superpowers 3 Flashcards
The importance of the Yalta Conference for early Cold War tension between the USA and the Soviet Union.
Western Allies & USSR had differing visions for East Europe. Western Allies hoped for democratic elections & representative govs; USSR sought to establish govs aligned with its interests. Ideological and political divergence sowed seeds of future conflicts & contributed to tensions. Was agreed that Eastern European nations liberated from Nazi occupation would be allowed free elections to determine govs. USSR did not uphold commitment - established govs loyal to its interests, leading to accusations of broken promises.
Poland became a focal point of dispute. USSR allowed to regain significant territories in Eastern Poland while shifting Poland’s borders westward. Led to intense tensions - effectively redrew Poland’s borders without input of Polish gov-in-exile or Polish people. Contributed to the perception of Soviet expansionism in Eastern Europe. Soviet presence in Eastern Europe created buffer zone but triggered concerns in West about spread of communism and erosion of democratic values.
The importance of the Long and Novikov telegrams for relations between East and West
USA realised communism had to be contained - Long stated that USA and USSR could not co-exist peacefully (ideological differences) Long - believed Stalin wanted to destroy capitalism, expand communism but would back down if faced with strong resistance. USA responded - policy of containment in Truman Doctrine and helping countries (greece, turkey) resist communism - Marshall Plan and NATO
Stalin realised USA - aiming to gain domination through military power. Responded with Cominform 1947 and Comecon 1949. Created buffer zone in eastern europe to prevent attacks, described Marshall Plan as ‘dollar imperialism’ to establish American economic empire, divide europe.
The importance of the division of Berlin into zones following World War Two
Emergence of 2 distinct political systems within Berlin: democratic West & communist East. Led to considerable disparities in living standards, rights, freedoms. e.g, West had Deutsche Mark, received financial aid through initiatives (Marshall Plan) for reconstruction. East - state censorship - lack of political pluralism. Led to brain drain from East to West. During first 6 years, approximately 3.5 million people defected from East Germany & Berlin.
1948 Berlin blockade & subsequent airlift. USSR blocked all access routes to West Berlin - direct challenge to Western Allies’ presence in city. Approximately 2.3m tons of supplies carried to West Berlin during airlift for a year, extraordinary commitment & effort from Western Allies. Demonstrated commitment to Berlin & marked early Cold War crisis. Diplomatic victory for Western Allies - effectively ended blockade. Formation of NATO - Western countries needed collective defense alliance to counter threat from Eastern Bloc.
The importance of the Cuban Missile crisis (1962) for the development of the Cold War
both realised how close they were to nuclear war. after ‘13 days’, tension was incredibly high (JFK & Khrush negotiating). after agreement, became clear they had to improve communication. period of detente. created hotline (june 1963) from Washington to Moscow. test ban treaty created - reduced use of nuclear weapons (no testing above ground, under water, outer space). showed both sides willing to work together, avoid future ‘hot’ conflicts.
change in power balance: secret deal made khrushchev look weak - missiles in turkey were secretly withdrawn from USA while publicly withdrawn from ussr so it seemed USSR backed down. ultimately led to his removal as leader. ussr < usa
The importance of the formation of Cominform and Comecon for the development of the Cold War
Comecon: Aimed to strengthen economic ties between USSR & its satellite states. Counterbalance Western economic & political influence like Marshall Plan. Provided framework for economic cooperation that reduced reliance on Western assistance, limiting Western influence in countries. Solidified division of Europe along ideological and economic lines.
Cominform - ensure ideological purity & conformity among parties. Reinforced dominance of Moscow in shaping communist agenda & political direction in these nations. Symbolised USSR’s desire to maintain control over Eastern Bloc. Ensured communist parties adhered to Soviet doctrine, consolidating Soviet influence. Reinforced iron curtain - preventing nations from drifting towards Western ideologies / independence.
The importance of the construction of the Berlin Wall for relations between the Superpowers from 1961
showed ussr was weak - braind drain (4m people) so had to physically lock people to stop fleeing east. showed jfk’s solidarity with west berlin (‘wall is better than war’) capitalism clearly > communism
solidified division - physical manifestation of iron curtain. leaders could not come to agreement in vienna conference so Khrush took unilateral action by constructing wall August 13 1961 (barbed wire + guards). caught USA off guard - clear distrust from ussr, suspicions of intentions from usa
The importance of the Cuban Revolution for the development of the Cold War from 1959
Shift in the Balance of Power: Cuba - U.S. ally, & strategic location - critical U.S. outpost. revolution transitioned it to socialist, pro-Soviet gov. led to establishment of Soviet military presence in Cuba. partnership threatened U.S. national security interests / challenge to U.S. dominance in its own sphere of influence
Direct cause of bay of pigs invasion: USA extensive training, equipment to 1400 Cuban exiles, $45m. Cuba - prepared for invasion. 200,00 troops killed / captured exiles in 3 days.
Kennedy - weak / inexperienced, made certain Castro would let Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba to deter more attacks. Castro requested substantial aid. deepened divide.
The importance of SALT 1 (1972) for relations between East and West
Addressed stockpiling of nuclear weapons - created environment of heightened tension. Treaty placed limitations on no. of ICBMs & SLBMs that each superpower could deploy. Imposed restrictions on deployment of MIRVs. Represented significant step toward reducing nuclear threat & minimizing risk of catastrophic arms race.
SALT I Treaty - broader policy of détente to de-escalate tensions. Willingness from both to engage in diplomacy & negotiation.
Even during the Cold War, diplomatic channels could be used to address areas of contention & mutual concern. Treaty symbolized departure from confrontational attitude of earlier years & opened door to more constructive relations. Paved way for subsequent arms control agreements: SALT II Treaty, INF Treaty and START treaties.
The importance of SALT 2 for the development of the Cold War
SALT II crucial in enhancing strategic stability during Cold War. By setting limits on no. & types of nuclear weapons, treaty aimed to prevent either superpower from gaining advantage that could lead to preemptive strike. Crucial in reducing likelihood of accidental nuclear conflict, ensuring both had vested interest in preventing catastrophic war (MAD). Drew significant public attention - sparked broader debate on nuclear arms race and control. Global anti-nuclear movement gained momentum.
SALT II negotiations signaled potential for cooperation between USA & USSR. While treaty faced challenges in terms of ratification & verification, it highlighted ability of superpowers to come to table & engage in dialogue. Reinforced concept of peaceful coexistence and potential for cooperation. Provisions & principles were integrated into later agreements: Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty - significantly reduced the number of deployed nuclear weapons.
The importance of the Reagan Doctrine for the development of the Cold War
Shift in detente policy: Reagan - detente too appeasing, ineffective in addressing Soviet expansionism & aggression (allowed to expand sphere of influence in Eastern Europe, Africa, Central America). Reagan - more confrontational stance: ‘evil empire’ vs ‘good’, support for Afghan Mujahideen during Soviet invasion. Gorby’s new thinking.
Doctrine - developing weapons -amplified arms race. Reagan’s commitment to robust military build-up, including SDI pressured Soviets to allocate more resources to military. Intensified competition = economic strains on USSR & contributed to political vulnerabilities - important in Cold War’s outcome. Reagan boosted spending on America’s armed forces. 1982 by 13% then further 8% in 1983 and 1984.
The importance of the fall of the Berlin Wall for the development of the Cold War
symbolised collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe. dismantling signified failure of communism & sparked democratic movements (Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania - revolutions / transitions to democratic governments). reducing Soviet influence leading to eventual collapse (dec 1991) as eastern European countries no longer accepted.
improved relations/end of ideological divide - reunification of Germany (formally completed October 3, 1990) stabilizing Europe; cooperation led to arms reduction agreements (START I) 1991 as both recognised importance of security concerns, wanted to shift to diplomacy.
