The Three Crises Flashcards
Why did allies control of western Berlin continue to cause problems for the USSR?
West Berlin was capitalist therefore it was seen as a success for the west to have a piece of land within communist territory.
Why did Khrushchev decide to build the Berlin Wall?
Thousands of refugees were escaping to West Berlin each day which embarrassed the USSR. Many of these refugees were skilled meaning that economic output was reducing dramatically. Also, due to the U2 plane incident, he thought that the USSR was more vulnerable to espionage and he wanted to put an end to this.
What effect did west Germany joining NATO in 1955 have on the USSR?
It made them more scared as they now had military support and they were more vulnerable to attack as west Germany was so close to the communist east.
What effect did west Germany joining the European economic community in 1957 have on the USSR?
It made Khrushchev fear yet another invasion as it seemed as if Germany was becoming strong again.
What was the Berlin Ultimatum?
The allied forces should leave Berlin within 6 months and that Berlin should be a neutral free city.
When was the Berlin Wall built?
13th August 1961.
When did Kennedy visit Berlin and what did he declare?
1963 and he made his ‘I am a Berliner’ speech.
What impact did the Berlin Wall have on the German population?
Families were split and travel restrictions were put in place making it very difficult for relatives to see one another. They were also upset as the USSR had broken it’s agreement about the running of Berlin and the USA had done nothing about it. It also became a consistent reminder to Berliners that their country was a tool used by the superpowers.
What impact did the Berlin Wall have on the USSR?
Khrushchev viewed it as a victory as he had beaten Kennedy, the flow of refugees had stopped and the economic crisis in East Germany was improving.
Why was Batista not popular with the Cuban people?
He was a corrupt and a dictator.
Why did Americans have a good relationship with Cuba previously?
They had been allies for a long time and there were many American businesses there, also Batista opposed communism as much as the Americans did.
When did Fidel Castro overthrow Batista?
1959
Why did America break off diplomatic ties with Cuba and stopped purchasing their sugar?
He nationalised America businesses in Cuba and he shut down casinos and brothels. It was also an attempt to make them return to capitalism as America thought that Cuba could not survive without them.
What angered the USA further in 1960?
Cuba had signed a deal with the USSR to export it’s sugar. The USSR also provided economic aid to them.
Why was Cuba so significant?
The USA could not afford to have a soviet satellite in its sphere of influence due to the fear of communism spreading.
What was the bay of pigs invasion in 1961?
The CIA funded Cuban exiles and equipped them. They were transported to Cuba to invade and it was an attempt to overthrow Castro however it was a complete disaster.
What was the result of the bay of pigs invasion?
It humiliated Kennedy but also made it seem t like the USA were not prepared to get directly involved in Cuba. However, this implemented fear into Castro which is why the USSR sent weapons there so that it could defend itself.
Why did the USA have such a dramatic reaction to missiles being placed in Cuba?
The range of the missiles meant that every major town in the USA could be destroyed so they were in extreme danger.
