastern Europe
* Causing the Sino-Soviet Split
* Handing the West a propaganda win
* Exposing the paradox of Soviet reform
33
How did the US react to the secret speech?
* The speech was smuggled out by the CIA (thanks to Israeli intelligence) and broadcast to the world.
* It was used to undermine the legitimacy of communism, portraying the USSR as an oppressive regime finally admitting its sins.
They had a field day - propoganda victory
34
how did the secret speech impact Sino - Soviet relations?
This lost support from Mao / China who admired Stalin - Mao also thought he was making Communism look weak and too peaceful on the world stage - China wanted revolution.
35
Why did Khruschevs policy of destalinisation slow down?
By 1957 - the combination of the Anti Party Coup, Hungary/Poland and westernised views slowly weakening - the policy of radical de-stalinization seriously slowed down.
35
What did the Secret Speech do internally?
created immense internal party opposition - notably in June 1957 the Anti - Party group led by Malenkov/Molotov and other Stalinists tried to overthrow him. His survival - led by the army gave Khrushchev ***more confidence*** against future opposition and on the Cold War stage
36
Good argument for Anti Party Coup?
Khrushchev surviving the Anti - Party coup meant he was more confident with dealing with enemies - this could be a reason for Berlin / Cuba.
37
What was De - Stalinizations biggest achievement?
De-Stalinization’s biggest achievement was ending the use of terror.
His enemies were usually sacked, not killed or tortured. He himself was allowed to retire in a situation that would often resulting in a bullet to the head.
There were less dictatorial mannerisms and overall a **slight decentralisation of power and size.**
38
Explain the reason for the Polish uprising?
The Polish Uprising of 1956 was influenced by Khrushchev’s Secret Speech, which condemned Stalin's repressive rule and inspired a wave of dissatisfaction and reformist sentiment across Eastern Europe.
39
Why did the Secret Speech trigger uprisings?
The speech exposed Stalin’s crimes and criticized his repressive rule, **undermining** Soviet authority and encouraging hopes for greater freedom and reform.
This inspired uprisings like in Poland and Hungary, where people demanded political change, national independence, and an end to Soviet control.
40
Polish uprising events?
**June 1956**
In June 1956, workers in Poznań **protested harsh economic conditions, low wages, and poor living standards**. The protests escalated into wider calls for political reform. In response, the Polish Communist Party brought back Władysław Gomułka, a former leader purged under Stalin, **who advocated for moderate reforms and greater national autonomy.**
Though the USSR initially threatened military intervention, Khrushchev backed down after negotiations, allowing Gomułka to take power — a**s long as Poland remained loyal to the Warsaw Pact.** This marked a significant moment: the USSR tolerated limited reform within its satellite states as long as core loyalty was preserved.
| THERE WAS VIOLET REPRESSION FROM THE POLISH - JUST NOT USSR
41
What does the polish uprising represent?
The uprising highlighted the growing desire for freedom and reform in Eastern Europe, but it also demonstrated the limits of Soviet tolerance, as any move toward full independence was firmly resisted.
However, there was no direct intervention so it also shows there was some extent of tolerance
42
Similarities / Differences of the Hungarian uprising compared to the Polish Uprising?
Similar to the Polish uprising this was also indirectly triggered by the Secret Speech.
However, in contrast it completely rejected communist ideology and policy - a much larger threat to Moscow
43
Explain the events of the Hungarian Uprising?
**Hungarian Uprising - October - November 1956**
Protests in Budapest called for reforms, political freedoms, and the withdrawal of Soviet troops, with the government under **Imre Nagy **promising changes like free elections and press freedom, **even declaring Hungary’s intention to leave the Warsaw Pact.**
44
Khrushchev reaction to Hungarian Uprising?
Khrushchev responded by sending Soviet troops to crush the revolution, resulting in thousands of deaths. **Nagy was arrested and executed**, and a pro-Soviet government was reinstated.
| Over 1000 tanks!
45
What does the Hungarian Uprising demonstrate?
The revolution highlighted the **limits** of Soviet tolerance for reform and the Soviet Union's determination to maintain control over its satellites, showcasing the harsh reality of Soviet repression in Eastern Europe.
It also shows to the world stage that the Kremlin wasn't fully committed to peace.
46
What did Khrushchev say about peaceful coexistence?
"We offer the capitalist countries peaceful coexistence... We believe socialism will win, but not through war — through the superiority of our system."
Nikita Khrushchev, speech at the 20th Party Congress, February 1956 after the secret speech
47
US reaction to Khrushchevs peaceful coexistence
The U.S. publicly welcomed the idea of peaceful coexistence, but privately doubted its sincerity, viewing it as a strategic shift in how the USSR pursued dominance — not a real retreat from Cold War rivalry.
Dulles (U.S. Secretary of State): Called peaceful coexistence a “deceptive slogan”, meant to mask Soviet expansionism through subtler means like propaganda, subversion, and proxy wars.
48
US response to Hungary / Poland uprisings in 1956
* The U.S. accepted over **30,000 Hungarian refugees and ramped up anti-Soviet propaganda.**
* Hungary was used as a symbol of Soviet brutality for decades after.
* Eisenhower made public statements praising the “heroic” Hungarians and condemning Soviet aggression.
**CIA Memo: “There is no way to help Hungary without risking a general war with the USSR.”**
49
What was the Suez Crisis?
The Suez Crisis erupted in October 1956 when Britain, France, and Israel launched a secret invasion of Egypt after President Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal.
50
Response to the Suez Crisis?
The Soviet Union threatened to intervene militarily on Egypt’s behalf, heightening global tensions.
**The U.S. forced its Western allies to withdraw**, asserting its dominance and avoiding escalation with the USSR.
51
Impacts of Suez Crisis response?
It marked a decline in British and French global influence, and a rise in **U.S.-Soviet bipolarity.**
Showed the U.S. would prioritize Cold War stability over supporting European allies.
Gave the USSR cover to violently suppress Hungary without serious Western response as the West were distracted
52
Summarise Sputnik
**Sputnik - October 1957**
Sputnik, launched by the Soviet Union was the first artificial Earth satellite, marking a major Cold War milestone by demonstrating Soviet technological superiority in space and **triggering the "space race"** with the United States, spurring advancements in space exploration, missile technology, and military strategy while intensifying the ideological rivalry between the two superpowers
## Footnote
A month Later they sent Lakia the dog into space!!!!
53
What was SEATO?
September 1954 - SEATO
8 members states - prevent communism in Asia - one of the 20 treaties signed by the US in asia after Korea
Failed because it had little representation of the countries actually under threat of being overtaken by communism.
54
Reasons for the Berlin **Ultimatum**?
* The Soviets were frustrated by the presence of Western powers (U.S., UK, France) in West Berlin, seeing it as a **"thorn in the side"** and an ideological challenge.
* Khrushchev wanted to end Western occupation of West Berlin, particularly since the **city had become a symbol of the West's defiance in the heart of the communist bloc.**
* **By 1958, over 2.5 million East Germans had defected to West Berlin and beyond.** (brain drain, loss of workers etc + sign of lack of confidence in the E.Bloc)
55
Why were tensions intensifying by the Berlin Ultimatum?
* The Arms Race - Eisenhowers more bang for your buck policy + nuclear parity.
* The Sputnik Shock and Space Race
## Footnote
`
56
What WAS the Berlin Ultimatum?
The Berlin Ultimatum was an ultimatum issued by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in November 1958, which demanded that the Western powers (the United States, United Kingdom, and France) withdraw their forces from **West Berlin** and end their occupation of the city.
57
What was the threat behind the Berlin Ultimatum?
The ultimatum gave the Western powers **six months** to comply with the demand. If they refused, the Soviet Union threatened to sign a separate peace treaty with East Germany, effectively making East Germany a sovereign state and possibly closing access routes to West Berlin.
This would have cut off all land access to West Berlin, isolating it and potentially leading to its complete absorption into East Germany.
58
What could be a reason for Khrushchevs peaceful coexistence calls backtracking?
He mainly spoke about PC in 1956 - this was when he properly consolidated power.
It couldve been to navigate the USSR to a space of survivial. To buy time from NATO and US who knew the USSR was at a moment of weakness. He delayed direct intervention from the West while they were weak until a point they were strong enough to deflect it.
59
US response to Berlin Ultimatum?
**Rejected the Soviet demands and refused to leave West Berlin.**
* The West made it clear that Berlin’s status could only be settled through negotiation between the four powers (U.S., USSR, UK, and France), not unilaterally by the Soviet Union.
**They also pledged to defend West Berlin, and the U.S. began reinforcing its military presence in the city as a show of force.**
* Western leaders, including Eisenhower and British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, were determined not to allow Soviet control of Berlin, seeing it as vital to maintaining a symbol of Western strength in Europe.
60
What was Mao's Great Leap Forward?
**Janurary 1958**
Turned China from a agragrian society so a industrialised one - China becoming much stronger.
This frightened the USSR who refused to help China develop nuclear weapons fearing their growing strength.
61
What was the Kitchen Debate?
**Kitchen Debate - July 1959**
* Spontaneous debate /// Nixon vs Khrushchev in a cultural exchange in Moscow, the USA showcased American consumerism and advanced technology /// both reinforced their values.
It highlights the ongoing ideological difference - just presented on a different landscape.
62
What was the Austrian State Treaty?
**Austrian State Treaty - May 1955**
The Austrian State Treaty was signed between the USSR, USA, UK, and France, officially ending the occupation of Austria by Allied forces after World War II.
63
Argument why Geneva Summit 1955 was good and why it was bad for peaceful coextisnce?
**Good** - first time the 4 leaders met in CW. Direct communication and mutual goals revealed. Opened door to future negotations.
**Bad** - All of eisenhowers proposals like atoms for peace, open skies, reunification of Germany etc etc were rejected by Khruschev. Also no major breakthroughs in critical issues and the summit did not diminish the fundamental rivalry
64
What was the Paris Summit?
**May 1960** - however 13 days before U2 Spy Plane shot down over USSR - Gary Powers.
**Agenda** - Test ban treaty, Cuba and BERLIN.
**Result** - Khrushchev, demanded apology for the mission, Eisenhower refused, Khrushchev walked out of the Summit.
65
Impact in America of Paris summit / U2 Spy Plane?
Also America was embarrassed as it was shown to have lied about the U2 plane’s mission, and to be using methods of espionage which were morally suspect. **They no longer held the ‘moral high ground’** in the Cold War. This would lead the young John F Kennedy to campaign as a tough anti-communist warrior in the 1960 presidential election campaign.
66
Summarise JFK candidacy?
**A new frontier**
In essence, "A New Frontier" framed the Cold War as a central challenge of the time, with Kennedy positioning the U.S. as a proactive and powerful force that would engage both militarily and diplomatically to ensure global stability and prevent Soviet domination.
He also claimed their was a missle gap and that he would protect the freedom of E.Berlin.
67
Reasons for the Bay of Pigs invasion?
* Plan was made under Ike - JFK had little time to assess his options and faced pressure to go ahead with it.
* JFK also needed a quick win and didn't want to look weak or indesicive.
* Once the invasion began, Kennedy became increasingly skeptical.
**The U.S. was wary of the Soviet Union gaining a foothold in Cuba, especially after Castro began aligning with the USSR and allowing Soviet military support on the island.**
Also nationalisation of Cuban business hurt US business!
68
Events of Bay Of Pigs?
* **CIA trained Cuban Exiles who disagreed with the regimes legitmacy despite Castro being relatively popular in Cuba.**
* From the White House, JFK cancelled at the last minute the US air strikes that would have neutralised Castro's aviation. He did so because he felt the USA could not appear to be behind the invasion.
69
Why did JFK not provide air support in BoP?
Being seen as such would not only damage its international reputation, but would also give an excuse to the Soviet Union, which at that time was consolidating its position as a key ally of Castro, to **respond and provoke an unprecedented nuclear conflict.**
70
Why did the Bay Of Pigs Backfire?
* JFK was assured by CIA that the moment exiles land there would be a popular uprising that would do the job for them - however this info was based on a small minority of radicals!
* The exiles were outmatched and JFK refused to provide direct US military assistance.
71
Vienna Summit attidudes?
**Vienna summit - June 1961**
Khrushchev noted Kennedy was young and good-natured, but inexperienced. This led him to believe that he could manipulate and intimidate Kennedy.
This kinda gave Khruschev the confidence to erect the Berlin wall and place missiles on Cuba.
72
Vienna Summit agenda?
Despite Bay Of Pigs - it was mainly Berlin. JFK "was savaged" - his own words. Very intimated.
**At the Vienna Summit 1961, American President John F Kennedy refused to remove NATO troops from Berlin.**
Soviet and East German leaders were determined to stop the flow of refugees to the West. It had now reached 3 million, with **3000 leaving each day.**
JFK's refusal to cooperate led to the Berlin wall 2 months later.
73
Why was Khrushchev increasingly confident?
By 1958, Khrushchev was firmly in control of the Soviet Union and no longer faced significant internal threats to his leadership. This gave him a greater sense of security and freedom to take bold actions on the international stage, including in Berlin.
Also he saw JFK as weak and inexperienced - especially after Bay Of Pigs failed.
74
Berlin wall summary?
While the wall solved short term problems like migration. It massively worsened tensions in the Cold War. The wall literally symbolised the inability to cooperate and coexist.
75
What triggered the Berlin Wall's erection?
* **Exodus** (a mass departure of people - 3000 a day)
* Failure of Vienna 2 months prior
* Brain Drain
* Communism was being made out as inferior.
