Cold War Flashcards
(15 cards)
What was the Truman Doctrine / US Policy of Containment?
US attempt to prevent the spread of communism into Western Europe, Provided “unbiased” money to help countries but it was intended to prevent countries from falling into communism
What was the Domino Theory?
Idea that if one country in Europe (likely Poland) fell into Communism, many more would follow
Define: Sphere of Influence
Regional area surrounding a powerful country, other countries are influenced by the actions of larger nation (ie. USSR and USA)
What was the “hotline” during the Cold War? Why was it established?
A direct line of communication between the USA and USSR to reduce the risk of nuclear war; it was established in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis
Define: Mutually Assured Destruction
An agreement between the USSR and US which stated that if the two countries entered conflict with nuclear weapons, the whole world would likely be destroyed
What was the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?
International agreement signed in 1968 which aimed to prevent the spread of Nuclear weapons
What was the Cold War?
Rivalry between the USA + Nato and USSR + the Eastern Bloc between 1945 and 1970 to establish world dominance; capitalism vs communism
Define: Weapons of Mass Destruction
Nuclear, Chemical or Biological weapon that can bring about mass casualties
Outline: Deterrence
Policy adopted by the United States to avoid Nuclear war
Define: Brinkmanship
State of constantly being on the “brink” of war
Outline: Detente
Policy between USSR and USA which called for less strain in the relationship between both countries; effectively the end of the Cold War; both countries could benefit from trade and openness; the US was ready to end the Vietnam War
Define: Proxy War
A war where the main agressors do not directly become involved (ie. Korean War, Vietnam War)
Define: Non-Alignment
International movement during the Cold War to not become affiliated with the US or the USSR
Who was Richard Nixon?
American President from 1969 - 1974 who fostered relaxed relations between the USSR and the US (detente), Resigned after the Watergate scandal (spied on political oponents)
Who was John F. Kennedy?
American President between 1961 and 1963 (assassinated in 1963); He oversaw much of the aggression between the USSR and the USA in Berlin including negotiating with Kruschev, He oversaw the bay of pigs invasion against Castro in Cuba, Cuban Missile Crisis
