Cold War 2 Flashcards
(48 cards)
What was the refugee problem in Berlin?
Life in East Germany was very poor (low standard of living + shortages of basic supplies) and they were constantly being watched by the secret police. East German citizens made the decision to go to West Germany for a better chance at life. This was bad as it meant the east was missing skilled workers. Between 1949 and 1961, 2.7 million East Germans went to West.
What was Khrushchev’s Berlin Ultimatum?
In November 1958, Khrushchev claimed that Berlin should become part of East Germany. Khrushchev threatened that all American, British and French troops should leave Berlin within 6 months.
Why did Khrushchev use an ultimatum for Berlin?
He knew if he used force, a war would break out.
What happened in the 1st summit meeting in Geneva?
May 1959. Foreign representatives. No solution but another summit organised for Camp David, USA.
What happened in the 2nd summit meeting in Camp David?
Sep 1959. Eisenhower and Khrushchev. No solution but further meeting agreed in Paris.
What happened in the 3rd summit meeting in Paris?
May 1960. Eisenhower and Khrushchev. A disaster. Khrushchev stormed out because an American spy plane was shot down over Russia.
What happened in the 4th summit meeting in Vienna?
June 1961. Kennedy and Khrushchev. Neither was willing to back down. Khrushchev saw Kennedy’s inexperience as a weakness and reissued his ultimatum.
Why was there tension between USA and USSR over Cuba?
Before 1959, Cuba was in USA’s ‘sphere of influence’ e.g. there were lots of US owned businesses. Cuba then had a socialist revolution in 1959 and USA didn’t support the new government. So Cuba built economic links with USSR e.g. trading Soviet oil for Cuban sugar.
What was supposed to happen in the Bay of Pigs incident?
17th April 1961. CIA told Kennedy: - Invasion will look like a Cuban revolt: we’ve disguised old US planes and trained Cuban exiles - Castro’s control is very weak - Most Cubans hate Castro.
When was the Bay of Pigs invasion?
17th April 1961.
What actually happened in the Bay of Pigs incident?
- Planes were recognised and photographed —> the whole world knew USA backed the invasion - Castro knew in advance and had 20,000 troops ready —> the 1400 US troops surrendered - Cubans mostly didn’t want their old leader, Batista back because he was corrupt.
What were some impacts of the Bay of Pigs incident?
- Ended all chances of a USA - Cuba relationship - Castro announced he was communist - Cuba and USSR’s relationship grew.
What were some impacts of Soviet rule in Czechoslovakia?
- Czechoslovakia’s economy and living standards declined - Any opposition to communism was crushed - Communist rule became very unpopular.
All about Alexander Dubcek
January 1968. Good friend of Soviet leader Brezhnev. Relaxed communist - ‘socialism with a human face’.
Why did the Prague Spring begin?
Dubcek’s reforms.
About Dubcek’s reforms
Relaxation of censorship meant people were allowed to criticise communism. Other parties allowed including democratic ones. More power to Czechoslovakian parliament and Soviet control was reduced. Economy allowed some capitalist features. Powers of secret police reduced.
Why did people like Dubcek’s reforms?
Students, intellectuals, workers and many others supported his reforms and changes. Led to some authors writing critically about USSR control like Vaclav Havel.
Why did some people not like Dubcek’s reforms?
Members of the secret police and some senior army officers lost their power so resented these reforms.
How did the rest of the world respond to Dubcek’s reforms?
Prague Spring angered many older communists and they thought it may start the collapse of communism in Czechoslovakia. Brezhnev and other communists were especially concerned as other satellite states may follow this and threaten communism. Brezhnev now had a dilemma as to whether he should stand by his friend Dubcek, risk the collapse of communism in Czechoslovakia or take him down.
When was the Berlin Wall built?
August 1961.
Why was the Berlin Wall built?
The summit meetings hadn’t fixed the problem of Berlin and Kennedy was preparing for a nuclear wall. Khrushchev couldn’t risk a nuclear wall but still wanted to fix the ‘brain drain’ so he built the wall.
What happened on the 12th August 1961?
East German troops made a barbed wire which eventually became a heavily guarded wall. By the end of October 1961, West Berlin was completely cut off from everywhere else.
When did Khrushchev actually rule USSR?
1958 - October 1964.
How many people were shot trying to cross the Berlin Wall between 1961 - 1989?
Over 200 East Germans were shot trying to cross the Berlin Wall between 1961 - 1989.
