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Cold War Flashcards

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1
Q

What were the conflicting ideologies of the USA, Britain, and the USSR in 1945?

A

USA and Britain were capitalist democracies, while the USSR was a communist state.

Each viewed the other’s expansion as a threat.

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2
Q

Define Capitalism.

A

Profit as a reward for hard work, opportunity for all, free economy, democracy, freedom of speech, independent businesses.

Capitalism emphasizes individual ownership and market competition.

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3
Q

Define Communism.

A

All profit goes to the state, everyone is equal, controlled economy, only one party for government, no freedom of speech.

Communism aims for a classless society.

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4
Q

What was Stalin’s attitude in 1945 regarding Eastern Europe?

A

Stalin wanted a buffer zone of satellite states in Eastern Europe to protect Russia from Western attacks.

This stemmed from historical invasions of Russia.

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5
Q

What was Roosevelt’s main goal in 1945?

A

Wanted GB, China, USA, and USSR to act as ‘global policemen’ to maintain world peace and supported the idea of the UN.

He also wanted Poland to govern itself.

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6
Q

What did Churchill advocate for Poland in 1945?

A

Wanted Poland to govern itself and to establish fair and free elections.

Churchill aimed for a balance of power in Europe.

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7
Q

What was the Percentages Agreement of 1944?

A

Established the percentages of predominance Britain and USSR would have in Eastern European states.

Example: Greece = 90% GB, 10% USSR.

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8
Q

What was the main source of tension during the Yalta Conference?

A

The fate of Poland.

Different leaders had conflicting views on how Poland should be governed.

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9
Q

List the Yalta Agreements.

A
  • Germany and Berlin split into 4 zones occupied by France, UK, USA, and USSR
  • Germany must pay reparations
  • UN established
  • Poland will have new borders
  • Eastern Europe under USSR influence with free elections to be held.

This was an attempt to establish post-war order.

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10
Q

What were the key outcomes of the Potsdam Conference?

A
  • Germany disarmed and demilitarized
  • Germany divided into zones
  • Freedom of speech restored in Germany
  • USSR allowed reparations from British and US zones
  • Decisions made on Austria’s division.

Tensions increased significantly during this conference.

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11
Q

True or False: By the end of 1947, only Czechoslovakia was free from communist control in Eastern Europe.

A

True.

However, by February 1948, Czechoslovakia fell to communist control.

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12
Q

What was the purpose of the Long Telegram sent by George Kennan?

A

To advocate for a hard line against the USSR and recognize the failure of Roosevelt’s international cooperation plan.

This telegram inspired the policy of containment.

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13
Q

What did Churchill mean by the term ‘Iron Curtain’?

A

Refers to the division between the Western powers and the Eastern bloc under Soviet influence.

This speech condemned Stalin’s control over Eastern Europe.

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14
Q

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A

US pledged assistance to Greece and Turkey to prevent the spread of communism by providing military and economic support.

It was a response to aggressive Soviet expansionism.

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15
Q

What was Cominform?

A

Stalin’s response to the US-led global alliance, aimed to unite and coordinate communist groups in Europe.

Established in September 1947.

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16
Q

What was the Marshall Plan?

A

Provided $13.5 billion for economic recovery in Europe to prevent the spread of communism.

Offered to all European states, including the USSR, but was viewed as economic imperialism.

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17
Q

What was Bizonia?

A

The merger of British and American occupation zones in Germany on January 1, 1947.

This was a step towards German economic rehabilitation.

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18
Q

What was the Berlin Blockade?

A

Stalin’s attempt to force Western powers to concede control of Berlin by blocking all road and rail links to West Berlin.

Triggered the Berlin Airlift, where supplies were airlifted to West Berlin.

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19
Q

What was NATO, and when was it established?

A

A military alliance established on April 4, 1949, to provide collective security against the USSR.

An attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all.

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20
Q

What was the significance of the San Francisco Peace Treaty?

A

Recognized Japan’s sovereignty and allowed it to rebuild its economy without restrictions.

Signed in September 1951.

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21
Q

What was NSC-68?

A

A resolution stressing the urgency of building US political, economic, and military power in response to the global Cold War.

Formulated after the loss of China to communism and the USSR’s nuclear capabilities.

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22
Q

What were the two zones of Korea established after WWII?

A
  • Republic of Korea (capitalist)
  • Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (communist).

Established along the 38th Parallel.

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23
Q

Fill in the blank: The Korean War began due to the desire of both leaders to unite Korea under a single _______.

A

[leader].

Kim Il Sung and Syngman Rhee both sought unification.

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24
Q

What division marked the end of Japanese control over Korea?

A

Korea was divided into 2 zones of occupation at the 38th Parallel.

This division occurred at the Potsdam Conference in 1953.

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25
What two states were established in Korea in 1948?
* Republic of Korea (capitalist) * Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (communist)
26
Who were the leaders of North and South Korea?
* Kim Il Sung (North Korea) * Syngman Rhee (South Korea)
27
What was Syngman Rhee's stance towards communism?
Rhee was anti-communist and sought the removal of communism from the North.
28
What tactics did Kim Il Sung employ for reunification?
He used guerrilla tactics to destabilize the South and undermine Rhee’s regime.
29
What support did Stalin provide to North Korea before the Korean War?
* 1600 pieces of artillery * 178 military aircraft * 258 T-34 tanks
30
What was the outcome of the UN's special session regarding the Korean War?
The USSR was boycotting the Security Council and could not veto the decision for ceasefire.
31
Who led the UN forces during the Korean War?
General Douglas MacArthur
32
What was the first phase of the Korean War?
Phase 1 (offensive) from June to September 1950, where NK forces advanced in SK.
33
What major event occurred during Phase 2 of the Korean War?
MacArthur landed in Inchon and forced NK forces back across the 38th parallel.
34
What was the outcome of the Panmunjom Armistice Agreement?
It confirmed a demilitarized zone at the 38th parallel and initiated the repatriation of prisoners.
35
What was the long-term impact of the Korean War on North and South Korea?
The long-term security of both NK and SK was protected.
36
What was McCarthyism?
The practice of unfair investigative techniques to restrict dissent or political criticism.
37
What was the main claim made by Joseph McCarthy?
He claimed there was an army of communist conspirators within the US government.
38
What was the significance of the UN's headquarters location?
It is located in New York and did not include a seat for the communist state of China.
39
What was the purpose of the SEATO alliance?
A collective defense treaty to counter the influence of communism in Southeast Asia.
40
What does the 'Domino Theory' state?
One country falling to communism would lead to multiple others also falling.
41
What was the outcome of the Hungarian Rising in 1956?
The Red Army crushed the uprising, leading to a new government under Jànos Kàdàr.
42
What was the aim of Khrushchev's policy of peaceful coexistence?
To maintain the USSR's leadership in the socialist community while reducing tensions.
43
What was the result of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955?
Withdrawal of all occupying powers and Austria becoming a neutral state.
44
What notable event occurred during the Space Race in 1957?
The Soviets launched Sputnik, the first satellite, into space.
45
What was the significance of the U2 spy plane incident?
It led to the collapse of the Paris Summit in May 1960.
46
What was Eisenhower's strategy of 'Brinkmanship'?
To convince opponents that there was a risk of war while showing no signs of backing down.
47
What year did Alexey Leonov become the 1st human to go on a spacewalk?
1965
48
What was Apollo 8 known for?
1st manned aircraft to reach and orbit the moon in December 1968
49
Who became the 1st man to walk on the moon?
Neil Armstrong during Apollo 11 in July 1969
50
What was the Hallstein Doctrine?
Part of West German foreign policy stating any recognition of East Germany by another state would end diplomatic relations
51
What ultimatum did the USSR issue on November 27th, 1958?
A 6-month ultimatum for Western troops to leave West Berlin and declare it a free city
52
What significant event began on August 13, 1961?
Work began to seal off East Berlin
53
What was JFK's famous speech to Berliners?
Ich bin ein Berliner
54
What was a direct consequence of the Berlin Wall?
It enabled avoidance of nuclear confrontation
55
Who were the two revolutionary leaders that took over Cuba in 1959?
Che Guevara and Fidel Castro
56
What was the Bay of Pigs invasion?
An unsuccessful attempt in April 1961 to remove Castro using ex-Cuban citizens
57
What did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution authorize?
Johnson to take any measures he deemed necessary to retaliate for attacks in Southeast Asia
58
What was Operation Rolling Thunder?
A bombing campaign announced by Johnson in February 1965 targeting strategic military sites in North Vietnam
59
What was the My Lai Massacre?
The killing of around 300 civilians by US soldiers in 1968
60
What chemical weapon was used by the US in Vietnam?
Agent Orange
61
What was Nixon's policy to end the Vietnam War called?
Vietnamisation
62
What was the Tet Offensive?
A series of attacks launched by the Vietcong in January 1968 during the Buddhist New Year celebrations
63
What did the Moscow Test Ban Treaty limit?
Testing nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, underwater, or in any medium where radioactive debris could spread
64
What did the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) aim to prevent?
The spread of nuclear weapons and promote cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy
65
Fill in the blank: The USSR sent ________ to support North Vietnam.
military equipment
66
True or False: The Gulf of Tonkin incident involved a direct attack on US troops.
True
67
What was a significant impact of the Tet Offensive on US public opinion?
It showed that no progress was being made against communism in Vietnam
68
What did Nixon's 'Nixon Doctrine' entail?
Supporting South Vietnam with airpower while building up their own forces
69
What was the aim of Operation Menu?
To bomb areas in Cambodia used by North Vietnamese forces
70
What happened on April 30, 1975, in Vietnam?
The city of Saigon fell to the communists
71
True or False: Mao and Khrushchev had a cooperative relationship throughout the Cold War.
False
72
What was the significance of the hotline established after the Cuban Missile Crisis?
It allowed for direct communication between Moscow and Washington to prevent misunderstandings
73
What does ABM stand for?
Anti-Ballistic Missiles
74
What is the purpose of MIRVs?
Several nuclear warheads can be carried on one ballistic missile, each traveling independently to different targets.
75
When was the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) signed?
July 1968
76
Who were the original signatories of the NPT?
GB, USSR, USA
77
What are the main goals of the NPT?
* Prevent the spread of nuclear weapons * Promote cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy * Achieve nuclear disarmament * General disarmament
78
Which two countries agreed to the NPT but signed it later?
China and France
79
What significant event happened in Czechoslovakia in January 1968?
Alexander Dubcek became President.
80
What was Dubcek's Action Plan about?
A 'new start to socialism' with increased freedoms and reduced state control.
81
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?
The principle that the USSR would intervene to protect communist regimes threatened by internal or external forces.
82
What occurred on August 20, 1968, in Czechoslovakia?
500,000 Warsaw Pact troops invaded.
83
What was the outcome of the invasion of Czechoslovakia?
* Dubcek was arrested * Brezhnev replaced him with Gustav Husak * The Red Army remained in Czechoslovakia
84
What was the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972?
It limited the number of ABMs to no more than 100 for both the USSR and USA.
85
What was the purpose of the Interim Agreement on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms?
Limited the number of missiles for 5 years.
86
What was established at the Moscow Summit in May 1972?
Basic principles of relations between the USSR and USA regarding disarmament and nuclear war avoidance.
87
What was the main proposal of SALT II in January 1977?
Reduction in strategic systems including MIRV missile launchers and ICBMs.
88
What were the terms agreed upon at the Vienna Summit in June 1979?
* ICBM and SLBM launchers not to exceed 2,400 * Overall reduction of strategic offensive arms to 2,250 by January 1981 * Limits on MIRVs, ASBMs, ICBMs, and SLBMs
89
What did Ostpolitik aim to achieve?
Greater cooperation and communication through the Iron Curtain.
90
What were the Helsinki Accords?
Agreements covering security, cooperation on economics and technology, and humanitarian issues signed by 35 states.
91
What was a major concern regarding the acceptance of the Helsinki Final Act?
It meant accepting a divided Germany and Eastern Europe under Moscow's control.
92
What triggered the Second Cold War?
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
93
What was the Carter Doctrine?
A commitment to prevent Soviet expansion into the Persian Gulf and Southwest Asia.
94
What did Gorbachev aim to achieve after taking office in 1985?
Reform the communist system internally and reduce tensions of the Cold War.
95
What was the outcome of the Angolan Civil War?
MPLA won and created the People’s Republic of Angola.
96
What role did Cuba play in Angola?
Cuba provided military support and stationed troops to assist MPLA.
97
What was the significance of the shooting of KAL 007 in 1983?
Increased tensions as the USSR admitted to shooting it down, claiming it was an unidentified aircraft.
98
What was the Able Archer exercise in November 1983?
A NATO war game that tested readiness for a nuclear strike, which heightened tensions.
99
What happened to Salvador Allende in Chile in 1973?
He was overthrown by Augusto Pinochet in a military coup.
100
What was the New Jewel Movement in Grenada?
A leftist movement that banned other political parties and accepted aid from the USSR and Cuba.
101
What was the US response to the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) in Nicaragua?
Carter recognized the FSLN government, while Reagan later supported anti-communist Contras.
102
Fill in the blank: The Helsinki Accords consisted of three 'baskets' of agreements: security, cooperation on economics, and _______.
cooperation on humanitarian and other fields.
103
True or False: The USSR withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in 1989.
True
104
What was the impact of Reagan's military spending policy?
Increased pressure on the Soviets and expanded US military capabilities.
105
What year did Gorbachev take office in the USSR?
1985
106
What were the main aims of Gorbachev upon taking office?
* Reform the communist system internally * Reduce tensions of the Cold War
107
What economic issues did Gorbachev inherit?
* Poor economy * Outdated machinery * Incorrect distribution of the workforce
108
What was the impact of military spending on the Soviet standard of living?
40% of the government's budget was spent on military, leading to decreased standard of living
109
What percentage of USSR exports were gas and oil?
4%
110
What was the consequence of dropping international prices for gas and oil?
Damaged USSR’s economy
111
What was Gorbachev's New Thinking?
Realized link between USSR’s economic performance and its global superpower status
112
What does Perestroika refer to?
Planning to restructure the whole economy
113
What was the target growth for industrial production in the 5-year plan established by Gorbachev?
25%
114
What significant change did Gorbachev make regarding industry management?
Employees were given the freedom to negotiate and play an active role in their employment
115
What does Glasnost mean in the context of Gorbachev's reforms?
Openness and democratization of the USSR
116
What was one of Gorbachev's goals regarding censorship?
Reduce censorship on TV, radio, and newspapers
117
True or False: Gorbachev's reforms were universally welcomed by party officials.
False
118
What was the budget deficit percentage of Soviet GNP by 1988?
12%
119
What was a notable success of Gorbachev's reforms?
* Support from Supreme Soviet * Increased accountability of representatives
120
How many joint-venture programs were made with Western companies during Gorbachev's reforms?
61
121
What was the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI)?
A plan to create a missile defense system using satellites and lasers
122
What was the USSR's reaction to the SDI?
Alarmed and felt it would destabilize the balance of terror
123
What was the focus of the Geneva Summit in 1985?
Reducing nuclear weapons by 50% and discussing banning chemical weapons
124
What was discussed at the Reykjavik Summit in October 1986?
Limiting continental weapons and reducing the range of nuclear weapons
125
What treaty was signed at the Washington Summit in December 1987?
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
126
What significant event occurred on 8th November 1989?
The Berlin Wall was brought down
127
What did Gorbachev renounce in July 1988 regarding satellite states?
The Brezhnev Doctrine
128
What were the major reforms agreed upon in Poland in 1988?
* Legalization of non-government trade unions * Creation of the position of president * Formation of a bicameral legislature
129
What happened in Romania in December 1989?
Riots broke out and Nicolae Ceausescu was executed
130
What led to the collapse of the USSR on 25th December 1991?
Gorbachev's resignation and growing issues in the USSR
131
What did the Malta Summit in December 1989 focus on?
Developing economic relationships between superpowers
132
What was the Conventional Forces Europe Treaty (CFE)?
Limited non-nuclear forces NATO and Warsaw Pact could have in Europe
133
What significant change occurred in Germany in October 1990?
East Germany was incorporated into the Federal Republic of Germany
134
Fill in the blank: The USSR officially ceased to exist on _______.
1st Jan 1992
135
What led to public discontent in the USSR and satellite countries during Gorbachev's reforms?
Economic problems and failures in policy implementation
136
What was a consequence of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan?
Improved US and Soviet relations but made USSR look weak
137
What did the USA support in Nicaragua during the late 1980s?
Pro-American Chamorro in the elections
138
What occurred in El Salvador in 1992?
Peace accords were signed, leading to free elections in 1994

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