Cold War Pt. 1 Flashcards
(8 cards)
Iron Curtain:
The “Iron Curtain” is a term used to describe the ideological and political barrier that separated Western Europe from the Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe during the Cold War. This division began after World War II and lasted until the early 1990s.
The Truman Doctrine:
The Truman Doctrine, announced by President Harry Truman on March 12, 1947, was a US foreign policy that pledged American support for democratic nations resisting authoritarian threats, particularly communism, during the Cold War. It aimed to contain the spread of Soviet influence and communism through military, diplomatic, and economic measures.
NATO:
During the Cold War, NATO served as a vital military alliance primarily focused on deterring Soviet aggression against Western Europe. It was formed in 1949 as a collective defense pact, with the North Atlantic Treaty stating that an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all. This collective security system successfully deterred Soviet military action against NATO members throughout the Cold War.
The Marshall Plan:
The Marshall Plan, also known as the European Recovery Program (ERP), was a U.S. initiative to aid Western Europe in rebuilding its economies after World War II. It provided approximately $13 billion in financial assistance over four years (1948-1951), according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The program aimed to prevent the spread of communism and restore economic stability and trade within Europe, while also bolstering the U.S. economy.
The Berlin Airlift:
The Berlin Airlift was a 15-month operation in 1948-1949 where the United States and the United Kingdom supplied West Berlin by air after the Soviet Union blockaded land and water routes to the city. The airlift delivered over 2.3 million tons of food, fuel, and other supplies to the Western-controlled part of Berlin, effectively preventing a humanitarian crisis and highlighting the Western powers’ commitment to the city.
The Berlin Wall:
The Berlin Wall, a fortified concrete barrier, divided the city of Berlin from 1961 to 1989, separating West Berlin from East Berlin and East Germany. It served as a physical and symbolic representation of the Cold War and the division of Europe into two ideological blocs.
JFK Election Summary:
+ Nixon Debates
The Kennedy-Nixon debates were a watershed moment that marked the beginning of television’s powerful influence on American elections. They highlighted the importance of image and performance in political campaigns and shaped the way presidential campaigns are conducted today.
Peace Corps + JFK
President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps as a federal agency in 1961, seeking to promote peace and understanding through global service. The Peace Corps was inspired by Kennedy’s vision of a new generation of American volunteers dedicated to helping developing countries. Kennedy believed the Peace Corps could be a “new weapon” in the Cold War, fostering goodwill and demonstrating American commitment to development.
