Topic 2 Flashcards
What was the first Berlin crisis
Berlin blockade which led to the airlift in 1948
What / when was the second Berlin crisis
Berlin Wall in 1961
What 4 things Led to the building of the Berlin Wall
Refugee problem
Berlin Ultimatum
The Paris summit 1960
Vienna summit 1961
What was the refugee problem that led to the building of the Berlin Wall
1949- 61 , 4 million people left east Germany through West Berlin because they had a lack of political freedom ,lack of consumer goods, economic problems, living in fear ,collectivisation of agriculture.
but 1961, 20,000 a month we’re leaving east Berlin for West Berlin, including highly educated and skilled people
Khrushchev had to stop people leaving through West Berlin because it was an international embarrassment ( shown that capitalism is better than communism. )
Also it won’t be able to function as It won’t be sufficient workforce
How did the Berlin ultimatum lead to the building of the Berlin Wall
Khrushchev suggests to Eisenhower that the allies leave W. Berlin and it becomes a free city.
Eisenhower did not want to escalate the situation so he agreed to meet Khrushchev at a summit (a meeting of heads of states)
Why did the paris summit not happen (1960)
The summit never happened.
As 9 days before it was due to start SU announced that it had shot down an American U2 spy plan near the soviet city of svërdlovsk. They arrests the pilot. Khrushchev demanded that all such flights stop + that the USA given an apology for spying.
Eisenhower was prepared to stop the flights but would not apologise.
(Because admitting to spying would escalate things)
The Vienna summit 1961
Khrushchev met Kennedy discuss the Berlin ultimatum
Khrushchev thinks Kennedy is young, unexperienced and soft
K. Thought he would get his way but JFK had set out a strong stance against communism in his first speech as president (he reference the human doctrine)
JFK refused to leave Berlin and inc. US defences spending by $3.5 billion Khrushchev retaliated by announcing that the soviet budget would be increased by more than 30%
How did Khrushchev interpret the construction of the Berlin Wall
He felt he had beaten JFK
The flow of refugees stopped
How did the Berlin crisis (Berlin wall) end
Tensions eased
Khrushchev problem of People leaving had eased
What did the Berlin Wall become a symbol of
Division in the world
It was a constant reminder for Berliners that they country was still a tool of the superpowers
When did JFK visit west Germany
1963
How big was JFKs crowed when he vistsed Berlin
200,000
Lots of applause (applause from other side of wall who were listening as well)
Consequences of the Berlin Wall for the SU
Khrushchev had to abandon plans to unite Germany
The wall Showed that the SU had to lock people into E Germany - given a choice many would move to the west
-
The wall stopped refugees leaving west
Wall sent a message that communist would survive in Berlin + would not be forced out
Consequences of the Berlin Wall for the USA
X
The SU had closed the boarder without consulting USA
People no longer able to escape communism in east
JFK shown that he could not be bullied by Khrushchev + would stand up to him
W Berlin became a symbol of freedom, + defiance against communism
Consequences of the Berlin Wall for international relations
X
Europe + especially Germany were now even more divided. Churchills ‘iron curtain’ speech now seemed a reality
The Berlin Wall was a powerful symbol of this divide + would not be taken down for another 30 years
Now Berlin (+ germany) were permanently divided tensions began to decrease. As JFK said. ‘A wall is better than a war’
Although it initaly inc tensions in the long run the Berlin crisis may have lessened them
What happened on 13th of august 1961
Khrushchev closed the boarder between east and West Berlin
The streets between east and west torn up by east Germany troops to pit a 43km barbed wire
What did USA and allies do about the new barrier erected in east Berlin
Nothing
What was added to the barbed wire between east and West Berlin
Wall
Chain fences
Mine feilds
Would shoot anyone who tried to cross
How big was the permanent wall
3.6m high
1.2m wide
Why was the Berlin Wall almost impossible to cross
Patrolling soldiers
Dogs
Floodlights
Trip wire machine guns
What did construction of the Berlin Wall lead to
USA disputed rights of SU troops to patrol + guard checkpoint + checking passports of American officials
How did America respond to the Berlin Wall
Stationed own tanks + troops on west side of checkpoints (Soviets placed troops on east side)
Meant a possibility of armed conflict
How did Kennedy try to avoid armed conflict during the tank stand of when the Berlin Wall was built
Promised Khrushchev that if SU removed troops so would us
Impact of the Berlin Wall on Germans
After Berlin Wall - escape was difficult some tried tunnelling, swimming in Berlin’s canal, jumping out of windows near wall , climb wall
Many lost their lives
Building wall meant peace was maintained but at a high price. Families were split
Germans felt let down as SU has broken 1949 agreement. JFK still has not gone to war
What was the importance of Cuba do USA
- Cuba is in close proximity to USA
- USA has invested a-lot in Cuban industries of USA Benefit. If they loose control of Cuba lots of investments gone
What happened in 1959 in Cuba
Cuban revolution
Socialist Castro overthrew Bastia
He wanted an end to American ownership to benefit the Cuban people
Us gov. Did not agree - Castro did it anyway
What were Soviets relationships with Cuba like
Khrushchev saw an opportunity to befriend Cuba + offered to buy Cuban sugar + provide economic aid
USA reduced amount of sugar they brought which led to USA eventually refusing to trade with cuba (from 1960)
Jan 1961 - USA ended diplomatic relationships with cuba
When was the bay of pigs invasion
1961
What was the bay of pigs invasion
USA didn’t want su ally so close to them
USA planned to remove Castro, through Cuban exiles leading a national uprising in Cuba
CIA trained, equipped, 1500 Cuban exiles (known as la brigade 2506)
April 1961 - landed at bay of pigs
Why did the bay of pigs invasion fail
Us airforce meant to bomb Cuban airforce before invasion but only one wave of air strikes carried out
(Afraid to get to involved + wanted invasion to look like a Cuban uprising against Castro)
They were outnumbered 1500 to 20,000 Cuban soldiers
1100 were killed and imprisoned
Castro had info that the invasion was planned
It lasted 2 days
What was the us feeling after the bay of pigs invasion
Humiliated
Failure was embarrassing to JFK + made him want to remove Castro more
Castro showed photos of prisoners + destroyed us military equipment to prove us involvement in Cuban victory
As Cuban people didn’t rise against Castro - Khrushchev pointed out this was evidence of communist popularity
Why was Castro strengthened because of bay of pigs invasion
Castro was loosing support before invasion becuase of economic difficulties in Cuba
Threat from USA now united Cuban people behind Castro
Why did Cuba and Soviet Union get closer after bay of pigs
Castro moved closer to su as he felt threatened + in need of strong allies
He declared his conversion to communism
Khrushchev also saw opportunities to build up arms in Cuba to strengthen defences assist another possible us invasion
He announced publicly that arms would be sent to Cuba
The military build up on Cuba 1962
Military supplies sent to Cuba throufh 1962
Su technicians installed ballistic missiles
Oct - u2 spy plane took a picture of intermediate range missiles bases being constructed
IRBMs would be in range of almost all major us cities
Events of the Cuban missile crisis
16th Oct - Kennedy was shown photographs taken by U2 spy plane of intermediate range missile bases being built on Cuba, whose estimate to the bases will be ready to use within two weeks. He set up an executive committee of 12 advisor to decide what to do
22nd - It was declared that 3300 km naval blockade we put in place around Cuba to stop soviet ships delivering missiles to Cuba. Any ship found to be carrying offensive military equipment would not be permitted past the blockade.it will be forced to return to the Soviet union, Kennedy announce this plan to the American people in a live broadcast. A fleet of submarines 54 air force bombers each carrying 4 nuclear warheads + hundreds of thousands of soldiers were also placed on combat alert
24th - 18. Soviet ships approach in Cuba turned around avoiding US blockade JFK demanded removal of all missiles failure will lead to an invasion of Cuba.
26th - Khrushchev sent JFK letter offering to remove missiles if blockade was removed and promise not to invade Cuba
27th - Khrushchev sent a tougher letter he promised, remove missiles of USA remove misslies form turkey
U2 spy plane shot down over Cuba, by saving missiles increase the crisis
28th - JFK decided to ignore the second letter except the first, if there was no positive SU response by the 29th US forces would invade. Khrushchev accepted the offer. USA agreed to move missiles from Turkey, but would take place will have to remove the missiles in Cuba.
Consequences of the Cuban missiles crisis
Leadership
-Khrushchev was humiliated
-Kennedy a hero
Reduced threat of nuclear war
-Test ban treaty
-Outer space treaty
-Nuclear non- proliferation treaty
How was leadership -Khrushchev humiliated- a consequence of Cuban missiles crisis
Khrushchev was humiliated
He claimed that he had been the victor - as he guaranteed the security of Cuba
Not the feeling in Moscow - military felt they had been forced into a humiliating withdrawal
The unpopularity was a significant factor in Khrushchevs dismissal in 1964
How was leadership -Kennedy being a hero - a consequence of the Cuban missile crisis
Show himself to be a strong leader, stood up to Khrushchev, confronting hawks in own gov.
Popularity inc. in us particularly as agreement over turkey had not been made public
Inc. pop. Gave him confidence in his dealings with SU
How was reduced threat of nuclear war - hotline - a consequence on a Cuban missiles crisis
In June 1963 direct communication line set up between Washington + Moscow - known as hotline
How was reduced threat of nuclear war - test ban treaty - a consequence on a Cuban missiles crisis
Aug 1963 - test ban treaty signed by us, su + gb
The 3 states agreed to prohibit testing of nuclear weapons in outer space, underwater or in atmosphere
- important step towards control of nuclear weapons
How was reduced threat of nuclear war - outer space treaty - a consequence on a Cuban missiles crisis
1967 - outer space treaty- signed
USA + su began space race competing to explore earths orbit + moon
Possibility of launching nuclear arrack from space looked realistic
In treaty USA and su agreed not to use space for military purposes. Treaty specifically ruled out putting nuclear weapons into orbit
How was reduced threat of nuclear war - nuclear non-proliferation treaty- a consequence on a Cuban missiles crisis
1968 - treaty signed to stop spread of nuclear weapons. Countries signed up to treaty agreed not to share they nuclear technology with other countries
Who replaced Brezhnev as the leader of the SU and when
1964
Khrushchev
Why was Brezhnev worried about agreeing to the reforms of Czech (loss of control )
He was worried that reforms would lead to more reforms
By June 1968 social democrativ were demanding more radical reforms
A journalist published an article called “two thousand words” - the article calls on Czech people to demand more radical reforms
Of other states see this happening and SU don’t respond they might do the same thing
Why was Brezhnev worried about responding to Prague springs (Warsaw pact)
Worried if the SU don’t respond chzech will leave Warsaw pact
Romania had refused to attend meetings of Warsaw pact so an increase worries that Czech will leave
Czech was one of the most powerful countries in the Warsaw pact
What was dubcek reforms for Czech
- greater political freedom (free search, abolishment of press censorship)
- 10 yr program for democratic elections , multi party state , give people greater say
- reduce power of secrate police
- removal of travel restrictions + contact with west eg. Trade
- creation of work councils to once working conditions and rights
Why did tensions increase over Czech - 40s to 50s communists take over
February 1948, the Communist took over + Czechoslovakia Became a one-party state led by Gottwald. Life is harsh under communist rule as economy was run for benefit of the SU with factories. So few consumer goods are available in Czechoslovakia. The secret police were heavily used and purges were led against supporters of democracy, catholic and Jewish people, and anyone linked to the west there was no freedom of speech and heavy censorship.
Why did tensions increase over Czech- 1960s growing discontent
Economy was struggling, and Novotny was an unpopular ruler of Czechoslovakia. He was a hard-line Communist loyal to Moscow, had been slow to bring in any reforms in response to deStalonazation for example, releasing political prisoners, there was also protest at the lack of reform and poor living standards.
Why did tensions increase over Czech - 1968 Prague spring reforms
Dubcek Introduce more political freedom, he wanted socialism with a human face. He introduced reforms to improve life in Czechoslovakia, and wanted Communist to remain.
Why did tensions increase over Czech - summer 1968 meeting following the Prague spring
Brezhnev set up meeting of all Warsaw Pact countries to conform alliance to Warsaw pact. Separate meeting with dubcek for reassurance and confirms commitment.
Dubeck met with Tito given great response seems dubcek wants independence
Brezhnev shout over phone at dubeck for his actions
Why did tensions increase over Czech- august 1968 soviet invasion
SU and Warsaw pact troops invaded Czech
Czech threw petrol bombs at tanks, took down street names to confused
Sat on tanks / arguing with soldiers
Why did tensions increase over Czech - sept 1968 - Brezhnev doctrine
Brezhnevs justification of invasion
- states any Easter country threatening security of east could be invaded
- all SU countries had to be in Warsaw pact + a one party state
Consequences of the Prague spring
Brezhnev meetimg with Warsaw pact counties
Bratislava declaration
Meeting between Tito and dubcek
Brezhnev hears of Tito meetimg and looses it
Soviet troops invade
Czech resistance
Dubcek amd his gov removed
The Brezhnev doctrine
Consequences of the Prague springs - Brezhnev meating with Warsaw pact countries
At the meeting the country expresses concern about events in Prague (Czech ), so Brezhnev met with the dubcek. Dubcek reassured Brezhnev He had no intention of leaving the Warsaw Pact so tensions eased.
Consequences of the Prague springs - Bratislava declaration
Warsaw Pact countries signed Bratislava, a declaration, reconfirming their commitment to communism
Consequences of the Prague springs - meeting between dubcek and Tito
The lead of Yugoslavia Tito, he was distrusted by the SU was given an enthusiastic reception during a visit to Czech.
it seemed dubcek was moving towards independence from SU.
Yugoslavia had refused to follow orders from Moscow, excepted aid from the west. They had been expelled from Cominform.
Consequences of the Prague springs - Brezhnev hears of the Tito meeting and loosed it
Brezhnev shouted at dubevk over the phone saying his action would bring down the Warsaw Pact after three-day meeting
Consequences of the Prague springs - soviet troops invaded
20th of August thousands of SU troops invaded backed by other European units, e.g. Bulgaria, East, Germany, Hungary and Poland
Consequences of the Prague springs - Czech resistance
Czech through petrol bombs at the SU tanks as they moved through Prague
Students tore down the street names to confuse the invaders
some climb on tanks and try to argue with the SU soldiers. There was no resistance from the Czechoslovakia army.
Consequences of the Prague springs - Dubcek and his gov removed
Dubcek And other leaders were arrested and taken to Moscow, and were forced to accept the end of Czechoslovakia moving towards democracy hard-line Czechoslovakian officials replace the reforming Czechoslovakian leaders
Consequences of the Prague springs - the Brezhnev doctrine
Brezhnev excuse for invasion. It states any country in Eastern Europe whose actions appear to threaten the securityof The whole eastern bloc could be invaded. All Eastern bloc countries had to be a one-party communist state and stay in the Warsaw Pact.
Consequences of soviet invasion on Czech
Even though there was still demonstrations against the SU, for example of students set him self on fire to protest against the SU invasion,
the Czechoslovakian Communist Party was purged and dubcek was forced to resign. This replacement Gustav husah to serve Czech to strict Communist control
Dubcek sent to turkey and forced to resign
Consequences of soviet invasion on Western Europe
The Soviet union lost influence over Western Europe.
They condemned the invasion, but provided no military help alike the US
western European Communist parties in Italy and France were outraged by the SU invasion and declared themselves independent of SU. These western European countries develop their own form of European Communist, which was called Euro communism.
Consequences of soviet invasion on soviet and USA relations
The relations were only temporarily worsened.
US offered no military support to Czechoslovakia as the SU and USA made unspoken deal to not intervene with each other’s affairs. USA also were preoccupied with Vietnam and presidential election, however, slightly worsened as Britain and USA protested, and publicly condemned the invasion.
Consequences of soviet invasion on communist countries
Soviet control of Easter Europe suffered
Rivalry SU, China increased as China criticised use of force against a fellow communist nation other communist countries moved away from Moscow
Romania Refused to send troops to join forces invading Check Slovakia and distance from the SU
A
Albania did the same and left Warsaw pack in 1968
Yugoslavian, Romanian, government condemned invasion and distance from the SU
After 1968 the formed alliances with China - there was no SU reaction as they were busy with Czech
