superpowers 3 Flashcards
The importance of the Yalta Conference for early Cold War tension between the USA and the Soviet Union.
Western Allies & USSR had differing visions for East Europe. Western Allies hoped for democratic elections & representative govs; USSR sought to establish govs aligned with its interests. Ideological and political divergence sowed seeds of future conflicts & contributed to tensions. Was agreed that Eastern European nations liberated from Nazi occupation would be allowed free elections to determine govs. USSR did not uphold commitment - established govs loyal to its interests, leading to accusations of broken promises.
Poland became a focal point of dispute. USSR allowed to regain significant territories in Eastern Poland while shifting Poland’s borders westward. Led to intense tensions - effectively redrew Poland’s borders without input of Polish gov-in-exile or Polish people. Contributed to the perception of Soviet expansionism in Eastern Europe. Soviet presence in Eastern Europe created buffer zone but triggered concerns in West about spread of communism and erosion of democratic values.
The importance of the Long and Novikov telegrams for relations between East and West
The importance of the division of Berlin into zones following World War Two
Emergence of 2 distinct political systems within Berlin: democratic West & communist East. Led to considerable disparities in living standards, rights, freedoms. e.g, West had Deutsche Mark, received financial aid through initiatives (Marshall Plan) for reconstruction. East - state censorship - lack of political pluralism. Led to brain drain from East to West. During first 6 years, approximately 3.5 million people defected from East Germany & Berlin.
1948 Berlin blockade & subsequent airlift. USSR blocked all access routes to West Berlin - direct challenge to Western Allies’ presence in city. Approximately 2.3m tons of supplies carried to West Berlin during airlift for a year, extraordinary commitment & effort from Western Allies. Demonstrated commitment to Berlin & marked early Cold War crisis. Diplomatic victory for Western Allies - effectively ended blockade. Formation of NATO - Western countries needed collective defense alliance to counter threat from Eastern Bloc.
The importance of the Cuban Missile crisis (1962) for the development of the Cold War
The importance of the formation of Cominform and Comecon for the development of the Cold War
Comecon: Aimed to strengthen economic ties between USSR & its satellite states. Counterbalance Western economic & political influence like Marshall Plan. Provided framework for economic cooperation that reduced reliance on Western assistance, limiting Western influence in countries. Solidified division of Europe along ideological and economic lines.
Cominform - ensure ideological purity & conformity among parties. Reinforced dominance of Moscow in shaping communist agenda & political direction in these nations. Symbolised USSR’s desire to maintain control over Eastern Bloc. Ensured communist parties adhered to Soviet doctrine, consolidating Soviet influence. Reinforced iron curtain - preventing nations from drifting towards Western ideologies / independence.
The importance of the construction of the Berlin Wall for relations between the Superpowers from 1961
The importance of the Cuban Revolution for the development of the Cold War from 1959
Shift in the Balance of Power:
The Cuban Revolution led to a shift in the balance of power in the Western Hemisphere. Prior to the revolution, Cuba had been a staunch U.S. ally, and its strategic location just 90 miles off the coast of Florida made it a critical U.S. outpost. However, with the Castro-led revolution, Cuba transitioned from a pro-American regime to a socialist, pro-Soviet government. This shift in Cuba’s alignment posed a significant challenge to U.S. dominance in its own sphere of influence.
Soviet-Cuban Alliance:
The Cuban government, under Fidel Castro, quickly developed a close relationship with the Soviet Union. This alliance led to the establishment of a Soviet military presence in Cuba, including the deployment of nuclear missiles during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The Cuban-Soviet partnership extended the reach of the Cold War into the Western Hemisphere and directly threatened U.S. national security interests.
Catalyst for Cold War Tensions:
The Cuban Revolution and the subsequent alignment with the Soviet Union exacerbated Cold War tensions. It served as a focal point for ideological and geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The U.S. viewed Cuba as a Soviet proxy and a threat to regional stability, while the Soviet Union saw the opportunity to challenge U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
Proxy Conflicts:
Cuba’s alignment with the Soviet Union transformed the island nation into a Cold War battleground. The Cuban government provided support to various revolutionary movements and governments across Latin America and Africa, often aligning with communist or anti-colonial movements. This support contributed to a series of proxy conflicts in various regions, with the United States opposing Cuban-backed movements and governments.
Cuban Missile Crisis:
The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 was a pivotal moment in the Cold War. The discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba brought the superpowers to the brink of nuclear conflict. The crisis highlighted the dangers of Cold War competition and the potential for a catastrophic confrontation, while also underscoring the importance of diplomatic solutions.
In summary, the Cuban Revolution’s importance for the development of the Cold War from 1959 was multifaceted. It shifted the balance of power in the Western Hemisphere, deepened Cold War tensions, and directly contributed to proxy conflicts. The Cuban Missile Crisis, in particular, underscored the perils of the Cold War rivalry. The Cuban Revolution’s enduring legacy as a focal point of Cold War competition highlights its significance in the overall narrative of the Cold War.
The importance of SALT 1 (1972) for relations between East and West
Addressed stockpiling of nuclear weapons - created environment of heightened tension. Treaty placed limitations on no. of ICBMs & SLBMs that each superpower could deploy. Imposed restrictions on deployment of MIRVs. Represented significant step toward reducing nuclear threat & minimizing risk of catastrophic arms race.
SALT I Treaty - broader policy of détente to de-escalate tensions. Willingness from both to engage in diplomacy & negotiation.
Even during the Cold War, diplomatic channels could be used to address areas of contention & mutual concern. Treaty symbolized departure from confrontational attitude of earlier years & opened door to more constructive relations. Paved way for subsequent arms control agreements: SALT II Treaty, INF Treaty and START treaties.
The importance of SALT 2 for the development of the Cold War
SALT II crucial in enhancing strategic stability during Cold War. By setting limits on no. & types of nuclear weapons, treaty aimed to prevent either superpower from gaining advantage that could lead to preemptive strike. Crucial in reducing likelihood of accidental nuclear conflict, ensuring both had vested interest in preventing catastrophic war (MAD). Drew significant public attention - sparked broader debate on nuclear arms race and control. Global anti-nuclear movement gained momentum.
SALT II negotiations signaled potential for cooperation between USA & USSR. While treaty faced challenges in terms of ratification & verification, it highlighted ability of superpowers to come to table & engage in dialogue. Reinforced concept of peaceful coexistence and potential for cooperation. Provisions & principles were integrated into later agreements: Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty - significantly reduced the number of deployed nuclear weapons.
The importance of the Reagan Doctrine for the development of the Cold War
Shift in detente policy: Reagan - detente too appeasing, ineffective in addressing Soviet expansionism & aggression (allowed to expand sphere of influence in Eastern Europe, Africa, Central America). Reagan - more confrontational stance: ‘evil empire’ vs ‘good’, support for Afghan Mujahideen during Soviet invasion. Gorby’s new thinking.
Doctrine - developing weapons -amplified arms race. Reagan’s commitment to robust military build-up, including SDI pressured Soviets to allocate more resources to military. Intensified competition = economic strains on USSR & contributed to political vulnerabilities - important in Cold War’s outcome. Reagan boosted spending on America’s armed forces. 1982 by 13% then further 8% in 1983 and 1984.
The importance of S.D.I. for the development of the Cold War
The importance of the fall of the Berlin Wall for the development of the Cold War
