The Cold War Flashcards
(23 cards)
What was the main characteristic of the Cold War?
There was never a ‘hot war’ (direct conflict) between the two superpowers.
What were the primary methods of conflict during the Cold War?
Conflict was mainly through:
* Proxy wars in Asia and Africa
* Espionage and propaganda
* Technological rivalry, arms race, and space race
What is NATO?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is a military alliance between North American and European allies, established to provide military support in case of an enemy attack.
When was NATO established?
NATO was established on 4 April 1949.
What was the Warsaw Pact?
The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was a collective defense treaty signed in May 1955 between the USSR and the Eastern Bloc.
What does the term ‘Iron Curtain’ refer to?
A term used by Winston Churchill to describe the guarded border separating the Soviet satellite countries in the Eastern Bloc from the Western Bloc.
What are Soviet Satellites?
Less powerful countries that are dependent on and heavily influenced by a more powerful country.
Define ‘Proxy War’.
A war between two countries where these countries do not fight each other directly but become involved in a conflict in another country on opposing sides.
What is meant by ‘Sphere of Influence’?
A region that is politically influenced by a major power or superpower.
What were the key ideological differences between the West and the USSR after WWII?
The West believed in:
* Private property and enterprise
* Regular elections and multiple political parties
* Human rights and constitutional governance.
The USSR believed in:
* State ownership of resources
* No private property
* Central control over economic and social life.
What were the conflicting beliefs between capitalism and communism during the Cold War?
Capitalism promotes:
* Free enterprise and competition
* Individual wealth.
Communism promotes:
* Common good and equality
* Government control over resources.
What event marked the beginning of tensions between the West and the USSR?
Tension began in 1917 when Russia came under communist rule.
What was the USA’s stance on Germany after WWII?
The USA did not want to punish Germany after the war, as this had failed before (Treaty of Versailles).
What were the key reasons for the Cold War?
The West was worried about:
* The USSR spreading communism
* The USSR’s takeover of Eastern Europe.
The USSR was worried about:
* Western domination of Europe.
Fill in the blank: The _______ was a military alliance formed by the USA and Western European countries.
NATO
Fill in the blank: The _______ was a collective defense treaty signed by the USSR and Eastern Bloc countries.
Warsaw Pact
What was the significance of the Manhattan Project?
It was a research and development project that produced the first atomic bombs.
What were the consequences of dropping atomic bombs on Japan?
Terrible long-term side effects, including radiation poisoning and cancer among survivors.
Who were the ‘Big Three’ leaders at the Yalta Conference?
Winston Churchill (Britain), Franklin D. Roosevelt (USA), Joseph Stalin (USSR).
What was agreed upon at the Yalta Conference regarding Germany?
Germany would have to surrender unconditionally and democratic elections would be held in freed European countries.
What was the purpose of the Potsdam Conference?
To discuss how to reorganize Europe and deal with the continuing war against Japan.
What was decided about Germany at the Potsdam Conference?
Germany would be de-Nazified, demilitarized, and divided into four zones controlled by the USA, UK, USSR, and France.
What was the outcome of the atomic bombings in terms of Japan’s surrender?
Japan surrendered on 14 August 1945, following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
