The Transformation Of The Cold War 1960-1969 (3rd Notes Pack) Flashcards
1
Q
What does defecting mean?
A
The act of changing loyalty from one country to another
2
Q
What does embargo mean?
A
A ban on trade with one particular country
3
Q
What is the domino theory?
A
The theory followed in the USA from Eisenhower onwards that communism would make countries fall like dominoes one after the other
4
Q
What is Guerilla warfare?
A
The use of ambushed and raids by small armed groups; used successfully in Cuba by Castro and the Vietcong in Vietnam
5
Q
What is Vietcong?
A
The communist guerilla fighters in Vietnam
6
Q
What is Vietnam Mihn?
A
Vietnamese communists, supporters of Ho Chi Mihn
7
Q
In the context of the Cold War what was the space race?
A
A race for superiority between the superpowers
8
Q
What did the Soviets do in 1957?
A
Launched the first man-made satellite into orbit
—> Sputnik
—> huge victory for communism as the USA always seemed to be one steps ahead with technology
9
Q
What did Kennedy promise in 1961?
A
That by the end of the decade, the USA would put a man on the Moon and bring him safely back to Earth
10
Q
Who was the first man to set foot on the moon and when?
A
Neil Armstrong in 1969
11
Q
What had the superpower rivalry led to by the end of the decade?
A
One of the greatest scientific and technological moments of the twentieth century
—> space exploration continued to play a part in the Cold War
12
Q
What was a major reason for the space race?
A
Propaganda
—> both sides wanted to show their country and their system of government was superior
13
Q
What were real outcomes of the space race?
A
America feared the Soviets could launch nuclear missiles in the same way as rockets (ICBMs)
14
Q
The space race became …
A
A symbol of the Cold War
—> began out of a desire to dominate
—> grew as a result of the need to outdo each other
In 1957 was used to demonstrate a new, more friendly relationship
15
Q
Who won the space race? (My opinion)
A
The Americans
In 1969 during the Apollo II mission they put the first person on the moon
—> Neil Armstrong
Huge achievement as landing on the moon was seen as the ultimate goal of space exploration at the time
16
Q
Space race impact on relations at the time
A
ONGOING RIVALRY:
Intensified rivalry
Tension increased
OTHER USES OF TECHNOLOGY:
Scientific advancements
—> led by competition between the countries
17
Q
Space race impact on relations in the longer term
A
LENGTH OF TIME:
Eased tensions over time
Shift in priorities
Competition increased the technology advancements
IMPACT ON OTHER EVENTS:
18
Q
What happened on May 1st 1960?
A
US pilot Gary Powers set off in his U2 spy plane
19
Q
What was Gary Powers mission?
A
To fly over the USSR and take photographs
—> this was just one of the many US spy missions
20
Q
What happened to Gary Powers?
A
He was tracked, shot down over the Ural Mountains and captured
—> gave the Soviets proof that the USA was spying on them
(Put on trial as a spy, sentenced to 10 years in prison)
21
Q
How high could a U2 plane fly?
A
23,000 metres
22
Q
Why were the U2 missions risky?
A
They risked a military response if spotted
23
Q
What had the Soviets developed when Powers did his flight and what happened to his plane?
A
They had developed anti-aircraft guns
His plane was shot down
24
Q
What was Powers’ excuse for his flight? And did the Soviets believe him?
A
He said it was gathering weather data and had accidentally strayed into Soviet territory
—> clear that it was a lie
—> Powers was put on trial
25
What international event was planned for the coming days?
First major summit
—> involving US and Soviet leaders since Potsdam
26
When was the Paris Peace Summit?
1960
27
What did the hysteria of the Red Scare in America dying down give Eisenhower?
More freedom to act
28
What did Khrushchev do at the same time?
Distance himself from Stalin’s approach (de-stalinisation)
Called for peaceful co-existence between the superpowers
29
Although tensions from the 1950s remained high …
It was hopeful that a ‘thaw’ was taking place and the Peace Summit would be the place this happened
30
How did the U2 crisis affect the Paris Peace Summit? (USA reaction and behaviour)
Began to fear that they were losing the Cold War
Kennedy expected to prove their relationship with the USSR but tensions were high
Didn’t want to admit it was a spy plane
—> refused to apologise
31
How did the U2 crisis affect the Paris Peace Summit? (USSR reaction and behaviour)
Angry at the lack of an apology
Refused to continue with the Paris Peace Summit
32
What evidence is there that Khrushchev took advantage of the U2 situation to undermine the peace progress?
He had talked about ‘peaceful co-existence’ with the West and it led to a thaw in relations
Soviets had known about the US’s mission for some time
Some historians felt that Khrushchev never wanted the talks to succeed
—> he felt the USSR was in a strong position in terms of weapons and power and finally had the upper hand in the Cold War
—> needed to look tough
33
How did the U2 crisis impact relations at the time?
U2 CRISIS ACTUAL EVENT:
Increased tensions
Nearly led to a hot war
—> one side actively shooting
PARIS PEACE SUMMIT:
There to decrease tensions but relations were worsened
34
How did the U2 crisis impact relations in the longer term?
IMPACT ON OTHER EVENTS:
Led to the creation of the Berlin Wall
35
Why were Khrushchev and the USSR worried about Berlin?
There was a clear divide between East and West Berlin
West Berlin was full of luxuries while in East Berlin life was basic and tightly controlled
People were free to move between East and West Berlin
Many people were leaving communist controlled Eastern Europe through East Berlin
‘Brain Drain’ - many people leaving were highly skilled workers
36
Who was America’s new president?
John F Kennedy
37
When did Kennedy run for president?
1960 and won
38
When was Kennedy killed?
November 1963 (Dallas, Texas)
39
What effect would a new president have on the superpower relationship?
Chance for a fresh start
Kennedy needs to make a good impression
Kennedy is younger so Khrushchev will think he is better but also feel intimidated by him
Some tension as they are pushing each other to see who is better
40
When was the Vienna Summit?
3rd-4th June 1961
41
What happened at the Vienna Summit?
They tried to repair the damage done by the U2 crisis and the Paris Peace Summit
Mainly discussed Berlin
—> Kennedy was committed to keeping West Berlin capitalist
—> Khrushchev used the opportunity to overpower Kennedy in discussions
Little was achieved
42
What happened overnight on 13th August 1961?
East German troops lined to border between East and West Berlin
—> East Berliner were prevented from leaving their side of the city
Barbed wire fences were put up
43
What was not allowed to cross the border?
Trains
44
Where were the fences put?
On East German land
45
Over the following weeks what were the barbed wire fences replaced with?
A concrete wall
46
The East German government carried out the building work but what else were there?
Soviet tanks and military were not far away in case tensions bubbled over
47
Impact of Berlin Wall on Berlin
Split families
—> became illegal to cross the border to visit relatives
Frightened East Berliners
People tried to defect to the West (through tunnels)
People couldn’t switch jobs easily
48
How long did the Berlin Wall keep the city divided for?
30 years
49
Why was it not easy for people to switch jobs? (Berlin Wall)
Had to do lots of paperwork
50
What did the Soviets do if people tried to escape? (Berlin Wall)
They were killed
—> didn’t stop East Berliners from going to the West
51
What impact does the Berlin Wall have on Cold War relations?
Clear divide between the two superpowers
Kennedy was angry with the Soviets
—> but no action was taken
—> couldn’t protest because the wall was in East Berlin
52
Why was there a risk of war in the crisis?
If the West tried to break down the wall it would be seen as an act of aggression (invasion, war)
53
Which side had the upper hand in the crisis?
The USSR because the USA couldn’t do anything about it and East Berlin was not worth a war
54
Which side decided to avoid an action that could provoke armed conflict?
The USA
They only sent an official complaint to Moscow
55
Berlin Wall impact on relations at the time?
IMPACT ON BERLIN:
Made East Berliners feel restricted
Spike in tension
KENNEDY’S RESPONSE TO THE WALL:
Sent an official complaint to Moscow but nothing more
56
Berlin Wall impact on relations in the longer term
LENGTH OF TIME:
Reduced tension
Weren’t any uprisings
IMPACT ON OTHER EVENTS:
Stand of at checkpoint Charlie (October 1961)
57
Who was the leader of Cuba from 1959-2008?
Fidel Castro
58
What did Fidel Castro organise Cuba along?
Communist ideas
59
What did Fidel’s government do to political enemies?
Tortured and executed political enemies
60
What did Fidel’s government introduce?
Welfare reforms
—> and life got better for many in Cuba
61
What did Cuba do with the USSR during the Cold War?
Cuba allied with the USSR (but later distanced themselves)
62
What did the USA make numerous attempts to do (with Fidel Castro)?
To remove him from power
—> but he remained until 2008 when he retired
63
64
Why were so many ordinary Cubans unhappy with Batista’s government?
Because of poverty, corruption, lack of freedom, and poor living conditions
—> political opposition was quickly silenced
65
66
Why was Batista’s reign tolerated by the USA?
Because it was making American businessmen and investors very rich as well as the USA
67
Why did the USA become concerned about events in Cuba?
Cuba having a Soviet ally just 50km away from their coast caused tension
The revolution happened without American interference which was going against the policy of containment
The Domino theory worried America that communism would already to nearby countries
American businesses were taken over by Cuba which harmed the U.S. economy
68
What year was the Bay of Pigs?
1961
69
What was the plan for the Bay of Pigs?
The CIA would train Cuban exiles in America
These exiles would launch an invasion of Cuba with the help of the US air force
70
What would the invasion of Cuba inspire other Cubans to do?
Revolt and overthrow the regime
71
What did the Bay of Pigs plan rely heavily on?
Secrecy and the assumed support of ordinary Cubans
72
What became clear shortly before the invasion of Cuba?
That most of Cuba supported Castro and would therefore not join the revolt
73
What was the invasion of Cuba suggested as?
Illegal
74
What did the US army think about the invasion of Cuba?
They doubted it would work
75
Why couldn’t the CIA abandon the plan of invading Cuba?
They had spent $5 million on training exiles
76
What did Kennedy agree (invasion of Cuba)?
That the invasion should be launched
77
What happened on 17th April 1961?
The Cuban exiles landed on the beach in the Bay of Pigs
78
What did Kennedy do at the last minute on the invasion of Cuba?
Changed his mind about involving the US Air Force
—> and the Cuban exiles were left completely exposed
79
How many ground troops were there in the invasion of Cuba?
1500
80
How many of the 1500 ground troops were killed in the “invasion of Cuba”?
Almost 200
81
How many of the 1500 ground troops were captured in the “invasion of Cuba”?
1197
82
What did the Cuban people not rise to do (invasion of Cuba)?
Did not rise to support the invaders
—> and Castro’s forces easily defeated them
83
What were the consequences of the Bay of Pigs for America?
Left them open to criticism because their involvement was illegal under international law
Led to humiliation, made Kennedy look weak and inexperienced
84
What were the consequences of the Bay of Pigs for Cuba?
Castro was able to claim a great victory against a much more powerful country
85
Why was Castro aware he was vulnerable (invasion of Cuba)?
Because he wasn’t sure if the US would make another attempt to over throw him
86
Following the Bay of Pigs, what did the USSR become more?
Supportive of Castro and felt the need to supply Cuba with weapons
87
What happened in May 1962?
The USSR publicly announced that it was supplying Cuba with weapons
88
What did Cuba have by September 1962?
Thousands of Soviet weapons and technicians
89
What were the USA prepared to allow on Cuba?
Ordinary weapons but they were very afraid that the USSR would put nuclear weapons on Cuba
90
What did Kennedy do on September 11th?
Warned the USSR that he would take any measures needed to ensure that Cuba did not become an offensive military base (i.e. nuclear base)
91
What did the USSR assure to the USA?
That it had no need or intention of putting nuclear weapons on Cuba
92
Why did Khrushchev decide to put nuclear missiles on Cuba?
Having a communist ally so close to the USA was an opportunity to seize and would also help his aim of increasing Soviet influence in South America
(Launch missiles from Cuba to the US)
93
What was Khrushchev putting nuclear missiles on Cuba a way of showing?
Showing Soviet power and of retaliating against the US missiles that were stationed in Turkey, close to the Soviet border
94
How did the USA find out about the missiles?
Through the U-2 plane that flew over Cuba to take pictures of Soviet missile sites being built
95
What happened on Sunday 14th October 1962?
An American spy plane flew over Cuba and took photos of Soviet missile sites being built (in Cuba)
96
Pros and cons of Kennedy doing nothing once the missiles had been discovered
PROS:
Keep peace
Avoids the chance of a nuclear war
Decrease tensions
CONS:
Makes the US look weak
97
Pros and cons of Kennedy having a surgical air attack on the missile sites once they had been discovered
PROS:
Remove the threat of missile sites
CONS:
Sign of aggression/attack on Cuba
98
Pros and cons of Kennedy invading Cuba once the missiles had been discovered
PROS:
Take back power
Remove threat of Cuba
CONS:
Might not work
Might retaliate
Act of aggression
99
Pros and cons of Kennedy putting diplomatic pressure on the USSR through the UN once the missiles had been discovered
PROS:
Avoids war
CONS:
?
100
Pros and cons of Kennedy putting a blockade in place around Cuba to stop ships arriving once the missiles had been discovered
PROS:
Not actually attacking anyone
CONS:
Might retaliate in some way
101
What did Kennedy decide to do when the missile sites had been discovered?
Puts a blockade in place around Cuba to stop ships arriving
102
What would happen to the ships that broke the quarantine (blockade around Cuba)?
Lead to military action
103
What is DEFCON 3?
Two levels below a nuclear war
104
How did the Americans respond the to blockade around Cuba?
Protestors took to the streets calling for Kennedy to show restraint and avoid war
105
What did Khrushchev think would happen (blockade around Cuba)?
That Kennedy would invade Cuba
106
What happened on the 23rd October 1962?
A fleet of Soviet ships approached Cuba, carrying more missiles
107
What happened on the 24th October 1962?
The UN secretary general called for compromise
Khrushchev ordered his ships to halt but not to turn back
(Tension was high, closest they became to a nuclear war)
108
What happens on Tuesday 16th October 1962?
Kennedy is informed of the missile build up and ex-Comm is formed to deal with this
109
What happens on Saturday 20th October 1962?
Kennedy decides to blockade Cuba
110
What happens on Monday 22nd October 1962?
Kennedy announces the blockade and calls for USSR to remove its missiles
111
What happens on Tuesday 23rd October 1962?
Kennedy receives a letter saying that Soviet ships will not follow the blockade
Khrushchev does not admit that there were nuclear missiles in Cuba
112
What happens on Wednesday 24th October 1962?
The blockade begins
…..
113
What happens on Thursday 25th October 1962?
114
What happens on Friday 26th October 1962?
115
What happens on Saturday 27th October 1962 (am)?
116
What happens on Saturday 27th October 1962 (pm)?
117
What happens on Sunday 28th October 1962?
118
Cuban Missile Crisis impact on USA
119
Cuban Missile Crisis impact on USSR
120
Cuban Missile Crisis impact on the Cold War
121
Cuban Missile Crisis impact on Cuba
Remained a communist country
Reliant on the Soviet Union for protection and financial aid
