Section 5 - Berlin Flashcards
Refugee problem key features
Many refugees were highly skilled
West Germany/Berlin enjoyed greater freedom and wealth
More jobs in West
Aid from Marshall Plan in West
From 1949-61, how many East Germans fled to West Germany?
2.7 million
Khrushchev’s response to refugee problem
Wanted to stop them because:
- Could cause more and more to flee
- Didn’t want influence from West
- Didn’t want East to be tempted by Western lifestyle.
When and where was the first summit conference?
May 1959, Geneva
When and where was the second summit conference?
September 1959, USA
Who was at the first three summit conferences?
Khrushchev and Eisenhower
What happened at the first two summit conferences?
They were discussing the future of Berlin.
They went well, but nothing was agreed.
What was Khrushchev’s ultimatum?
The whole of Berlin belonged to East Germany and he gave US troops six months to withdraw from West Berlin.
When and where was the third summit conference?
May 1960, Paris
What happened at the third summit conference?
Khrushchev had withdrawn his ultimatum.
Before conference, U2 spy plane was shot down over USSR and pilot was captured.
Summit collapsed when Eisenhower refused to apologise for spy plane.
When and where was the fourth summit conference?
June 1961, Vienna
Who was the fourth summit between?
Kennedy and Khrushchev
What happened at the fourth summit?
Neither side willing to back down.
Khrushchev challenges Kennedy to withdraw American troops in six months or he would declare war, Kennedy didn’t back down.
Khrushchev thought Kennedy would back down easily.
No agreement made.
Khrushchev built Berlin Wall to prove point.
When was the Berlin Wall built?
August 1961
Key features of Berlin Wall
Only thing Khrushchev could do to stop refugee problem.
Khrushchev avoided war but proved point and still looked strong.
Anyone trying to escape was shot, many were killed.
Powerful symbol of division of Germany and Europe.
