1

Question 1

Briefly explain the key features of Cominform (1947) and

Comecon (1949).

Answer 1

Set up and controlled by the USSR, this was to bring the
communist parties of eastern Europe together and co–ordinate
their activities. Cominform was anti–British and especially anti–
American.

Question 2

Explain why there was an uprising in Hungary in 1956.

Answer 2

Explains why causes led to the uprising
The student supports the statement with relevant contextual
knowledge to show how the event led to the stated outcome.
e.g. Hatred of Soviet control and the Hungarian leader, Rakosi
eventually led to demonstrations in October 1956. The
Hungarians disliked the communist agricultural policies and the
withdrawal of basic human freedoms. Moreover, Hungarians
disliked having to pay for Soviet troops being stationed in
Hungary and the biggest insult of all– the use of the Russian
language in their own country.
Explains how factors are interlinked or prioritises factors.

LINKING
As Level 2 plus
… Soviet control, attempts to relax control with de–
Stalinisation, Nagy’s attempts to break free and then
Khrushchev’s handling of the crisis show why there was chaos in
Hungary. Without the imposition of tough Soviet control, it is
clear to see why there was an uprising.

Question 3

Briefly explain the key features of the Bay of Pigs invasion, 1961

Answer 3

e.g. About 1,500 Cuban exiles based in Florida had some backing
from the USA in their attempt to invade and overthrow Castro.
They received money and training from the CIA, however, at the
last moment the US government withdrew military support.

Question 4

Briefly explain the key features of the Soviet invasion of

Czechoslovakia, 1968.

Answer 4

Soviet Union had objected to the changes introduced by
Dubcek and saw them as a threat to communism and the Warsaw
Pact. There was no military resistance from the Czech people but
there was universal hostility from them.

Question 5

Explain why Berlin was a Cold War flashpoint in the years 1957–
63.

Answer 5

Explains why causes led to crises
The student supports the statement with relevant contextual
knowledge to show how the event led to the stated outcome.
e.g. West Berlin came to be a symbol of the success of capitalism
and contrasted against the dour nature of communism. Many fled
to West Berlin from the east in order to secure a better life and
the brain drain began. Thousands began to leave the east.
• 4–5 marks for one developed argument.
• 6–7 marks for two developed arguments.
• 8–9 marks for three developed arguments or more.
3 10–12 Explains how factors are interlinked or prioritises factors
As Level 2 plus
… Berlin was the symbol of the Cold War and neither side
wanted to be defeated here. The USA was unwilling to go to war
over Berlin but was unwilling to leave it. Crises seemed to be
every two years or so, the flood of refugees led to the building
of the Wall and then Kennedy made his famous speech. For both
countries, it was easier to fight the Cold War in Berlin than have
a hot war

Question 6

Briefly explain the key features of the Intermediate Nuclear
Forces Treaty (INF), 1987.

Answer 6

Reagan and Gorbachev agreed to eliminate nuclear and
conventional ground–launched ballistic and cruise missiles with
specific ranges. Within four years the two sides were to destroy
hundreds of these missiles and there were stringent procedures
whereby inspectors checked the treaty was being followed. The
treaty was a great breakthrough.

Question 7

Briefly explain the key features of the collapse of the Warsaw
Pact in 1991.

Answer 7

The summit between Gorbachev and Bush in 1990 covered
START talks and within one year agreements had been made. The
USA and USSR agreed to reduce their nuclear weapons and thus
the threat of war receded. There seemed no need for east–west
alliances. As the Soviet Union disintegrated and the countries of
eastern Europe became independent, there was no need for the
Warsaw Pact.

Question 8

Explain why relations between the USA and the Soviet Union

changed in the years 1981–85.

Answer 8

e.g. Reagan was keen to make the USA the most powerful
country in the world and he challenged the USSR. He put forward
the idea of the SDI and called the USSR the ‘evil empire’. He
wanted to stop the spread of communism and was prepared to
increase US defence spending.
LINKING

As Level 2 plus
… Relations changed not only because of Reagan but because of
the lack of continuity in the Soviet leadership. Relations changed
for the better on 1985, when Gorbachev took over in the Soviet
Union because he realised that the Soviet Union needed to
change.

Question 9

Briefly explain the key features of the events of the Hungarian
Uprising (1956).

Answer 9

e.g. After the ‘secret speech’, there were riots in Hungary
against Soviet control and as a result, Khrushchev agreed to the
appointment of Nagy, a more liberal leader. Nagy wanted to
leave the Warsaw Pact and move towards a democracy.
Khrushchev did not want any changes so he ordered in tanks and
there followed several weeks of fighting. Nagy was arrested and
executed.

Question 10

Explain why relations between the USA and USSR worsened in the
years 1949–55.

Answer 10

e.g. As the Berlin Blockade developed, it became clear that the
two former allies had become enemies. Each Superpower tried to
develop its own area of Europe and the Soviet Union formed
Comecon in retaliation to the Marshall Plan. This then continued
when they formed West and East Germany from their zones of
occupation.
LINKING
As Level 2 plus
The differences between the Superpowers grew and after the
failure of the Blockade, Stalin wanted greater control and so he
spread his economic influence, just like the USA. It was perhaps
the formation of the two military alliances which created the
greatest tension - NATO in 1949 and the Warsaw Pact in 1955.

Question 11

Briefly explain the key features of the events of the crisis about
Berlin in 1961.

Answer 11

e.g. Khrushchev was aware that East Berliners were leaving the
city at an alarming rate and he had to stop them. The only way
to stop the brain drain and the threat to East Germany’s
economy was to build a barrier and in August 1961, the Wall was
constructed.

Question 12

Briefly explain the key features of the events of the Cuban

Missiles Crisis in October 1962

Answer 12

e.g. Once the USA knew there were missile bases, Kennedy
decided to place a naval quarantine around Cuba. Any military
vessel or ship carrying materials for the bases would not be
permitted to pass. Any attempt to pass would be met with force.
The USSR turned several ships away and after an exchange of
letters, Khrushchev pulled out the bases. The USA also pulled out
its missile bases from Italy and Turkey.

Question 13

Explain why Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces invaded

Czechoslovakia in 1968.

Answer 13

e.g. The Soviet Union was concerned that the basic ideas of the
Prague Spring might spread to other members of the Warsaw
Pact and lead to a weakening of the Soviet Union’s control. In
addition, Ulbricht, the leader of East Germany and Gomulka,
leader of Poland, were frightened that such democratic ideas
would cause uprisings in their own countries.
LINKING
As Level 2 plus
The spread of democracy in a Warsaw Pact country and the idea
that democracy might be demanded by other Soviet satellite
states pushed the Soviet Union to send forces into
Czechoslovakia. However, the fear that Czechoslovakia might
leave the Warsaw Pact and join NATO was perhaps the main
reason behind military intervention.

Question 14

Briefly explain the key features of the summit conferences

between the Superpowers in the years 1985–88.

Answer 14

e.g. The summit conferences proved to be the breakthrough in
Superpower relations. The first meeting in Iceland achieved little
because Reagan still wanted to keep SDI. However, at the third
meeting in 1987, the INF Treaty was signed and this signalled a
clear improvement. The summit conference in Moscow in 1988
showed the world that the USA and the USSR were now on very
friendly relations.

Question 15

Briefly explain the key features of the collapse of the Soviet
Union in the years 1989–91.

Answer 15

e.g. Economic problems led to Gorbachev relaxing the Soviet
Union’s grip on the satellite states and in 1989 the iron curtain
came down. Allowing freedom in eastern Europe had tremendous
effects on the Soviet Union and in 1990, Estonia, Latvia and
Lithuania declared themselves independent. There were other
demands for independence by national groups and this pressure
led to the end of the Soviet Union.

Question 16

Explain why relations between the USA and Soviet Union changed
in the years 1979–83.

Answer 16

e.g. President Reagan hated communism and called the Soviet
Union and its satellites the ‘evil empire’. He wanted to stop the
spread of communism and announced that he would increase
defence spending in order to challenge the Soviet Union. He took
the arms race further than ever when he announced the
development of SDI. His aggressive policy clearly worsened
relations with the Soviet Union.
LINKING
As Level 2 plus
The invasion of Afghanistan was crucial in the change in relations
because it ended détente. However, the policies of Reagan were
perhaps the most important reason behind the changes. His
decision to increase defence spending and his open hostility in
speeches made it clear that unless the Soviet Union softened its
policies then the USA would not avoid conflict.

Question 17

Briefly explain the key features of the Warsaw Pact, 1955.

Answer 17

e.g. …The Pact was created by the USSR and formed in
response to West Germany joining NATO. It was called the
Eastern European Mutual Assistance Treaty and each
country agreed that an attack on one was an attack on all.
Military exercises were held in each country on a rotating
basis and the overall head of forces was a Soviet
commander.

Question 18

Explain why relations between the USA and USSR

worsened in the years 1947–49.

Answer 18

e.g. …1947 seemed to be a year when the wartime
alliance broke down. Following Britain’s inability to
continue offering support to the monarchists in Greece
against the communists, the USA stepped in with aid. It
offered $400million of military and economic aid to
support the government. From this emerged the Truman
Doctrine whereby the USA promised to defend any
country being threatened by ‘armed minorities or outside
pressure’. He meant communists and Stalin saw this as
a threat and thus began the open worsening of relations.
LINKING
e.g. … Relations between the Superpowers had already
been deteriorating before 1947, but as soon as the
Truman Doctrine was issued it seemed they could not be
improved. The Marshall Plan further threatened the
Soviet Union and then the response of Moscow with
Cominform and Comecon and the Berlin Blockade all
served to worsen an already bad situation. Though the
reasons are linked, the Truman Doctrine would appear to
be the root cause.

Question 19

Describe one international reaction to the Soviet invasion

of Czechoslovakia in 1968.

Answer 19

e.g. Yugoslavia and Romania condemned the invasion and
split
the communist world by making an alliance with
Communist
China.

Question 20

Briefly explain the key features of the opposition to Soviet

control in Czechoslovakia in the spring of 1968.

Answer 20

e.g. …The Soviet Union had forced Czech industry to
produce materials for the Soviet economy. The Czechs had
experienced falling living standards and began to demand reforms and this meant attacking the leadership of
Novotny who followed whatever Moscow said. Novotny’s
position was challenged and he was replaced by a more
liberal leader, Dubcek.

Question 21

Briefly explain the key features of the refugee problem in

Berlin in the years 1957–61.

Answer 21

e.g. …There had been no physical border in Berlin after
1945 and it was easy for people to move between the
zones of occupation. As the Soviet Union imposed its rule
on its zones, many Germans began to seek refuge in the
West. Numbers increased in the late 1950s so that by
early 1961 more than 20,000 people were leaving the East
via Berlin. Many were skilled workers.

Question 22

Explain why there was a crisis over Cuba in 1962.

Answer 22

e.g. …Following the Bay of Pigs invasion, Cuba grew
much closer to the USSR and by the end of 1961 there
were Soviet military advisers on the island. During Spring
and Summer 1962, Khrushchev sent more advisers,
military supplies and then technicians who began to
construct ballistic missile bases. When a U2 spy plane
from the USA photographed the bases the crisis began.
LINKING

As Level 2 plus
e.g. …The long term cause is the arrival to power of
Castro and his actions led to the trade embargo with the
USA. This led to the USSR becoming involved and
escalating its influence. However, the crisis was brought
about by the construction of the missiles bases and
Kennedy’s decision to make a stand.

Question 23

Briefly explain the key features of détente in the years

1972–75

Answer 23

e.g. …Helsinki was a high point when Agreement were
reached about human rights, security and co-operation.35
countries signed agreements which recognised the frontiers of Europe and the Soviet Union accepted the
existence of West Germany. This seemed to relax relations
and was a key feature of détente.

Question 24

Briefly explain the key features of the loosening Soviet

grip on eastern Europe in 1989.

Answer 24

e.g. …Gorbachev had made it clear in 1988 that he would
not interfere in the politics of Warsaw Pact members. This
was the Sinatra Doctrine. Demonstrations were growing in
East Germany and East Berlin and people demanded
greater freedom. Free elections were demanded and the
East German government allowed free movement through
Berlin. This led to the Wall being knocked down.

Question 25

Explain why relations between the USA and Soviet Union | changed in the years 1983–87.

Answer 25

e.g. …The arrival of Gorbachev as leader of the USSR really changed relations. He realised that the USSR could not keep up the arms race with the USA and he also knew that he had to sort out the Soviet economy. He was prepared to meet Reagan and make deals. His approach led to summits which, after a frosty start led to real improvements and culminated in the INF Treaty in 1987. LINKING e.g. …Both Reagan and Gorbachev are crucial in the changing relations. Reagan’s hardline attitude and announcement of SDI really concerned the USSR. When Gorbachev became leader he faced up to the problems facing his country and was prepared to make changes. Yet so was Reagan. In this instance it is like the chicken and the egg – what is clear is that by 1989, the two Superpowers announced that the Cold War was over

Question 26

Describe one reason why the Marshall Plan was drawn up in 1947.

Answer 26

e.g. Many countries in Europe were in no position to rebuild their economies because of the war and the US stepped in to help.

Question 27

Briefly explain the key features of the Teheran Conference, 1943.

Answer 27

e.g. The Allies agreed that the Soviet Union should have a sphere of influence in Eastern Europe at the end of the war. This would give the Soviet Union some security and prevent threats from its neighbours.

Question 28

Briefly explain the key features of Soviet rule over Hungary in the years 1945–55

Answer 28

e.g. The Soviet Union established an oppressive regime and set up a communist government, banning all other parties. Control was established by means of a strict police, army and Soviet officials in the government.

Question 29

Explain why relations between the USA and USSR changed in the years 1948–53.

Answer 29

e.g. Relations clearly changed when the Soviet Union developed its atom bomb 1949. Now the USA no longer had a lead in the arms field and by 1953, each had developed hydrogen bombs. Both countries were frightened of each other and the race to build more and more powerful weapons had begun, thus worsening relations. LINKING As Level 2 plus The Berlin Blockade and the resulting formation of West and East Germany showed that relations were deteriorating. In addition, the creation of NATO showed that the West feared a future war and the treaty then increased Stalin’s fears. However, the development of nuclear weapons is perhaps the most important reason why relations changed so much.

Question 30

Briefly explain the impact of the building of the Berlin Wall in the years 1961–63.

Answer 30

e.g. Before the wall was built, thousands of refugees were leaving the East to move to the West. The Wall stopped this and reduced those escaping to a tiny trickle. The Wall had stopped the ‘brain drain’.

Question 31

Briefly explain the key features of the Prague Spring reforms, 1968

Answer 31

e.g. Dubcek wanted to allow greater freedom and democracy in Czechoslovakia and so political opposition to the Communist Party was to be allowed. In addition, writers and students were able to offer criticisms of the communist system.

Question 32

Explain why relations between Cuba and the USA worsened in the years 1959–61.

Answer 32

e.g. When Castro came to power he wanted to remove US influence and so he nationalised all US businesses. In retaliation the USA decided not to purchase Cuban sugar or give any further technological assistance. These actions clearly worsened relations between the two countries. LINKING Castro and his anti-American policies led to the USA reacting with its own economic sanctions, thus worsening relations. The deteriorating situation was worsened when the US decided to back the exiles at the Bay of Pigs and it was this that was the most important reason why relations worsened. After, the Bay of Pigs lines between the two countries had been drawn.

Question 33

Describe one decision made about nuclear weapons in the | Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT), 1972.

Answer 33

e.g. The USA and the Soviet Union (expect superpowers) agreed that submarines carrying nuclear weapons would only be introduced when existing stocks of ICBMs became obsolete.

Question 34

Briefly explain the key features of the changing attitudes of Reagan and Gorbachev at the summit conferences of 1985–87.

Answer 34

e.g. Both leaders got on well but neither was willing to give way initially. Agreement was eventually reached at Washington in 1987 because both leaders wanted to cut down defence spending and each man trusted the other to keep his word. Gorbachev changed also because he realised that the Soviet Union was in a financial mess.

Question 35

Briefly explain the key features of the fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989.

Answer 35

e.g. In October 1989, Gorbachev visited East Germany and openly said that he would not interfere with any political developments there. There were demonstrations in East Germany for changes to the government just as in Hungary and Poland. The East German government decided to allow some freedom of travel and allowed large numbers of people through the Wall.

Question 36

Explain why détente collapsed in the years 1979–84.

Answer 36

e.g. Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the USA refused to ratify the SALT II agreements which had been signed in 1979. The idea of détente from SALT I and also Helsinki now seemed to be over. Promises at Helsinki had been broken and the USA feared that the Soviet Union would move on the Middle East oilfields. Friendliness was now replaced by open hostility. LINKING As Level 2 plus The invasion of Afghanistan was the key factor. It destroyed the SALT talks and then pushed the USA into making new policies such as the Carter Doctrine and also helping the mujahideen. Moreover, it led to Reagan being very aggressive towards the Soviet Union and led to the Second Cold War.

Question 37

Briefly explain the key features of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Answer 37

e.g. This was set up in 1949 after the Berlin Blockade when relations between the West and the East deteriorated. The USA, Britain, France and nine other countries formed NATO. They agreed that if any of them came under attack, all members of NATO would come to their defence.

Question 38

Briefly explain the role of Nagy in the Hungarian Uprising, 1956

Answer 38

e.g. After there had been riots about Soviet rule in Hungary, the Soviet Union agreed to Nagy becoming the leader of the country. He proposed reforms such as - Hungary leaving the Warsaw Pact and allowing free elections. These proposals were not liked by the Soviet Union.

Question 39

Explain why there was growing involvement of the USA in | Europe in the years 1945-48.

Answer 39

e.g. The Soviet Union broke its promises about free elections in the territories that it had liberated at the end of the war. Gradually, communist governments were imposed on e.g. Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. After events in Czechoslovakia, where leaders were killed, the USA began to see that it could not pull out of Europe and had to stop the spread of communism. LINKING As Level 2 plus Imposing communists governments was perhaps the most important reason why the USA increased its involvement. It was also clear that there was great political and economic chaos in Europe and if stability was restored then the USA felt that communism would not spread further, thus the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan emerged. In addition, the USA could not overlook such a challenge as the Berlin Blockade.

Question 40

Briefly explain the key features of Khrushchev’s challenge to the USA over Berlin in the years 1957-60.

Answer 40

e.g. By 1957, Khrushchev was unhappy about the number of refugees leaving East Germany by means of West Berlin. In 1958, he declared that the whole of Berlin belonged to East Germany and he gave the USA six months to leave West Berlin.

Question 41

Explain why relations between the USA and Soviet Union | changed in the years 1961-63.

Answer 41

e.g. Relations had not been good in 1961 following the construction of the Berlin Wall, but they deteriorated further when the Soviet Union placed missiles on Cuba. This led to a crisis which brought relations between the Superpowers to their lowest point since 1945. The crisis brought the two countries to the edge of war LINKING As Level 2 plus Initially relations changed because the Soviet Union was successful in challenging the USA. Winning challenges, such as the summits and building the Berlin Wall gave Khrushchev confidence and Soviet actions increased tension and worsened relations. But also important is the role of Kennedy who grew stronger during the challenges and resisted Soviet threats.

Question 42

Briefly explain the key features of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) between the USA and the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

Answer 42

e.g. President Nixon wanted to improve relations with the Soviet Union and talks led to an agreement in 1972. SALT was an Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and ABM systems at only two sites with 100 missiles each.

Question 43

Briefly explain the key features of relations between the USA and the Soviet Union in the years 1979-84.

Answer 43

e.g. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan ended détente and started a second Cold War. The USA under Reagan then began to increase its defence spending and relations worsened yet again because the Soviet Union saw this spending as a threat to peace.

Question 44

Explain why the Soviet Union loosened its grip on Eastern | Europe in the years 1985-90.

Answer 44

The Soviet economy was under great strain in the 1980s and Gorbachev knew reforms had to be made. The Soviet Union could no longer afford to help the economies of eastern Europe and could not afford to keep Soviet troops there. This is where the grip began to loosen. LINKING As Level 2 plus Gorbachev is a crucial factor in the change. He was young and prepared to make reforms. There are other factors which are important, such as economic problems, the arms race and an aggressive USA. They are all linked and it was Gorbachev who acted

Question 45

Describe the key features of the re-establishment of Soviet | control in Hungary in 1956.

Answer 45

e.g. Khrushchev decided to send troops into Hungary on 4 November and the Warsaw Pact forces totalled 200,000 soldiers and 6,000 tanks. The Soviet army quickly captured airports, bridges and transport centres. By 10 November a ceasefire was agreed.

Question 46

Explain why Stalin decided to blockade Berlin in 1948.

Answer 46

e.g. Developments in 1948 such as Trizonia and the new currency, the Deutschmark, concerned Stalin. He said the Western Allies were breaking the agreements made at Potsdam. In addition, Stalin said that the Western Allies were trying to create a permanently divided Germany. He wanted to stop this and the first step was to blockade West Berlin. LINKING As Level 2 plus: Though Stalin claimed it was Trizonia and the new currency, he was also concerned about US policies –the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan. The causes of the Blockade are clearly linked but as soon as Stalin felt threatened, he had to make a move before the West made further decisions about Germany. Thus the most important reason is because Stalin felt threatened by US policies.

Question 47

Describe the key features of the involvement of the USA in the Bay of Pigs invasion, 1961.

Answer 47

e.g. President Eisenhower agreed with a scheme under which Cuban exiles living in the USA would be trained for an invasion of Cuba with the intention of removing Fidel Castro. The exiles were to be trained by the CIA.

Question 48

Describe the key features of the attempts by the USA and the Soviet Union to deal with the problems of a divided Berlin in the years 1959–61.

Answer 48

e.g. Khrushchev held two summit conferences in 1959 to discuss the issues. The first, in Geneva, failed and they met again at Camp David in the USA. At Camp David Khrushchev agreed to withdraw his demand that the Western powers withdraw their forces from West Berlin.

Question 49

Explain why Czechoslovakia was a flashpoint in the Cold War in 1968.

Answer 49

e.g. It became a Cold War flashpoint because Brezhnev, the leader of the USSR, justified the invasion of Czechoslovakia, as a threat to his country. He put forward the Brezhnev Doctrine which, he said, gave the USSR the right to invade any country in Eastern Europe. LINKING As Level 2 plus: The Soviet Union was concerned that Czechoslovakia might leave the Warsaw Pact and this would weaken it in the face of the USA. Therefore it had to deal with Czechoslovakia and make an example. A Warsaw Pact problem became a Cold War one with the invasion – this was the most important reason why Czechoslovakia was a flashpoint. The invasion created fear and tension in Europe and for the USA.

Question 50

Describe one effect of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Answer 50

e.g. People allowed to move from East to West Berlin and | families and friends were re-united after 28 years of separation.

Question 51

Describe the key features of détente in the years 1975–79.

Answer 51

e.g. One feature of détente was the Apollo-Soyuz space link-up in 1975. Three US astronauts and two Soviet cosmonauts met in space. There was a symbolic handshake and it seemed as if relations were improving which was proved when Helsinki took place

Question 52

Describe the key features of the summit conferences between | the USA and the Soviet Union in the years 1985–87.

Answer 52

e.g. In 1987, the talks resulted in the INF Treaty. It eliminated nuclear and conventional; ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500km to 5500km. To ensure that the terms of the treaty were being carried out, each Superpower allowed the other to inspect its military installations.

Question 53

Explain why relations between the USA and the Soviet Union | changed in the years 1980–84.

Answer 53

e.g. Reagan was keen to make the USA the most powerful country in the world and he challenged the USSR. He put forward the idea of the SDI and called the USSR the ‘evil empire’. He wanted to stop the spread of communism and was prepared to increase US defence spending. LINKING As Level 2 plus: Relations changed not only because of Reagan but because of the lack of continuity in the Soviet leadership. Brezhnev was not able to fulfil the duties of leader and he could not be replaced. When he did die, his successor, Andropov was a hardliner but he died after leading the USSR for only 15 months.

Question 54

Describe the key features of the Allied response to Soviet | control of Eastern Europe in the years 1945–47

Answer 54

e.g. The Truman Doctrine was announced by Harry Truman, the president of the USA, in March 1947. He offered to help any country that was being threatened either from within or from without its own borders. He did not name any country, nor did he specify what sort of aid would be given but it was clearly against the Soviet Union and its control of Eastern Europe.

Question 55

Explain why Soviet control of Hungary caused an uprising in | 1956.

Answer 55

e.g. The Hungarians disliked the communist agricultural policies and the withdrawal of basic human freedoms which were imposed on them by the Soviet Union. Moreover, Hungarians disliked having to pay for Soviet troops being stationed in Hungary and the biggest insult of all - the use of the Russian language in their own country. LINKING The imposition of a communist government by the Soviet Union was the most important reason why there was an uprising. Everything stems from this –the severe economic policies were not challenged, the part played by Cominform and Comecon. All these served to anger many Hungarians and when a leader like Nagy appeared at the time of de-Stalinisation, then an uprising was possible.

Question 56

Describe the key features of the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961.

Answer 56

e.g. The construction of the Berlin Wall started in August 1961 when access routes were blocked by barbed wire. Two days later, the first concrete blocks were put in place and the barrier separating the two parts of the city was constructed in earnest. The Wall effectively sealed off the best escape route open to disenchanted East Germans, thus halting the mass movement of people to the West.

Question 57

Describe the key features of the international reaction to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.

Answer 57

e.g. Yugoslavia and Romania distanced themselves from the Soviet Union and criticised the invasion. They went onto make alliances with China. This divided the Communist world.

Question 58

Explain why Cuba was a flashpoint in the Cold War in the years 1961–62.

Answer 58

e.g. In December 1961, Castro announced that he was a communist. There was now a communist country within 90 miles of American soil. The USSR began to offer more and more aid to Cuba. On 14 October 1962, a US spy plane took photographs which showed Soviet missile bases being built on Cuba. This meant that all US missile defence systems were now useless. LINKING As Level 2 plus Perhaps the most important reason was the fact that Castro got economic help from the Soviet Union. This led to the placing of missiles on the island and caused the links between the two countries to grow. But the Bay of Pigs also forced Castro’s hand –he said he was a communist and he needed countries to buy Cuban sugar. The reasons are inter-linked but Castro’s move towards the Soviet Union is cruciaL

Question 59

Describe the key features of relations between the USA and the Soviet Union in the years 1972–75.

Answer 59

e.g. Helsinki was a high point of improved relations with the USA and Soviet Union when agreements were reached about human rights, security and co-operation. The Soviet Union recognised the frontiers of Europe and accepted the existence of West Germany. This seemed to relax relations with the USA and was a key feature of détente

Question 60

Describe the key features of the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI), 1983.

Answer 60

e.g. In 1983 Reagan announced 'Star Wars', the Strategic Defence Initiative. This was a plan to shoot down Soviet missiles using lasers in space. It was a plan for a ground and spacebased, laser-armed ballistic missile system. This was suggested in 1983

Question 61

Explain why the relationship between Reagan and Gorbachev in | the years 1985–88 helped to end the Cold War.

Answer 61

e.g. Both leaders got on well but neither was willing to give way initially. Agreement was eventually reached at Washington in 1987 because both leaders wanted to cut down defence spending and each man trusted the other to keep his word. Gorbachev changed also because he realised that the Soviet Union was in a financial mess. LINKING As Level 2 plus The fact that both leaders got on well with each other is extremely important. Such a friendship was unknown during the Cold War. However, each leader had distinct pressures which pushed them to change. Economic problems in both countries and internal issues for Gorbachev were critical in helping to end the Cold War.

Question 62

Describe the key features of the Bay of Pigs invasion, 1961.

Answer 62

e.g. About 1,500 Cuban exiles based in Florida had some backing from the USA in their attempt to invade and overthrow Castro. They received money and training from the CIA, however, at the last moment the US government withdrew military support. This led to the venture failing.

Question 63

Explain the importance of three of the following in international relations. • The Truman Doctrine, 1947

Answer 63

e.g. The Truman Doctrine was the US idea that money would be given to Greece and Turkey to fight communism. It was important because it showed that the USA would help stop the spread of communism. President Truman had been alarmed at the spread of communism and the way in which Stalin had gone back on his promises about free elections. The Doctrine was important because it was a clear indication that the USA would not permit countries to be coerced into the communist fold and ensured US involvement in European affairs for the future.

Question 64

Explain the importance of three of the following in international relations. • The Hungarian Uprising, 1956

Answer 64

e.g. In 1956, the Hungarian people rose up against the Soviet forces and demanded freedom. It was important because it showed that the Soviet Union could be challenged but it was also important because it showed that the Soviet Union was not concerned about international reaction. The Uprising showed that despite US distaste for the Soviet invasion, it would not go to war to help a Soviet satellite. The Uprising was important because the West saw Khrushchev’s idea of a ‘thaw’ as a sham and international relations grew worse.

Question 65

Explain the importance of three of the following in international relations. • The construction of the Berlin Wall, 1961

Answer 65

Explains importance, with detailed factual support. e.g. The Soviet Union and East Germany built the Wall in 1961 to stop refugees fleeing to the West. It was important because it heightened the dispute between the USA and the Soviet Union about the presence of Britain, France and the USA in West Berlin. However, it was also important because it avoided a war between the USA and the Soviet Union and it made Khrushchev seem a strong leader. In addition, the Wall was important because it made the USA determined to support West Berlin as was seen by Kennedy’s visit in 1963.

Question 66

Explain the importance of three of the following in international relations. • The end of the Warsaw Pact, 1991

Answer 66

e.g. In 1991, the members of the Warsaw Pact formally agreed to end their membership and dissolve the Pact completely. With the collapse of the Soviet Union there was no reason for the Warsaw Pact to continue. This was important because it signalled the end of the Cold War. It was important because the enmity between the West and the East now seemed to be over and the division of Europe and the world was at an end.

Question 67

Explain why relations between the USA and the Soviet Union | changed in the years 1979-87.

Answer 67

e.g. One reason why relations changed is because President Reagan openly stated his hatred of communism and made it clear he would oppose the Soviet Union whenever he could. He wanted to defeat it. His famous ‘Evil Empire’ speech is evidence of this. Relations worsened in 1983 when Reagan announced 'Star Wars', the Strategic Defence Initiative. This was a plan to shoot down Soviet missiles using lasers in space. It was a plan for a ground and space-based, laserarmed ballistic missile system. It meant increasing the US defence budget and showed how serious the USA was in trying to win the Cold War. One reason why relations changed was in 1985, when Gorbachev became leader of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev was aware that the Soviet Union was experiencing economic problems and the war in Afghanistan was a huge drain on Soviet finances. Therefore, he had to take drastic steps to ensure the survival of communism. He introduced changes to the Soviet Union and agreed to meet Reagan at a summit conference in Geneva. The two leaders met privately without advisers and at the end of the meeting said the world was now a ‘safer place’. Thus by the end of 1985, relations were improving substantially LINKING e.g. As Level 3 plus ’…Both Reagan and Gorbachev are important but I think it was Reagan who was the most important reason behind changes in the relationship. He was more threatening than any previous US president and his speeches and defence policy (notably SDI) did cause the Soviet leadership grave concern. Without Reagan’s policies, the Soviet Union would not have continued to spend huge amounts on defence thus worsening their economic position. Reagan forced the Soviet Union to change their position and eventually gave Gorbachev the opportunity to move towards ending the Cold War. Although Gorbachev represented a new style of Soviet leader and was willing to embrace change it was Reagan who eventually forced the Soviet Union to change their position.’ NB: No access to Level 4 for answers which do not explore an aspect beyond those prompted by the stimulus material, for example: the many chang

Question 68

Explain the importance of three of the following in international relations. The Potsdam Conference, 1945

Answer 68

eg... Potsdam confirmed the decisions made at Yalta. Germany was to be divided into four zones of occupation. Potsdam was important because it showed that the USA and the Soviet Union could not agree on e.g. Germany and elections in Eastern Europe. Stalin had promised to hold elections in the ‘liberated’ countries but refused to do so and the US complaints at Potsdam were ignored. Thus, Potsdam was important because it is seen as the start of the breakdown of the wartime alliance.

Question 69

Explain the importance of three of the following in international relations. The Marshall Plan, 1947

Answer 69

eg... President Truman believed that communism won support in countries where there were economic problems, unemployment and poverty. Many European countries had suffered as a result of the Second World War and the USA decided to help towards their recovery. The Marshall Plan was born. It was important because it showed that the USA would combat communism and would challenge Stalin if necessary. In addition, the Plan meant that participating countries would, in return for assistance, buy US goods and allow US companies to invest in their industries. Thus the Plan was important because it increased US involvement in Europe.

Question 70

Explain the importance of three of the following in international relations. The Helsinki Agreements,1975

Answer 70

Explains importance, with detailed factual support. eg... The USA and the Soviet Union, along with 33 other nations made declarations about three distinct areas - security, cooperation and human rights. In particular, the Agreements were important because East and West Germany formally accepted each other’s existence. The Agreements were also important because it was another step in the détente process and showed how US-Soviet relations were improving.

Question 71

Explain the importance of three of the following in international relations. CARTER DOCTRINE

Answer 71

Explains importance, with detailed factual support. eg... President Carter said the USA would use military force to defend the Gulf. The Doctrine was important because it signalled the end of détente and led to sour relations with the Soviet Union for several years. The Doctrine was important because there followed the Olympic Boycotts of 1980 and 1984 which involved many countries of the world. In addition, the Doctrine was important because it committed the USA to helping the Afghan rebels, an act which further alienated the Soviet Union.

Question 72

Explain why Berlin was aS A FLASHPOINT IN THE COLD WAR

Answer 72

eg One reason why Berlin became a flashpoint is clearly the refugee issue. By January 1961, more than 20,000 people a month were leaving the East to live in the West Large numbers of these were professional people but there were many skilled craftsmen among them. This drain of labour and economic output threatened to bring about the economic collapse of East Germany. Khrushchev had to do something to stop the drain and his actions led to tension over the city. Tension did not die away completely after the Wall had been built. Kennedy was successful in Cuba but he wanted to show his support for the Berliners and explain that the USA would not desert them. He visited West Germany and West Berlin in 1963. He toured several cities and made many speeches. In West Berlin he was greeted by about 1.5 million people (out of a population of c2.5million). His speech there criticised the communist system, the problems caused by the Wall and indicated the US would not shy away from its duty of protecting West Berlin. Hence, Berlin as a flashpoint continued to cause problems even two years after the Wall had been built LINKING eg As Level 3 plus …Both the refugee issue and Kennedy’s visit are important but I think it was the construction of the Wall which was the most important reason behind Berlin as a flashpoint in the Cold War. The Wall was a symbol of the division and separation within the city. It was a permanent reminder and people were killed on a regular basis trying to escape from the East to the West. Moreover, Khrushchev could claim a propaganda victory with the Wall – the USA did not stop its construction nor did it ever try to destroy it.