The USA and International Relations 1945-75 Flashcards
Why did the Cold War become more dangerous after 1949?
Both nations had nuclear weapons
When was the Berlin Airlift and what was it?
1948-49 - post-war Germany and its capital Berlin had been divided between the Allies. When the Russians tried to take over the whole of Berlin by means of a blockade in 1948, an airlift was organised to fly in supplies.
What was NATO, why was it formed and when?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was formed after the Berlin crisis of 1948-49. This was an alliance of western European nations, including the USA, against Soviet aggression.
When was the Korean War and what happened?
1950-53: Korea had been divided between the communist North and capitalist South. When NK invaded the South, the UN sent a force, dominated by the US military, to defeat their action. The war escalated with the involvement of communist China, but peace was agreed before the USSR became directly involved.
When was the Cuban Missile Crisis and what happened?
In 1962, the USSR built nuclear sites on Cuba, its client state only 90 miles off the coast of the USA. Kennedy imposed a blockade and it seemed nuclear confrontation was likely: a settlement was reached at the last minute.
Why did the Cold War thaw happen?
Both sides feared the destructive power of their nuclear arsenals and realised no one could really win a nuclear war.
Who was the new USSR leader after Stalin died in 1953? What did he do?
The new USSR leader, Khrushchev, seemed more reasonable, and met both Kennedy and Eisenhower in a series of summits.
What were the three significant disagreements, even after Khrushchev became leader?
- The Space Race developed and the nuclear arsenals continued to grow
- Berlin became a flash-point with the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961
- The Cuban Missile Crisis threatened all-out nuclear war
What did Nixon realise about China in the late 1960s?
It had poor relations with the USSR and Nixon realised he could exploit this to reduce Cold War tensions.
How did Nixon improve America’s relations with China?
In 1971, the US initially lifted a trade embargo. This was followed by direct talks and a visit to Peking by Nixon.
Why did improved relations with China also result in improved relations with the USSR?
As relations with China improved, the USSR feared an alliance against them - so the USSR too sought to improve relations. The result was detente.
What two key agreements did the period of detente see?
- Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty (SALT) 1971
- Helsinki Agreements 1975
What did SALT do?
This was the first formal agreement to limit the number of nuclear weapons held by the USA and the USSR
What did the Helsinki Agreements do?
These agreements guaranteed basic civil rights and eliminated potential flash-points in Europe emerging from WW2 - notably agreements between West and East Germany
