Foreign Relations Flashcards
(7 cards)
What was Sputnik?
-Sputnik (1957), What/When: First artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union.
Context: Shattered U.S. confidence in its technological superiority during the Cold War.
Significance: Sparked the Space Race and led to major U.S. investments in science and education (e.g., NASA, STEM funding).
What was the Bay of Pigs?
- The Bay of Pigs (1961) What/When: A failed CIA-backed invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles attempting to overthrow Fidel Castro.
-Context: Occurred early in JFK’s presidency amid Cold War tensions. Meant to prevent a communist stronghold close to U.S. shores.
-Significance: Major embarrassment for the U.S. and JFK; strengthened Castro’s position and pushed Cuba closer to the USSR, contributing to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
What was the 17th Parallel?
-The 17th Parallel (1954) What/When: The provisional dividing line between North and South Vietnam established by the Geneva Accords in 1954
Context:
It was established by the 1954 Geneva Accords following France’s defeat by the communist Viet Minh. The division was intended to be temporary, with nationwide elections planned for 1956 to reunify the country.
Significance: Became the front line of the Vietnam War. The U.S. backed South Vietnam below the 17th parallel, fueling decades of Cold War conflict and ultimately American military involvement.
What was the Strategic Defense Initiative?
-The Strategic Defense Initiative (1983)What/When: Reagan-era missile defense plan nicknamed “Star Wars,” intended to protect the U.S. from nuclear attack.
Context: Part of Reagan’s Cold War strategy to pressure the USSR by escalating the arms race.
Significance: Technologically unproven but strategically effective. Contributed to Soviet economic strain and Cold War’s end.
Who was Mikhail Gorbachev?
Mikhail Gorbachev(1985)-What/When: Last leader of the Soviet Union ; introduced reforms like glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring).
Context: Tried to modernize and liberalize the USSR but ended up hastening its collapse.
Significance: His reforms and engagement with Reagan helped end the Cold War. He’s often credited with contributing to the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet bloc.
Who is Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (President of Ukraine since 2019) What/When: Comedian-turned-politician who became Ukraine’s president and emerged as a global symbol of democratic resistance after Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Context: Rose to power promising anti-corruption reforms; gained international prominence after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and he refused to flee Kyiv.
Significance: Became a powerful democratic icon and a major recipient of U.S. and NATO support. His leadership deepened the U.S. role in global democracy promotion and the post-Cold War balance of power.
What was the 38th Parallel?
38th Parallel (1945–present)
What/When: Dividing line between North and South Korea since the end of WWII.
Context: Created after Japan’s defeat and later became the front line of the Korean War.
Significance: Represents the enduring Cold War divide in East Asia. Still a flashpoint of military tension between the U.S. and North Korea.
