Sino Soviet Split Flashcards
(15 cards)
Q1. What was the Sino-Soviet Split?
A1. The Sino-Soviet Split refers to the breakdown of relations between China and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, particularly between the late 1950s and early 1970s, due to ideological, strategic, and national rivalries.
Q2. When did the Sino-Soviet Split begin?
A2. Tensions emerged after 1956, when Khrushchev denounced Stalin, but the split became clear by the early 1960s, particularly after 1960 when the USSR withdrew economic and technical aid from China.
Q3. Which leaders were involved in the split?
A3. Mao Zedong (China) and Nikita Khrushchev (Soviet Union) were the key figures. Their contrasting visions of communism and national interest fueled tensions.
Q4. What were the main causes of the Sino-Soviet Split?
A4.
• Ideological differences (e.g. Mao rejected Khrushchev’s peaceful coexistence with the West)
• Leadership rivalry between China and the USSR
• Strategic disagreements (e.g. on how to deal with the U.S. and nuclear weapons)
• Soviet withdrawal of aid to China in 1960
• Border disputes, particularly along the Ussuri River in the late 1960s.
Q5. Why did Mao disapprove of Khrushchev’s de-Stalinisation?
A5. Mao saw de-Stalinisation as a betrayal of Marxist-Leninist principles. He believed Khrushchev was weakening the communist cause by promoting “revisionism” and détente with the West.
Q6. How did the USSR respond to the split?
A6. The USSR isolated China diplomatically, withdrew support, and later backed Vietnam against China. It also built up its military presence along the Chinese border.
Q7. How did the split affect the unity of the communist bloc?
A7. It shattered the idea of a unified global communist movement. Many communist countries and revolutionary movements had to choose sides between Moscow and Beijing.
Q8. What impact did the split have on Cold War dynamics?
A8. It created a rift in the Eastern Bloc, weakening Soviet dominance and opening a space for triangular diplomacy, particularly U.S.-China rapprochement in the 1970s.
Q9. How did the Sino-Soviet Split affect U.S. policy?
A9. The U.S. exploited the split by opening diplomatic relations with China (Nixon’s 1972 visit), which isolated the USSR and gave the U.S. leverage in Cold War negotiations.
Q10. Was the Sino-Soviet Split more ideological or geopolitical?
A10. Both played roles. Ideologically, Mao opposed Soviet revisionism. Geopolitically, both nations wanted to lead the communist world and resented dependence on the other. Many historians argue that national interest and security concerns ultimately outweighed ideology.
Q11. Who gained more from the Sino-Soviet Split—China or the USA?
A11. The USA benefited diplomatically by engaging China and isolating the USSR. China, however, gained prestige and independence, and began to emerge as a third pole in Cold War politics.
Q12. Did the split weaken the global communist movement?
A12. Yes. It fragmented international communism, discouraged solidarity, and undermined Soviet ideological authority, particularly in the Global South.
Q13. How did the Sino-Soviet Split connect to China’s foreign policy under Mao?
A13. It led China to develop a more independent, revolutionary foreign policy, supporting anti-colonial struggles and rejecting both superpowers, especially in the 1960s (e.g. Cultural Revolution diplomacy).
Q14. How did the split affect Vietnam and other regional powers?
A14. Vietnam sided with the USSR after 1975, which led to China invading Vietnam in 1979. The split divided regional communist movements and led to proxy conflicts.
Q15. What role did the split play in the move toward détente in the 1970s?
A15. It created an opportunity for the U.S. to build relations with China and pressure the USSR. The triangular diplomacy that followed helped reduce tensions and reshape Cold War diplomacy.
