2 Flashcards
(12 cards)
What was the main reason for the Soviet Union’s expansion of influence in Eastern Europe after World War II?
Desire for security due to past invasions by Germany
The Soviet Union had been invaded in 1914 and 1941, leading to significant casualties.
What were the Soviet-controlled satellite states established in Eastern Europe by 1948?
- Albania
- Bulgaria
- Czechoslovakia
- East Germany (German Democratic Republic)
- Hungary
- Poland
- Romania
These states were created to act as a buffer against potential invasions.
What was one consequence of the establishment of Soviet-controlled satellite states in Eastern Europe?
Increased rivalry with the USA, Britain, and France
They believed Stalin’s motives were to expand the Soviet empire and communism.
What did Winston Churchill refer to in his ‘Iron Curtain’ speech?
An imaginary line dividing the communist East from the capitalist West in Europe
The speech was made in March 1946 in Fulton, USA.
Who wrote the Long telegram and what was its main message?
George Kennan; it viewed the Soviet Union as aggressive and recommended firm action against its expansion
The telegram significantly influenced Truman’s containment policy.
What was the purpose of the Novikov telegram?
To accuse the USA of trying to achieve world dominance
It was a response to the Long telegram, written by Nikolai Novikov, the Soviet ambassador to the USA.
What is the definition of ‘Containment’ in the context of US policy?
US policy to prevent the spread of communism into non-communist countries
This policy was a key element of US strategy during the Cold War.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a country under the influence or control of another state.
Satellite state
Who succeeded Lenin as the leader of the Soviet Union?
Joseph Stalin
Stalin led the Soviet Union until his death in 1953.
Who was the US president from April 1945 to January 1953, known for opposing the spread of communism?
Harry S. Truman
True or False: The Soviet Union’s control over Eastern Europe confirmed the divisions between East and West.
True
List two consequences of the creation of Soviet-controlled satellite states in Eastern Europe.
- Security for the Soviet Union
- Increased rivalry with the West
