Chapter 1 Flashcards
The end of the second world war (35 cards)
What was the cold war?
The tensions between the Soviet Union and the West between the second world war and 1991
Who were the bolsheviks
the political party that took power in Russia 1917, led by Lenin, later known as the communist party
What was the Cheka
the secret police under Lenin and the bolsheviks
What is communism
an economic and political system in which there is no private ownership; people contribute based on their ability and take only what they need
What is a proxy war
an indirect war between the superpowers where the USA or the USSR fund the other enemy; examples include Korea, Vietnam & Angola
what is a cult of personality
When a leader uses the media to create an image of themselves that makes them almost god-like
what is propaganda
information used to promote a particular point of view; it often uses exaggeration or outright lies
Name 4 capitalist ideologies
1- any person is free to start a private business and employ people; profits are their own
2- usually multiple political parties: government chosen in democratic elections
3- free economy
4- great differences in wealth but majority have high average standard if living; encourages opportunity for all
Name 4 communist ideologies
1- businesses are state owned and any profit goes to the state
2- one-party government
3- controlled economy
4- lower average standard of living but wealth more equally shared
What does proletariat mean
the workers who should rise up and take control according to Marxism
What happened in 1917?
Russian revolution, Tsar Nicholas was forces to give up his throne.
The Bolsheviks seized power under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin
When did the Russian civil war last
1917-1922
Reds Vs Whites
Western powers sent weapons and troops to support the whites versus the communist revolution (the reds)
What was the Red scare?
the widespread fear of communism; it usually refers to the 1920s in the USA
Why was there so much mistrust between the USSR and the West before WWII (6 reasons)
1- ideological differences
2- propaganda
3- Russian withdrawal from the First world war
4- The Russian Civil war
5- Stalin’s regime
6- The Nazi-Soviet Pact
When and What was Operation Barbosa?
1941, Nazi German invasion of the Soviet Union and breaking the pact of non-aggression signed in 1939
What was the Grand alliance?
Soviets & the West
What was the percentages agreement?
A private informal agreement between Stalin & Churchill deciding how to divide Eastern European countries formerly occupied by Nazi Germany
What were the West’s aims after WWII
1- the west and the USSR should continue to cooperate
2- Germany should be rebuilt as an independent democratic country
2- liberated countries have the right to self-determination
3- Formation of UN to solve future disagreements
4- The creation of World bank
What were the USSR’s aims after WWII
1- the west and the USSR should continue to cooperate
2- spheres of influence should be created
3- Germany should remain weak
4- German industry should pay for the rebuilding of the USSR
5- The USSR should be able to make its own decisions on all matters
What and When was the Yalta Conference
1945, a conference to decide the shape of post-war Europe.
Yalta marks the start of the Cold War
What problems arose in Yalta?
Tensions arose over the leadership and influence of Eastern Europe specifically Poland.
What were the key agreements of Yalta?
1- Germany and Berlin were to be divided into four
2- the liberated countries of Western and Central Europe would be allowed to hold free elections
3- The UN would be formed to ensure international cooperation
4- Declaration of Liberated Europe was signed
When was the Potsdam conference?
sixth months after Yalta
