Berlin Crisis/wall Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is mass emigration?
thousands of East Germans were fleeing to West Berlin each day.
Why did they emigrate?
West offered better jobs, freedom, and living standards.
What did the west do in response to the ultimatum?
West refused, and tension rose.
What was Kruschev’s ultimatum??
Khrushchev demanded the Western Allies leave West Berlin within 6 months, or he would hand control of access routes to the East Germans.
How many had left east Germany??
3 million had left East Germany — it was embarrassing for the USSR.
What was held?
Several summit meetings- Geneva, Camp David, Paris, Vienna) were held — but no solution.
What were the summit meetings an attempted solution of?
To resolve growing tensions over Berlin
To prevent a direct military confrontation
To discuss wider Cold War issues
Who were the summit meetings held with?
Vienna - Kennedy
Paris - Eisenhower
Camp David- Eisenhower
Geneva- Eisenhower
What happened after the Vienna summit?
Khrushchev renewed the ultimatum.
How did Kennedy show support for West Berlin?
He said, “Ich bin einer Berliner”
What did east Germany build?
built a wall overnight, separating East and West Berlin.
What was the wall made of?
First barbed wire → then concrete wall with watchtowers and guards.
What happened to people who tried to escape?
• People caught escaping were shot — around 140+ deaths trying to cross the wall.
A wall is a hell of a lot better than a war.”
Analyse this.
He thought the wall was a harsh but necessary barrier to keep peace and prevent a dangerous conflict from breaking out.
