Summits of 1959-61 Flashcards
When was the Geneva conference?
May 1959.
What happened during the Geneva conference?
The governmental system of Berlin was discussed; there was no conclusion. Eisenhower invited Khrushchev to the USA for further talks (to Camp David: the presidential ranch).
When was the Camp David conference?
September 1959.
What happened during the Camp David conference?
This was the first ever visit of a Soviet leader to the USA, which made it significant. There was no agreement on Berlin - but Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the Berlin ultimatum. The meeting resulted in better relationships, and they agreed to meet again, but Eisenhower was unsure that the Soviet policy on Berlin had really changed.
When was the Paris conference?
May 1960.
What happened during the Paris conference?
Before the meetings commenced, the Soviets had shot down a US U2 spy plane as it crossed Soviet territory. Although the USA claimed it was a weather plane blown off course, the interrogated pilot, Gary Powers, admitted being on a spy mission. Eisenhower, although embarrassed, refused to apologise, remarking that these operations were a necessary element - which he planned to continue - in maintaining national defence. There was no chance of these talks being successful; Khrushchev walked out of the meeting and no decisions were made.
When was the Vienna conference?
June 1961.
What happened during the Vienna conference?
Khrushchev believed that the young Kennedy (became president 1961) was inexperienced in foreign affairs; his reputation was also damaged from the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. Khrushchev therefore took a tough stance and renewed his Berlin Ultimatum.
Kennedy was concerned, but determined not to appear weak. He refused to withdraw western forces from Berlin and the talks concluded with no final decision. The relationship between the leaders became very strained.
Why did Khrushchev feel confident renewing his Ultimatum at the Vienna conference?
He believed that the young Kennedy (became president 1961) was inexperienced in foreign affairs; his reputation was also damaged from the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. Khrushchev therefore took a tough stance.
What did Kennedy do after the Vienna conference and what did this indicate?
Kennedy subsequently increased military spending by over $2 billion, to protect the USA if war broke out; it seemed that the USA was more than prepared to fight over the issue of Berlin.
Give 2 consequences of the USSR’s shooting down the USA U2 spy plane.
1) It undid all the progress made in summit diplomacy since 1958. Warming relations between Eisenhower and Khrushchev at Camp David were reverted to cold.
2) It reignited suspicion between the Superpowers, ensuring that meaningful negotiations over Berlin’s future would not be carried out at the 1960 Paris conference.
3) This was a large contributing factor in the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961.
