The Berlin Crisis Flashcards
Why was there a refugee problem in Berlin,1958?
After the division of Berlin the regime in East Germany got increasingly unpopular. Due to poor living in East Berlin many civilians chose to go to West Germany.
What happened to East Germanys population?
By 1958, three million East Germans, over a sixth of the country’s population had crossed to the West
What was the Berlin ultimatum?
On November 27th, Khrushchev issued his Berlin Ultimatum. He demanded that: Berlin should be demilitarised and Western troops withdrawn. Berlin should become a free city.
Geneva, May 1959.
The first summit meeting between the foreign ministers of various countries. Both sides put forward how Berlin should be governed. No agreement met. Eisenhower invited Khrushchev to USA for more talks.
Camp David, September 1959
Eisenhower and Khrushchev meet face to face for first time. No further agreement on Berlin but Soviets agree to withdraw the Berlin ultimatum. Relations between 2 leaders got better.
Paris, May 1960
On May 1, the Soviets shot down an American U-2 spy plane. The Americans tried to say it was a weather plan off course. But the Soviets interrogated the pilot who confessed. Eisenhower refused to apologise. Relations worsened.
Vienna, June 1961.
New leader in Kennedy. Khrushchev took a tough stance and renewed Berlin Ultimatum. Kennedy determined not to look weak.
Berlin wall.
The East German leader, Walter Ulbricht, urged Khrushchev to close the border due to many leaving over the border. So on 12 August 1961, East German troops built a barbed wire fence around the border.
What was the finished Berlin wall like?
Known as no mans land. People would die trying to cross over.
Kennedy’s visit to Berlin.
Thousands of West Berliners turned out to see him. Crowds chanted his name. Famous speech ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’. (I am a citizen of Berlin.)
