The Origins of the Cold War - Chapter 3 Flashcards
The Cold War intensifies 1949-1958
Why was the arms race dangerous?
The weapons being developed were immensely powerful. Both nations could destroy each other. Chruchill described the global situation as a “balance of terror”
What were the consequences of the arms race?
Increased rivalry and tension. Each side felt threatened and so each side built more weapons and then felt even more threatened continuing the relentless cycle.
What was the Impact of Sputnik?
In 1957, Sputnik the satellite that could orbit the earth in one and a half hours was launched.
US took this as a military threat and so during the years 1957-59, they increased their military spending by 20% and President Dwight Eisenhower founded the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
They were worried the Soviets would overtake them in the arms race.
Who took over the Soviet Union after Stalin passed?
Malenkov then Khruschev.
Who replaced Rakosi as the leader of Hungary?
Imre Nagy.
What is the evidence for Rakosi’s terror and brutality?
2,000 people were killed and 200,000 political opponents were imprisoned. The leader of the Hungarian Catholic Church, was imprisoned for life.
What were some of Nagy’s proposed reforms?
- Free election
- Trade links with the West
- Freedom of press, speech and worship
- Withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact.
What happend on the 4th of November 1956?
200,000 Soviet troops and 6,000 tanks invaded Hungary.
Khruschev hoped events in the Middle East would divert global attention from his actions.
Why did the Soviet Union invade Hungary?
- Set example to rest of Eastern Europe
- Pressure from Mao and China to protect Communism from the West.
- Khruschev needed a display of authority to the Soviet Union.
How did the Hungarians fight the Soviets?
Through Guerilla tactics.
What were the results of the uprising?
Soviet troops were able to defeat the Hungarian rebels. They lost 7,000 though the rebels lost 20,000. About 200,000 Hungarians fled the country.
When did the refugee problem in Berlin take place?
1949-1961
How many East Germans fled to the West through Berlin?
4 million.
Why was there a refugee problem in Berlin?
East Germans were dissatisfied with economic and political conditions. For example, the forced collectivisation of agriculture.
Why was the refugee problem in Berlin concerning?
Many professionals and skilled craftsmen were leaving. For exapmle the entire mathematics department of the University oof Leipzig defected.
What did it mean for so many skilled people to be fleeing East Germany?
There was a drain of labour and economic output which threatened to bring about the collapse of East Germany.
When did Khrushchev issue the Berlin Ultimatum?
1958.
Why did Khrushchev issue the Berlin Ultimatum?
He accused the Allies of breaking the Potsdam Agreement.
What actions did Khrushchev want the Allies to take as a result of the Berlin Ultimatum?
To Leave Berlinwithin six months and let it be a neutral, free city.
What was President Eisenhower’s reaction to the Berlin Ultimatum?
He seemed willing to negotiate as he did not want to risk a war over Berlin.
When was the Paris Summit meant to happen?
14 May 1960.
