The Berlin Crisis Flashcards
How did Khrushchev attempt to solve the refugee problem? (1958)
He declared the whole city of Berlin officially belonged to East Germany - issuing an ultimatum of six months for the US troops
What problem did East Germany face?
Refugees travelling away towards the west (mainly happened in east to West Berlin) -causing a propaganda disaster for the USSR
How did Eisenhower respond to Khrushchev’s declaration?
Unsure of his response, he held the geneva summit to decide and discuss
What happened at the geneva summit? (1959)
Between USA and USSR representatives
Nothing was decided, ground work laid for camp David meeting
What happened at camp David? (1959) - in the USA
Between Eisenhower and Khrushchev
Khrushchev decided to withdraw his ultimatum
Nothing decided, decided to meet in Paris
What happened at the Paris summit? (1960)
Between Eisenhower and Khrushchev
Was a disaster (USSR shot down USA spy plane and captured pilot just before)
Khrushchev walked out in protest while Eisenhower refused to apologise for the plane
What happened at the Vienna conference?
Between john f Kennedy and Khrushchev
Khrushchev tried to take advantage of jkf’s inexperience and reinstated the six month ultimatum.
Nothing resolved
What did Kennedy do after Khrushchev reinstated the ultimatum?
Declared he would not give in
Started preparing for war
What was Khrushchev’s response? (1961)
He initially backed down because he new he was bested in a nuclear war
He built a wall to divide Berlin to solve the refugee problem
Why was the Berlin Wall so significant?
It stopped any movement across the border, ending the refugee crisis
It avoided war
It became a powerful symbol of the division of Germany and Europe
Meaning West Berlin had become a symbol of freedom (ich bin win Berliner)
