The Global War 1955-1963 Flashcards
What did Krushchev want to happen with the Satellite States?
He wanted to redefine the relationship between the Soviet Union and the Satellite States. He wanted long-term political stability, economic growth, and improved living conditions through de-Stalinisation but without changing the basic structure of the communist system.
What and when was his Secret Speech?
February 1956. Krushchev’s speech went around EE and by June it had reached the US State department. It impacted the stability of E block- Poland and Hungary.
Krushchev said that EE states served as clones of communist system Stalin developed in the USSR. He described Stalinist system as a cult of personality, centralised planning, one party political system, dominance over communist party, secret police system and press censorship.
What was De-Stalinisation?
The removal of some or most of the controls of the Stalinist system.
(cult of personality, centralised planning, one party political system, dominance over communist party, secret police system and press censorship)
What happened in Poland?
June-October 1956
After secret speech many Poles started demanding more political freedom and National Soverignty. Workers striked due to wage and conditions. People started turning anti-communist. Gomulka was elected first secretary of the Polish communist party. Krushchev met with him, at first G refused to cooperate but then agreed providing he was made First Secretary. Agreed not to carry out reforms that may threaten communist rule or unity of S block, remain in Warsaw Pact. Force not used, partly because of support shown by Bejing.
What was the impact of the Polish uprising?
Showed that Moscow would allow satellites a measure of independence if regimes were led by trustworthy men. Krushchev’s instinct was to use force when Gomulka took control of the party but China’s support prevented this, showing an increasing role being played by China.
What was the Hungarian Uprising?
October-November, 1956
Students protested, listed 16 demands including Nagy as PM, withdrawl of S troops from Hungary, freedom of speech and press and multi party elections. Turned into armed revolt and demonstrations fired on by police. Nagy was appointed PM. He met with Soviet delegation, reassure USSR military intervention not necessary; revolt could be calmed, Hungary loyal to Moscow. Krushchev agreed to withdraw troops (China put pressure on USSR). But USSR then reversed decision when Nagy announced he was to withdraw from Warsaw Pact, it feared collapse of communism in Hungary. Rising was crushed and a new government was installed.
What was the Impact of the Hungarian Rising?
Showed that the USSR would not allow countries to leave Warsaw Pact- wanted to keep control over them, and the West accepted the status of post-War Europe as although Hungarians would have wanted them to intervene, they did not. It showed a need for social and political reform in Eastern Europe.
What was Peaceful Coexistance?
A theory developed by Khrushchev. He abandoned the idea that War was inevitable and claimed that communism was so powerful it would be victorious without War. He understood the potential risks of nuclear war, and adopted the policy of peaceful coexistance since he wanted to diffuse tension where possible through diplomacy and prevent direct confrontation.
What were Khrushchev’s main aims (and reasons contributing towards peaceful coexistance)?
Germany must be prevented from rearming and being a threat to the Soviet Union.
The Soviet Union must be the unchallenged leader of Socialist community in Eastern Europe and in face of growing competition (China)
International tension must be defused, USA cannot be provoked.
Stalin’s aggression led to an escalation of expenses and government debt when Khrushchev wanted to focus on domestic affairs.
What and when was the Austrian State Treaty?
1955
The 4 powers each controlled part of Austria (like Germany), and it was referred to by some as ‘Europe’s Korea’. The powers all agreed to pull out so Austria would remain neutral. The same happened for Finland and Yugoslavia. Showed mutual cooperation between the powers, removed a major potential source of conflict, essence of peaceful coexistance. After this agreement, the Western powers removed occupation forces from West Germany.
What and when was the Camp David talks?
Camp David talks 1959, Khrushchev first Soviet leader to visit the US. They discussed disarmament and the issue in Berlin. They agreed to settle disputes through diplomacy rather than force. Served to calm down German issue and led the way for the Paris Summit May 1960.
What and when was the Paris Summit?
1960.
Summit collapsed with news that Soviet Union had shot down USA U2 Spy Plane.
What were relations like between Kennedy & Khrushchev?
Kennedy became PM 1961. He seemed to be against peaceful coexistance and increased the defence budget. Khrushchev thought Kennedy easy to manipulate. They reached a stale mate over Berlin, Khrushhev wanted Berlin to cease to be an ‘escape route’ for the Easteners. Ground set for crisises in Berlin and Cuba.
