The Berlin Question Flashcards
Who succeeded President Truman and when?
Eisenhower in January 1953
State some examples of attempts in defusing the tension between USSR and USA post 1953.
- the USA and the USSR met in Geneva in 1955 and agreed to communicate more openly
- in 1955, the USSR officially recognised the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) as a state
- Khrushchev also freed some prisoners and reduced censorship in the USSR
How was West Berlin post Berlin crisis?
It was a unified zone who continued to develop economically, benefiting from a new currency and American (Marshall Plan) aid.
What was East Berlin like after the Berlin crisis?
The USSR had drained it of its resources and its economy was slow to develop. Many people wanted to leave and go to the more prosperous West Berlin instead.
How did the migration of people from East to West Berlin reflect on Khrushchev?
It was hugely embarrassing for him as it suggested that people preferred life under Capitalism over Communism.
What kind of people usually migrated from East to West Berlin?
Skilled workers and intellectuals which threatened East Berlins economy.
What was included in Khrushchevs first 1958 ultimatum after the refugee crisis? Did Eisenhower accept?
He demanded that US, British and French troops leave West Berlin within six months. Eisenhower refused and Khrushchev took no further action but the crisis was not resolved.
What did Khrushchevs attendance to the USA summit symbolise and when was it?
1959- it symbolised a new spirit of co-operation and communication between the two powers.
What did Khrushchev and Eisenhower discuss at the 1959 summit?
They discussed Berlin. Eisenhower still didn’t agree to withdraw from West Berlin, but did agree to discuss the matter more deeply.
When did the leaders have another meeting in Paris?
1960
