Section 5 - Berlin Crisis Flashcards
Why did so many refugees flee to West Germany through Berlin?
Because the East German government was extremely unpopular. West Germany was also highly attractive as its citizens enjoyed greater freedom and wealth than those of East Germany.
Why was Berlin so likely to become a flash point in the Cold War?
Because it was located inside the Eastern Block, which is the countries belonging to the Warsaw Pact, but it was partially controlled by America.
How many refugees fled from East Berlin to West Berlin and then on to West Germany?
Between 1949 and 1961, 2.7 million East German refugees, many of whom were highly skilled, escaped to West Germany.
Who was the leader of the USSR during the Berlin crisis?
Khrushchev.
Why was Khrushchev concerned about the refugee problem from East Berlin into West Berlin?
Because it was a propaganda disaster as it showed many people preferred the capitalist West to the communist east.
What was Khrushchev’s ultimatum?
In November 1958, Khrushchev declared that the whole of the city of Berlin officially belonged to East Germany. He also issued an ultimatum, giving US troops six months to withdraw, Khrushchev’s plan was to prevent East Germans fleeing to the west and to humiliate the USA.
What was President Eisenhower’s response to Khrushchev’s ultimatum?
Eisenhower did not want to lose West Berlin, but neither did he want to start a war. Consequently, it was agreed to hold an international meeting in order to discuss the future of Berlin.
What was the Geneva Summit?
This was a meeting between representatives from the USA and the USSR. It took place in May 1959. No solution to the problem was agreed at this meeting. However, it did lay the groundwork for Khrushchev to the USA and hold face-to-face talks with Eisenhower.
Describe what happened when Eisenhower and Khrushchev met at camp David after the Geneva Summit.
In September 1959, Khrushchev and Eisenhower met at a second summit meeting in Camp David. During the summit, the two leaders spoke frankly. Despite not agreeing a solution to the problem, it was decided that a further summit meeting would be held the following year between the two leaders. Also, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw his six-month ultimatum.
Describe the Paris Summit.
This meeting took place in Paris in May 1960, but was a disaster. Just before the conference the USSR had shot down an American spyplane over Russia and captured its pilot. Khrushchev walked out of the conference in protest when Eisenhower refused to apologise for the incident.
When was the Paris Summit?
May 1960 in Paris, France.
When was the Geneva Summit?
May, 1959.
Who was at the Geneva Summit in May 1959?
Representatives from the USA and the USSR.
Who became president of USA in 1961?
John F. Kennedy.
Describe the Vienna conference of June 1961.
John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev met in Vienna in June 1961, neither side wanted to back down about the US military presence in Berlin. Khrushchev tried to exploit Kennedy’s inexperience and gave the USA another six-month ultimatum to remove their troops from Berlin.
