Red Flashcards
When was Cominform created?
September 1947
What was Cominform?
A coordination of communist parties in Europe.
Why did Stalin create Cominform?
He did it in response to the Marshall Plan as he believed it posed a threat to the USSR and he believed that the US were creating an anti-soviet global alliance. So, he wanted to strengthen the USSR’s infleunce in Eastern Europe under Warsaw’s rule to become a united whole.
Stalin’s belief in 1947 about capitalists
Believed they would all collapse due to competition.
Andrei Zhdahov
Creates a doctrine that discussed how Europe was now in 2 camps - relating to Cominform.
What did Dulles say in July 1945 relating to Europe?
Threatened that the rest of the situation in Europe mirrored the rest of the world so the US needed to do something about it.
Who was Clayton and what did he say in 1947 relating to Europe?
The under-secretary of state - said that if the US did not aid Britain and Europe, they would deteriorate massively on a regional scale.
What was the US’ route into Europe?
US and Britain’s ‘“special relationship”
What was the focus of Us strategic planning in Europe in 1947?
Focused on ensuring economic recovery after WW2 promoting unity within Europe which would lead to a stable bloc of pro-US states
US support of Britain (1945-48)
Contributed to Britain’s security. However, Britain didn’t want to have to depend on the US, they wanted mutual support.
What was the Soviet Zone like in Germany?
- 4 political parties (KPD, SPD, LDPD & CDU) but the Soviet intention was that Communists would be the dominant group but this did not happen.
- Newly formed party - German Socialist Unity Party (SED)
- Stalin was able to dominate politics in Soviet Zone but not the whole of Germany
- policies: land reform, nationalisation of large industrial production and compulsory tuition of Russian in schools
What was the British Zone like in Germany?
- included Ruhr industrial area (France and USSR were trying to control)
- large population (22.5 mill.) meant it was costly to feed - depended on US
What was the US zone like in Germany?
- free elections
- USA regarded it as the basis for a future national structure based on federalism
When was the FRG created?
1949
Who was the first leader of the FRG?
Konrad Adenauer
How did the USSR feel about the division of Germany?
Initially reluctant as they wanted to create a pro-Soviet united Germany but then created their own East German State (GDR) in late 1949 with the one-party state system with SED as the party.
What does NATO stand for?
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
When was NATO formed?
1949
What was the purpose of NATO?
- a means of reassuring Western European states in the face of possible Soviet military aggression
- complemented containment
- political defence system rather than military organisation
- ‘to settle any international disputes…by peaceful means.’
- ‘eliminate conflict’
Why did the US decide to form NATO?
Due to:
- the communist government around Eastern Europe
- the Berlin Blockade
- China becoming communist in 1949
What was the Soviet response to NATO?
- believed it was an aggressive organisation designed to pressurise states into complying with the interests of the West
- they emphasised how they did not intend to attack any European state
What was Japan’s ‘reverse course’?
The US were not focused on punishing Japan and instead wanted to develop democratic institutions and practices which would lead to economic construction and therefore political stability
When was Japan’s ‘reverse course’ introduced?
1947
What was the US’ undisguised strategy in Japan (1947)?
Ensuring Japan remained aligned to US and less vulnerable to communist influences as Japan’s recovery was seen as an essential element of the US’ power base in eastern Asia.
How did the US help Japan receive economic stabilisation?
- increased regulation of foreign exchange
- a balanced budget
- stricter lending criteria
- wage controls
- a more efficient tax system
- price controls (stops prices going too high)
- increased regulation of trade
What was Japan’s ‘super balanced budget’?
- created by Detroit banker Joseph Dodge
- a target of of a surplus 157 million yen
- it initially led to increased unemployment due to business closures
What was GATT in Japan?
- Japan wanted to become an active member to Western institutions
- US demanded they join GAAT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade - created by UN to maximise international trade)
- strengthened their access to Western trade and prevented trade with China
When was the Sino-Soviet military alliance formed?
1950
When was the San Francisco Peace Treaty signed?
1951
What was the San Francisco Peace Treaty?
A treaty between Japan and the Allied Powers
Signed by 48 different countries.
What did the San Francisco Peace Treaty not do?
- significantly restrict Japan’s economy
- significantly restrict Japan’s future political model
- identify Japan’s responsibility for the war
- restrict Japan’s future rearmament
- impose reparations on previously Japanese-occupied states
What did the San Francisco Peace Treaty do?
- recognise full sovereignty of Japanese people
- force Japan to renounce all claims of wide range of neighbouring countries e.g. Korea and Taiwan
When was the US-Japan Security Treaty introduced?
1951
What were the benefits of the US-Japan Security Treaty for the USA?
- unrestricted use of military bases in Japan
- the right to use military force to intervene in internal disorder in Japan
- the right to veto Japan offering military bases to other states
What did MacArthur order in terms of Japan’s rearmament?
A National Police Reserve of 75,000 men - for defensive purposes - who would be trained by US military advisors
Enlargement of Japanese forces (stats)
1952
110,000 ground troops
7600 men in the navy
Known as the National Safety Agency
Problems with Japan’s rearmament
Created instability due to pro and anti-rearmament issues
Why were Japan so important to the US?
It was US’ entry point into Asia
When did the CCP announce its allegiance to USSR?
1949 - after the communists had won in the Chinese Civil War
Did the US intervene in the Chinese Civil War?
No. They were more interested in Europe than Asia.
When was the Chinese Civil War?
1927-49
USA’s support of Taiwan
A means to an end in order to undermine the CCP
Who introduced the Defensive Perimeter Strategy?
Dean Acheson
When was the Defensive Perimeter Strategy introduced?
1950
What was the Defensive Perimeter Strategy?
A military defence ranging from Japan to the Philippines to the Aleutian Islands to build a ‘wall’ against Communism in Asia.
When and why did the US’ nuclear monopoly end?
1949 - USSR tested their first atomic bomb
Why is the HQ of the UN significant?
It is in New York which allows the US to be dominant in the UN since it was first established.
The USSR within the UN
Since the US insisted that communist mainland China could not take China’s seat in the UN (it would be occupied by Taiwan) and there was only one EE state who joined in 1945 (Poland), the USSR had few allies in the UN.
Therefore, were unable to dominate unlike the US.
Who were the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council?
USA, Britain, France, China and the USSR
Who used 75 vetos in the UN between 1946-55?
The USSR
What was Truman’s national security policy?
The US should keep sufficient influence in Western Europe and create a collective Western defensive strategy
The US must retain influence in Asia
The US must have a strong nuclear arms collection and conventional forces to counteract soviet potential aggression
THESE CARRIED OVER ONTO EISENHOWER
When was SEATO signed?
1954
Who were some of the members of SEATO?
Britain🇬🇧, US🇺🇸, France🇫🇷, Australia🇦🇺, Pakistan🇵🇰
What is SEATO?
South East Asia Collective Defence Treaty
What was the SEATO agreement?
Signatories pledged against violence towards any other signatory
Why was SEATO created?
1953 - USSR pledged to give China defence technology and Khrushchev visited China which strengthened the relationship
When did the FRG joined NATO?
1955
When did the FRG join the Council of Europe?
1949
When was the full sovereignty of West Germany recognised?
1955
When was the Warsaw Pact signed?
1955
Who were the signatories of the Warsaw Pact?
USSR, East Germany 🇩🇪, Albania 🇦🇱, Romania 🇷🇴, Hungary 🇭🇺, Czechoslovakia 🇨🇿
What was the Warsaw Pact agreement?
Non-threatening collective security agreement
Signatories agreed to aid other signatories under attack and put their armed forces under joint control.
Was the Warsaw Pact a direct counter against NATO?
Yes. The USSR believed it was a way to legitimise Soviet influence in Europe as the US had done with Western Europe.
Why was the Warsaw Pact created?
West Germany had joined NATO and so the USSR immediately recognised the full sovereignty of East Germany and decided they had to consolidate power in satellite states
When was NSC-68 introduced?
1950
What did the NSC-68 say?
Stressed the importance of building up the political, economic and military power of the US and that the soviet threat would be increased with the addition of nuclear weapons so the US should combat this by increasing their own nuclear arms production.
Ruled out a return to isolationism and any nuclear attacks on the USSR
Why was NSC-68 created?
After the US nuclear monopoly ended and China was lost to the communists, Acheson ordered a review of the US’ objectives and priorities.
When was the Korean War?
1950-53
How were the USA involved in the Korean War?
They believed that Stalin had encouraged Kim Il Sung to declare war to destabilise Asia and so the USA wanted to contain communism in Asia and make sure South Korea was strong enough.
How were the USSR involved in the Korean War?
1949 - hesitant at first as they wanted to avoid conflict with the USA (refused Kim Il Sung’s plea)
1950 - sent materials but was unwilling to send troops as he knew US were far more superior
- believed it would put pressure on japan to turn communist and promote himself as a leader of communism
How were China involved in the Korean War?
Initially, more interested in consolidating own power in China but then US forces moved closer to the North Korea-China border so they decided to get involved.
He also saw it was a way to enhance his power and reputation as a communist leader (like Stalin)
What were the causes of the Korean War?
- North Korea, China and USSR all wanted Korea to be communist
- ideological differences between the North and the South
- Kim Il Sung & Syngman Rhee wanted reunification but under their own regime
When did North and South Korea create their own states (Democratic Republic of Korea & Republic of Korea)?
1948
What was the impact of the Korean War?
- 2.8 million people died
- long term security for Korea and Taiwan
When was Korea divided into 2 zones?
1945 - Potsdam Conference
What is the line dividing Korea?
The 38th Parallel
When was the Geneva Conference?
1954
What was agreed at the Geneva Conference?
- Nationalist forces would move out of South Vietnam
- French forces would move out of North Vietnam
- Vietnam would be split along the 17th Parallel
What was the purpose of the Geneva Conference?
Acted as a ceasefire (not a long term solution)
By 1954, what percentage of war costs were the US paying in the First Indochina War?
75%
When was JFK elected?
1961
What was Khrushchev’s ‘peaceful coexistence’ policy?
- Germany was prevented from rearming
- tensions were to be diffused with diplomacy rather than aggression
- satellite states must be kept under soviet control
- USSR must remain face of socialist community
- reduced spending on military security
When and why did Khrushchev introduce his ‘peaceful coexistence’ policy?
- 1956: 20th congress of the Communist Party
- Here, Khrushchev abandoned the traditional Marxist-Leninist view that there would be a war between socialism and capitalism and claimed that communism was so powerful that war was not necessary
- wanted to spend more money on domestic development
How did JFK initially place a strain on peaceful coexistence?
- reactivated ships that were to be scrapped
- increased defense budget
- favored expansion of nuclear missiles and to build up NATO forces
- in his inauguration speech, he said he would do anything to support freedom and liberty (reaffirming Truman Doctrine/containment)
When did Stalin die?
1953
When did Khrushchev become leader of the USSR?
1956
When was the Austrian State Treaty introduced?
1955
Why was the Austrian State Treaty introduced?
Austria had been divided into 4 zones of occupation in 1945 which had the potential to be as bad as Germany and the USSR wanted to negotiate on the future of Austria.
What was the impact of the Austrian State Treaty?
- withdrawal of occupying powers
- Austria was now a neutral state and could not join the Soviet sphere of influence
- showed serious intent towards mutual cooperation (removed major potential conflict)
When was the Paris Summit?
1960
Why was the Paris Summit called?
Khrushchev wanted a deal for Berlin and the prohibiting of nuclear weapons (which was unlikely due to China’s arsenal being near completion).
When was Camp David?
1959
What happened at Camp David?
- Discussed several issues including disarmament and the situation in Berlin
- Agreed to use diplomacy when settling international disputes
Impact of Camp David
- Khrushchev became the first Soviet leader to visit the USA
- Reaffirmed Khrushchev’s faith in peaceful coexistence
- Caused deterioration in Sino-Soviet relations
Why was the Paris Summit a failure?
It collapsed 13 days before it started with the U2 spy plane incident where an American U2 spy plane was shot down over the USSR.
Eisenhower refused to apologise for this at the summit and so Khrushchev went home.
When was the Geneva Summit?
1955
Who were the members of the Geneva Summit?
Britain, France, USA, USSR
Why did the Geneva Summit happen?
- West Germany became a member of NATO - Soviets weren’t happy
- Khrushchev needed a less confrontational relationship with the US to achieve compliance in Eastern Europe
What was proposed at the Geneva Summit?
- A united Germany
- Open Skies proposal
What was the Open Skies Proposal?
- proposed by Eisenhower
- USA and USSR were to exchange maps indicating the locations of their military installations which would ensure that both states were in line with arms control agreements
- would bring closer to disarmament
When was Sputnik produced?
1957
What was Sputnik?
The first ever satellite to orbit the earth and a victory for the USSR.
Effect of Sputnik on the US
It frightened the US as they believed that the USSR would use this technology for launching nuclear missiles.
Democrats were accusing the Eisenhower administration of allowing the USSR to overtake in space technology.
US response to Sputnik
Tried to create their own space satellite but the US Navy’s Vanguard rocket crashed on its takeoff and was named ‘flopnik’.
By 1958, the government had authorised $1 billion to technological development in space.
What was the space race?
A competition between the USA and the USSR to prove their superiority as the ability to build a satellite would give the country an advantage in the arms race.
Who led the Soviet space program?
Korolev
When and what was Luna 2?
1959
The first space craft to hit the moon (created by the Soviets)]]
When was the first manned satellite to orbit the earth launched?
1961
Who launched the first manned satellite to orbit the earth?
The Soviet space program
Who was in the first manned satellite to orbit the earth?
Yuri Gagarin (Soviet cosmonaut)
What does NASA stand for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Why was NASA created?
All US leaders believed that control of space would lead to better security
When was NASA created?
1958
What was the space race like for the US in 1962?
The US had caught up to the Soviets and had launched 63 successful space missions (USSR had launched 15)
Who was John Glenn?
The first American to orbit the earth in 1962
1967 - US in space race
A rocket caught fire and 3 men died which was a set back for Project Apollo
Apollo 8
1968
First manned space mission to orbit the moon
USA
Apollo 11
1969
First lunar landing attempt, Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the moon
USA
What were Kennedy’s foreign policies for Indochina?
- US’ non-nuclear capabilities should be expanded (reduce the threat of nuclear war)
- backed counterinsurgency measures
- flexible response (would end constraints of Eisenhower’s massive retaliation approach)
When was the NLF formed?
1960
What does NLF stand for?
National Liberation Front
Who was the leader of the NLF?
Tho
Where was the NLF located?
South Vietnam but organised by the North Vietnamese leadership
What was the purpose of the NLF?
- to create an independent and unified Vietnam
- to free South Vietnam from ‘US imperialism’
What was the NLF’s 10 point programme?
Their political manifesto that reflected an anti-imperialist focus and appealed to intellectuals, students middle class and rural working class.
An example of one of the points - replacement of Catholic dominated Diem administration
What was the NLF presented as?
A southern nationalist/resistance movement so it was not seen to breach Geneva Conference agreements (as the North was forbidden to place its own forces in the South)
What was Oplan 34A?
Air raids/covert operations conducted against North Vietnam which started to escalate the pressure on North Vietnam which went against Johnson’s primary aim.
What were Johnson’s primary aims of the Vietnam War?
- win the war without it becoming Americanized
- quick victory without a major escalation
Stats of increasing military advisors when Johnson became president
16,000 to 23,000
How did the situation in Vietnam deteriorate for US?
- China had agreed to provide military supplies to North Vietnam
- USSR had established diplomatic links with NLF and was sending weapons to North Vietnam
- Vietcong had strengthened positions in South
- US bombing during Gulf of Tonkin failed to improve SV’s government
- rise in anti-american feelings in SV
- ARVN were in low state of morale = poor leadership, inadequate training, low pay
What was North Vietnam’s 4 point proposal?
- US troops must withdraw from SV in accordance with Geneva agreements
- Neither the North or South could enter a military alliance with a foreign power during temporary division
- SV’s international affairs must be settled by SV alone, no external influence
- Peaceful reunification must be settled by people of both zones
When was North Vietnam’s 4 point proposal?
1965
Was North Vietnam’s 4 point proposal successful?
No. Johnson rejected it as he believed it would led to unified & communist Vietnam. He further escalated the war by sending air squadrons and troops into the north.
How many US troops in Vietnam by 1965?
75,000
Why did Johnson not want diplomatic solution in Vietnam War?
He believed that North Vietnam would back down if they were faced with the strong economic and military might of the US.
USA strengths in Vietnam War
- significant economic might
- bombing
- search and destroy
USA weaknesses in Vietnam War
- extensive coverage of the war in the US media
- uselessness of SV army
North Vietnam strengths in Vietnam War
- familiar with country
- peasant support
- aided by China and USSR
- guerilla tactics (booby traps etc)
- Ho Chi Minh Trail
North Vietnam weaknesses in Vietnam War
- high degree of dependency on USSR and China
- no guaranteed support among SV peasants
When did North Vietnam invade Cambodia?
1978
When did Khmer Rouge launch attack on capital of Cambodia?
1975
When was the capital of Cambodia captured by North Vietnam?
1979
When was Cambodia’s head of state overthrown by General Lon Nol?
1970
How many tons of bombs were dropped during Operation Menu?
43,000
When was Operation Menu?
1969
When was Operation Lam Son 719 on Laos?
1971
What was Operation Lam Son 719 on Laos?
An attempt to disrupt supply lines across the Ho Chi Minh trials in Laos
When did Kissinger and Le Duc Tho have a secret meeting?
1970
What terms were agreed upon at the Paris Peace Talks?
- ceasefire to begin start of 1973
- the forces on each side would keep the areas they controlled at the time of the ceasefire
- within 60 days, the US would withdraw its forces
- commission set up to consider free elections in post-war Vietnam
When were the Paris Peace Agreements put in place?
1973
When did Paris Peace Talks begins?
1968 - soon stalled and reached stalemate at end of the year
When did the Paris Peace Talks resume?
1971 - stalled later on in the year
When did Sino-Soviet relations begin?
1950
When did Sino-Soviet relations end?
1962
When was the Sino-Soviet border dispute?
1959
What was the Sino-Soviet border dispute?
USSR expanded military aid to India (but wasn’t directly involved with India’s opposition)
Chinese Premier denied the presence of any formalised border between India and China
When was the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis?
1958
What was the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis?
- continuation of Chinese Civil War and first crisis
- People’s Republic of China bombed islands of Quemoy and Matsu in an attempt to take Taiwan from the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and to investigate the extent of the US’ defense of Taiwan’s territory
When was the Malinovsky Incident?
1964
What was the Malinovsky Incident?
Malinovsky, the Soviet Defense Minister, suggested that China should get rid of Mao like the USSR removed Khruschev.
Widened Sino-Soviet relations.
Why were there Sino-Soviet tensions between 1958-62?
- Mao did not feel respected by Soviets and accused Khrushchev of revisionism
- Khrushchev felt he should be leader of the communist word as leader of the first communist state
When was the Cultural Revolution?
1966
What was the Cultural Revolution?
- Mao believed that the USSR was led by revisionists and was a target for ideological attack
- was designed to restore ideology in China and identify ideological deviants
- enabled Mao to strengthen his own power by justifying elimination of potential political rivals
When was the Brezhnev Doctrine formally produced?
1968 (after Prague Spring)
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?
It called upon USSR to intervene with whatever means required in countries where socialist rule was under threat.
Countries could decide what was necessary but they should not do anything to damage socialism in their country or others
When was Khrushchev removed from power?
1964
What was Brezhnev’s rule like in comparison to Khrushchev’s?
- represented a shift towards stability
BUT - associated with corruption and economic stagnation, political repression continued and there was still much discontent
When was SALT 1 signed?
1972
What does SALT stand for?
Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty
What were the 3 main components of SALT 1?
- Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty
- Interim Treaty
- Basic Principles Agreement
What was the SALT 1 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty?
Anti-Ballistic missiles were only allowed at 2 sites and each site could only have a maximum of 100.
This showed trust.
What was the SALT 1 Interim Treaty?
It placed restrictions on the number of ICBM’s and SLBMs both the USA and the USSR could have.
How many ICBMs and SLBMs could the USA and USSR have according to SALT 1 Interim Treaty?
USA:
1000 ICBMs
600 SLBMs
USSR:
1600 ICBMs
700 SLBMs
USA had more strategic bombers already.
What was the SALT 1 Basic Principles Agreement?
It laid down rules for the conduct of nuclear warfare and set out steps for avoiding nuclear war.
What were the strengths of SALT 1?
- major symbolic importance as both the USA and USSR wanted to reach an agreement and demonstrate better relations publicly.
- allowed for further talks about restrictions (e.g. SALT II)
- both visited each other in home countries shortly after.
What were the weaknesses of SALT 1?
- unrealistic to expect nuclear war to be avoided because countries signed a document
- only lasted until 1977
- did not cover the latest technological advancements
When was the Vladivostok Summit?
1974
What were the agreements made at the Vladivostok Summit?
- soviets agreed to equal ICBM and SLBM launchers
- agreement reached on framework for 10yr plan, which was seen as preliminary move for SALT II
- banned new missile systems (forced both sides to limit strategic missiles)
- limited number of MIRV ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and long range missiles.
When was the Moscow Summit?
1972
What were the 3 most fundamental basic principles set out for US-Soviet relations at the Moscow Summit?
- there is no alternative to conducting their mutual relations on the basis of peaceful coexistence
- Determination to avoid situations that could damage peaceful coexistence
- Do everything in their power so that situations that would increase international tensions would not arise.
When was the Vienna Summit?
1979
What happened at the Vienna Summit?
SALT II was signed and finalised
When did Ostpolitik begin?
Late 1960s
Who was the architect of Ostpolitik?
Willy Brandt - Chancellor of West Germany
What was Ostpolitik?
A West German detente policy that recognized the East German government, expanded commercial relations with other Soviet Bloc countries and recognized territorial changes that happened at the end of WW2 e.g. Poland/East German border
When did the Basic Treaty come into effect?
1973
What was the Basic Treaty?
An attempt to normalize the relationship between East and West Germany that restored diplomatic relations, signed by East and West Germany - showed that they recognized each other
What was the potential obstacle between Sino-US relations in 1970s?
Taiwan
What event brought Sino-US confrontation to an end?
Nixon’s visit to China in 1972
When did the USSR invade Afghanistan?
1979
Why did the USSR invade Afghanistan?
It bordered Pakistan (an ally of the US) so USSR didn’t want it to be influenced. But it also shared a border with USSR so they would be concerned if something happened.
Who was the king of Afghanistan during the invasion?
King Zahir Shah
When did the PDPA form?
1965
Who were the PDPA?
The People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (socialist party)
What was the Carter Doctrine in response to?
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
When was the Carter Doctrine?
1980
When did Solidarity in Poland form?
1980
When was Czechoslovakia taken over by communism?
1948
When was the Prague Spring?
1968
What was the Prague Spring?
The new leader of Czechoslovakia, Dubcek, turned out to be an advocate of reform - unlike what the Soviets initially thought.
What was the Czechoslovakian Action Programme?
Several liberties introduced by Dubcek such as increased freedom of speech, press and movement and an emphasis on consumer goods.
What were Ota Sik’s proposed reforms?
- end to centralled planned targets
- individual enterprise
- workforce having more power
- consumer rights
- a CP responsive to public opinion
When did the Warsaw Pact forces invade Czechoslovakia?
1968
Why did the Warsaw Pact forces invade Czechoslovakia?
Brezhnev was pressuring Dubcek to repeal his reforms throughout the several meetings, Dubcek promised to but didn’t do it.
Why did Solidarity in Poland begin?
Female shipyard worker worked for decades and was fired 6 months before retirement - other workers were enraged, set off wave of strikes. Also, severe economic crisis - rise in food prices up to 100%.
When was Solidarity banned?
1981 - under Jaruzelski’s martial law
Significance of Solidarity
- showed the move away from communism in Poland
- influential political organisation
- strikes led to significant pay rises
Who was the leader of Solidarity?
Lech Walesa
Membership of Solidarity
Rapidly increased to 10 million
When was KAL 007 shot down?
1983
Impact of shooting down of KAL 007
- killed everyone on the flight
- dramatically increased tensions between USA and USSR
What happened during shoot down of KAL 007?
Started to veer off course into Russian airspace, soviets sent 2 fighters to intercept who failed to receive a response to fired a heat-seeking missile.
US reaction to the shooting down of KAL 007
Reagan called it a “massacre” and issued a statement that the soviets had “turned against the world”
Soviet reaction to the shooting down of KAL 007
They admitted the pilots didn’t know it was a passenger jet, several officials responsible were fired/demoted and a high ranking soviet official stated that the flight had been involved with espionage activities.
When did Somalia invade Ogaden?
1977
When was the Ethiopian Emperor overthrown by Mengistu?
1974
When did Castro send troops to Ethiopia?
1977
How many Cuban troops were in Ethiopia by 1978?
15,000
How many Cuban troops were in Angola by 1988?
52,000
When did the Civil War begin in Angola?
1975
What was the Soviets position in Angola?
They wanted to expand their own influence so their main priority was to ensure China did not gain Angola. But the supposed “forged link” between USA and USSR due to detente weakened Soviet credibility.
What was the USA’s position in Angola?
South Africa was a political liability (due to it being more left-wing) and a threat to detente (as the Soviets had the advantage). But, the US did not regard it as a threat to its own economic and strategic interests.
How much funding did USA provide to FNLA?
$300,000 and then $25 million in supplies and $16 million in arms.
How was China involved in Angola?
Sent 120 military advisors to FNLA
How was the US involved in Grenada?
Reagan assembled a 7000 member invasion force to help prevent the country from falling to communism (even though they were the only ones convinced of it falling) - to protect US medical students studying there.
When did the Sadinista regime sieze power in Nicaragua?
1979
How was the US involved in Nicaragua?
Provided funds, equipment and training to the Contras (anti-communist)
How was the US involved in Chile?
A US company dominated the telecommunications system and removed their own aid due to their dislike for the president (Allende - whom they tried to prevent from coming to power), which led to inflation and declining industry, which caused social disorder and the murder of the president.
What did Reagan’s presidency bring?
Tension, suspicion, possibility of nuclear war and the acceleration of arms race.
How did Reagan believe the US should deal with the Soviet challenge?
Abandon detente
When was perestroika introduced?
1985
What was perestroika?
A policy to restructure the political and economic systems of the USSR e.g. decentralized planning and end of state price controls
What were the disadvantages of perestroika?
It didn’t do enough, wages didn’t change with prices, food was being produced for profit, completely changed system they have used for years and the government spending increased.
When was glasnost introduced?
1988
Why was glasnost introduced?
Many criticisms of the government due to events such as the suppression of what really happened at Chernobyl and Sakharov telling people about conditions of Soviet prisons.
What was glasnost?
A policy that translates to ‘openness’ and allowed freedom of the speech and the press.
What were the disadvantages of glasnost?
The party soon lost control due to freedom of speech/the press and it opened the government up to more criticism.
What did the ending of the Brezhnev Doctrine mean?
The USSR would no longer get involved with domestic affairs of other countries.
When did the Brezhnev Doctrine end?
1981
Factors undermining soviet economic growth
Alcoholism, lack of foreign investment, state controlled business and inflation/worker discontent.
What did Gorbachev believe were the largest drains on the soviet economy?
Foreign policies
What foreign policies were draining soviet economy?
The nuclear arms race (especially after detente failed), build up of conventional forces for the invasion of Afghanistan, defense spending after announcement of SDI, material support they were providing to EE and reputation of leader of world socialism/communism.
When was the Geneva Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
1985
When was the Reykjavik Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
1986
When was the Washington Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
1987
When was the Moscow Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
1988
When was the Malta Summit between Bush and Gorbachev?
1989
What was discussed/agreed at the Geneva Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
USA and USSR would work towards cutting offensive nuclear weapons by 50%, provisional government made on limiting/eliminating medium range nuclear missiles and discussed collaboration to end nuclear proliferation, maintain rational control over weapons and ban nuclear weapons
What was discussed/agreed at the Reykjavik Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
Discussed human rights and humanitarian issues and how both sides wanted arms reduction but had limits on what they would abandon
What was discussed/agreed at the Washington Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
INF (Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces) Treaty was signed - ended the use of all intermediate range ballistic and cruise missiles. Generally regarded as the most significant step taken by the powers to bring the arms race to an end.
What was the importance of the INF treaty?
It was the first time the powers agreed to ban a whole class of nuclear weapons, it stopped the need for spheres of influence (IRBMs had to be placed in other countries). Also, the USSR made no demand that the treaty was conditional on the US withdrawing from SDI.
What was discussed/agreed at the Moscow Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
Discussed cultural exchanges and human rights and signed seven agreements in reference to things like fishing rights and student exchange programmes.
What was the problem with the INF treaty?
It did not apply to air/sea-launched missiles - which were the most dangerous missiles
What was the purpose of the Moscow Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
To agree to Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which intended to limit the number of nuclear weapons to 5000 each side. However, this didn’t happen.
What was discussed/agreed at the Malta Summit between Bush and Gorbachev?
The USA would not intervene in the Baltic states or in the reunification of Germany, the USSR would not use force to prevent EE from determining their own political futures and moves were made towards a closer economic relationship.
What was the impact of the Geneva Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
Both wanted it to look like a success and so made a joint statement - “A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.”
Gorbachev had removed the ideological split of the east and west and Reagan wanted a fresh start in US-Soviet relations.
What was the impact of the Reykjavik Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
There was no clear result/joint statement but both superpowers gained insights into each other.
What was the impact of the Washington Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
It was a success, which gave people a sense of optimism regarding disarmament and nuclear reduction. It seemed the Cold War was coming to an end. Also, it led to Gorbachev withdrawing from Afghanistan.
What was the impact of the Moscow Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev?
It gave Reagan the opportunity to gain access to the Russian people, who were as impressed with him as he was by them and Gorbachev was able to explain how the soviets viewed SDI. Compared to the other summits, it was a failure.
What was the impact of the Malta Summit between Bush and Gorbachev?
It paved the way for the Conventional Forces of Europe Treaty, which aimed to reduce the possibility for major offensive operations in Europe through reduction of troops and armaments.
It also paved the way for the final summit in Moscow which concluded START 1, implemented SALT and agreed that nuclear tech could not be passed on to 3rd party states.
Overall, no formal agreements were signed.
When was SDI announced?
1983
What was SDI?
It proposed the creation of an anti-nuclear defence system that would destroy nuclear weapons in space before they reached their targets.
What does SDI stand for?
Strategic Defence Initiative
How did the Soviets feel about SDI?
They feared the US’ possession of this technology as it would mean they had the ability to destroy soviet nuclear weapons.
They continued to heavily fund nuclear weapons programmes to deter the west from taking action and remain competitive - even though they couldn’t afford it.
When did the last soviet troops leave Afghanistan?
1989
When did Hungary cut the border with Austria?
1989
Who was Nemeth and what did he do?
Previously a politburo member but became leader of Hungary in 1989 and introduced reforms of basic freedoms, civil rights and the electorate.
When did the Soviets agree to withdraw forces from Hungary?
1989
When did Solidarity become legal again?
1988
When was the amnesty enforced in Poland?
1986
Who led the government of Poland in 1989?
Solidarity
What happened in Romania in 1989?
Violent protests began against the communist government and the leader, Ceausescu, and his wife were executed. This led to democratic elections being held.
What happened in Bulgaria in 1989?
The Bulgarian communist leader resigned on live TV and as a result, democratic elections were held.
When was the demonstration in Wenceslas Square?
1989
Why was the demonstration in Wenceslas Square?
In memory of Jan Palech who self-immolated in protest at the end of Prague Spring
When was the Civil Forum created in Czechoslovakia?
1989
What was the Civil Forum in Czechoslovakia?
A group of protesters who had united to overthrow the communist regime, which got larger as the days progressed.
How many East Germans left for Hungary to seek asylum in the West German embassy in 1989?
60,000
When did the Berlin Wall come down?
1989
When was Germany reunified?
1990
When did the US reduce funding to Contras?
Late 1980s
Who were the Contras?
Right-wing rebels who were in opposition to the Sandinista regime in Nicaragua
When did the US withdraw aid from Nicaragua?
1992
When did FMLN become a legitimate political party?
1992
Who were the FMLN?
A coalition of leftist guerrilla groups in El Salvador that had received support from USSR and Cuba
When did Mengistu establish the People’s Democratic Party of Ethiopia?
1987
When did Mengistu flee?
1991
When did the USSR encourage major offensive against UNITA?
1987
When did Cuban forces withdraw from Angola?
1988
Why did Germany reunify?
If separated, it had the potential to upset the balance of power in Europe. Gorbachev also accepted the inevitable as the USSR were in need of money - couldn’t afford to support East Germany.
When was the coup set in place to overthrow Gorbachev?
1991
Who formed a coup to try and overthrow Gorbachev?
The communist hardliners
Why was there a coup to overthrow Gorbachev?
The communist hardliners felt like Gorbachev’s policies had failed and they needed to establish a more orthodox control in the USSR as they wanted to prevent the breakup of the USSR which Gorbachev failed to do.
When did Gorbachev resign?
1991
When did the USSR cease to exist
1991
When did the USA create Strategic Air Command?
1948
What was the Strategic Air Command?
An organisation set up to serve as a primary defence system for the USA to provide 24-hour readiness to respond to an external nuclear threat.
When did the USSR successfully test their first atomic bomb?
1949
When did the USA successfuly test a lithium hydrogen bomb?
1954
When did the USSR successfully test an airborne hydrogen bomb?
1955
Who developed the first ICBM and when?
The Soviets in 1957
When was Sputnik launched?
1957
When was the Gaither Report commissioned?
1957
What was the Gaither report?
A report concerning strategy to prepare against the perceived threat of a nuclear attack from the Soviet Union.
When was the U-2 spy plane shot down?
1960
When was SALT 1 agreed?
1972
