The Transformation Of The Cold War 1960-1969 (3rd Notes Pack) Flashcards
(230 cards)
1
Q
What is Guerilla warfare?
A
When small groups fight by hiding and surprising the enemy
—> used successfully in Cuba by Castro and the Vietcong in Vietnam
2
Q
What is Vietcong?
A
The communist guerilla fighters in Vietnam
3
Q
What is Vietnam Mihn?
A
Vietnamese communists, supporters of Ho Chi Mihn
4
Q
What was the space race?
A
A race for superiority between the superpowers
5
Q
What did the Soviets do in 1957?
A
Launched the first man-made satellite into orbit
—> Sputnik
—> huge victory for communism as the USA always seemed to be one steps ahead with technology
6
Q
What did Kennedy promise in 1961?
A
That by the end of the decade, the USA would put a man on the Moon and bring him safely back to Earth
7
Q
Who was the first man to set foot on the moon and when?
A
Neil Armstrong in 1969
8
Q
What was a major reason for the space race?
A
Propaganda
—> both sides wanted to show their country and their system of government was superior
9
Q
What were real outcomes of the space race?
A
America feared the Soviets could launch nuclear missiles in the same way as rockets (ICBMs)
10
Q
What did the space race become?
A
A symbol of the Cold War
—> began out of a desire to dominate
—> grew as a result of the need to outdo each other
11
Q
Who won the space race? (My opinion)
A
The Americans
In 1969 during the Apollo II mission they put the first person on the moon
—> Neil Armstrong
Huge achievement as landing on the moon was seen as the ultimate goal of space exploration at the time
12
Q
Space race impact on relations at the time
A
ONGOING RIVALRY:
Intensified rivalry
Tension increased
OTHER USES OF TECHNOLOGY:
Scientific advancements
—> led by competition between the countries
13
Q
Space race impact on relations in the longer term
A
LENGTH OF TIME:
Eased tensions over time
Shift in priorities
Competition increased the technology advancements
IMPACT ON OTHER EVENTS:
14
Q
What happened on May 1st 1960?
A
US pilot Gary Powers set off in his U2 spy plane
15
Q
What was Gary Powers mission?
A
To fly over the USSR and take photographs
16
Q
What happened to Gary Powers?
A
He was tracked, shot down and captured
—> gave the Soviets proof that the USA was spying on them
(Put on trial as a spy, sentenced to 10 years in prison)
17
Q
Why were the U2 missions risky?
A
They risked a military response if spotted
18
Q
What had the Soviets developed when Powers did his flight and what happened to his plane?
A
They had developed anti-aircraft guns
His plane was shot down
19
Q
What was Powers’ excuse for his flight? And did the Soviets believe him?
A
He said it was gathering weather data and had accidentally strayed into Soviet territory
—> clear that it was a lie
—> Powers was put on trial
20
Q
What international event was planned for the coming days?
A
First major summit
—> involving US and Soviet leaders since Potsdam
21
Q
When was the Paris Peace Summit?
A
1960
22
Q
What did the hysteria of the Red Scare in America dying down give Eisenhower?
A
More freedom to act
23
Q
What was hopeful in the 1950s even though tensions remained high?
A
That a ‘thaw’ was taking place and the Peace Summit would be the place this happened
24
Q
How did the U2 crisis affect the Paris Peace Summit? (USA reaction and behaviour)
A
Began to fear that they were losing the Cold War
Kennedy expected to prove their relationship with the USSR but tensions were high
Didn’t want to admit it was a spy plane
—> refused to apologise
25
How did the U2 crisis affect the Paris Peace Summit? (USSR reaction and behaviour)
Angry at the lack of an apology
Khrushchev stormed out of the summit
—> the talks collapsed
26
What evidence is there that Khrushchev took advantage of the U2 situation to undermine the peace progress?
He had talked about ‘peaceful co-existence’ with the West and it led to a thaw in relations
Soviets had known about the US’s mission for some time
Some historians felt that Khrushchev never wanted the talks to succeed
—> he felt the USSR was in a strong position in terms of weapons and power and finally had the upper hand in the Cold War
27
How did the U2 crisis impact relations at the time?
U2 CRISIS ACTUAL EVENT:
Increased tensions
Nearly led to a hot war
—> one side actively shooting
PARIS PEACE SUMMIT:
There to decrease tensions but relations were worsened
28
How did the U2 crisis impact relations in the longer term?
IMPACT ON OTHER EVENTS:
Led to the creation of the Berlin Wall
29
Why were Khrushchev and the USSR worried about Berlin?
There was a clear divide between East and West Berlin
West Berlin was full of luxuries while life in East Berlin was tightly controlled
Many people were leaving communist controlled Eastern Europe through East Berlin
‘Brain Drain’ - many people leaving were highly skilled workers
30
Who was America’s new president in 1961?
John F Kennedy
31
What effect would a new president have on the superpower relationship?
Chance for a fresh start
Kennedy needs to make a good impression
Kennedy is younger so Khrushchev will think he is better but also feel intimidated by him
Some tension as they are pushing each other to see who is better
32
When was the Vienna Summit?
3rd-4th June 1961
33
What happened at the Vienna Summit?
They tried to repair the damage done by the U2 crisis and the Paris Peace Summit
Mainly discussed Berlin
—> Kennedy was committed to keeping West Berlin capitalist
—> Khrushchev used the opportunity to overpower Kennedy in discussions
Little was achieved
34
What happened overnight on 13th August 1961?
East German troops lined to border between East and West Berlin
—> East Berliners were prevented from leaving their side of the city
Barbed wire fences were put up
35
Where were the fences put?
On East German land
36
Over the following weeks what were the barbed wire fences replaced with?
A concrete wall
37
The East German government carried out the building work but what else were there?
Soviet tanks and military were not far away in case tensions bubbled over
38
Impact of Berlin Wall on Berlin
Split families
—> became illegal to cross the border to visit relatives
Frightened East Berliners
People tried to defect to the West (through tunnels)
People couldn’t switch jobs easily
39
How long did the Berlin Wall keep the city divided for?
30 years
40
Why was it not easy for people to switch jobs? (Berlin Wall)
Had to do lots of paperwork
41
What did the Soviets do if people tried to escape? (Berlin Wall)
They were killed
—> didn’t stop East Berliners from going to the West
42
What impact does the Berlin Wall have on Cold War relations?
Clear divide between the two superpowers
Kennedy was angry with the Soviets
—> but no action was taken
—> couldn’t protest because the wall was in East Berlin
43
Why was there a risk of war during the Berlin Wall?
If the West tried to break down the wall it would be seen as an act of aggression (invasion, war)
44
Which side had the upper hand during the Berlin Wall?
The USSR because the USA couldn’t do anything about it and East Berlin was not worth a war
45
Which side decided to avoid an action that could provoke armed conflict?
The USA
They only sent an official complaint to Moscow
46
Berlin Wall impact on relations at the time?
IMPACT ON BERLIN:
Made East Berliners feel restricted
Spike in tension
KENNEDY’S RESPONSE TO THE WALL:
Sent an official complaint to Moscow but nothing more
47
Berlin Wall impact on relations in the longer term
LENGTH OF TIME:
Reduced tension
Weren’t any uprisings
IMPACT ON OTHER EVENTS:
Stand of at checkpoint Charlie (October 1961)
48
Who was the leader of Cuba from 1959-2008?
Fidel Castro
49
What did Fidel Castro organise Cuba along?
Communist ideas
50
What did Fidel’s government do to political enemies?
Tortured and executed political enemies
51
What did Fidel’s government introduce?
Welfare reforms
—> and life got better for many in Cuba
52
What did Cuba do with the USSR during the Cold War?
Cuba allied with the USSR (but later distanced themselves)
53
What did the USA make numerous attempts to do (with Fidel Castro)?
To remove him from power
—> but he remained until 2008 when he retired
54
Why were so many ordinary Cubans unhappy with Batista’s government?
Because of poverty, corruption, lack of freedom, and poor living conditions
55
Why was Batista’s reign tolerated by the USA?
Because it was making American businessmen and investors very rich as well as the USA
56
Why did the USA become concerned about events in Cuba?
Cuba having a Soviet ally just 50km away from their coast caused tension
The revolution happened without American interference which was going against the policy of containment
The Domino theory worried America that communism would already to nearby countries
American businesses were taken over by Cuba which harmed the U.S. economy
57
What year was the Bay of Pigs?
1961
58
What was the plan for the Bay of Pigs?
The CIA would train Cuban exiles in America
These exiles would launch an invasion of Cuba with the help of the US air force
59
What would the invasion of Cuba inspire other Cubans to do?
Revolt and overthrow the regime
60
What did the Bay of Pigs plan rely heavily on?
Secrecy and the assumed support of ordinary Cubans
61
What became clear shortly before the invasion of Cuba?
That most of Cuba supported Castro and would therefore not join the revolt
62
What was the invasion of Cuba suggested as?
Illegal
63
What did the US army think about the invasion of Cuba?
They doubted it would work
64
Why couldn’t the CIA abandon the plan of invading Cuba?
They had spent $5 million on training exiles
65
What did Kennedy agree (invasion of Cuba)?
That the invasion should be launched
66
What happened on 17th April 1961?
The Cuban exiles landed on the beach in the Bay of Pigs
67
What did Kennedy do at the last minute on the invasion of Cuba?
Changed his mind about involving the US Air Force
—> and the Cuban exiles were left completely exposed
68
How many of the 1500 ground troops were killed in the “invasion of Cuba”?
Almost 200
69
How many of the 1500 ground troops were captured in the “invasion of Cuba”?
1197
70
What did the Cuban people not rise to do (invasion of Cuba)?
Did not rise to support the invaders
—> and Castro’s forces easily defeated them
71
What were the consequences of the Bay of Pigs for America?
Left them open to criticism because their involvement was illegal under international law
Led to humiliation, made Kennedy look weak and inexperienced
72
What were the consequences of the Bay of Pigs for Cuba?
Castro was able to claim a great victory against a much more powerful country
73
Why was Castro aware he was vulnerable (invasion of Cuba)?
Because he wasn’t sure if the US would make another attempt to over throw him
74
Following the Bay of Pigs, what did the USSR become more?
Supportive of Castro and felt the need to supply Cuba with weapons
75
What did Cuba have by September 1962?
Thousands of Soviet weapons and technicians
76
What were the USA prepared to allow on Cuba?
Ordinary weapons but they were very afraid that the USSR would put nuclear weapons on Cuba
77
What did Kennedy do on September 11th?
Warned the USSR that he would take any measures needed to ensure that Cuba did not become an offensive military base (i.e. nuclear base)
78
What did the USSR assure to the USA?
That it had no need or intention of putting nuclear weapons on Cuba
79
Why did Khrushchev decide to put nuclear missiles on Cuba?
Having a communist ally so close to the USA was an opportunity to seize and would also help his aim of increasing Soviet influence in South America
(Launch missiles from Cuba to the US)
80
What was Khrushchev putting nuclear missiles on Cuba a way of showing?
Showing Soviet power and of retaliating against the US missiles that were stationed in Turkey, close to the Soviet border
81
How did the USA find out about the missiles?
Through the U-2 plane that flew over Cuba to take pictures of Soviet missile sites being built
82
What happened on Sunday 14th October 1962?
An American spy plane flew over Cuba and took photos of Soviet missile sites being built (in Cuba)
83
Pros and cons of Kennedy putting a blockade in place around Cuba to stop ships arriving once the missiles had been discovered
PROS:
Not actually attacking anyone
CONS:
Might retaliate in some way
84
What did Kennedy decide to do when the missile sites had been discovered?
Puts a blockade in place around Cuba to stop ships arriving
85
What would happen to the ships that broke the quarantine (blockade around Cuba)?
Lead to military action
86
What is DEFCON 3?
Two levels below a nuclear war
87
How did the Americans respond to the blockade around Cuba?
Protestors took to the streets calling for Kennedy to show restraint and avoid war
88
What did Khrushchev think Kennedy would do? (blockade around Cuba)
That he would invade Cuba
89
What happened on the 23rd October 1962?
A fleet of Soviet ships approached Cuba, carrying more missiles
90
What happened on the 24th October 1962?
The UN secretary general called for compromise
Khrushchev ordered his ships to halt but not to turn back
(Tension was high, closest they became to a nuclear war)
91
What happens on Tuesday 16th October 1962?
Kennedy is informed of the missile build up and ex-Comm is formed to deal with this
92
What happens on Saturday 20th October 1962?
Kennedy decides to blockade Cuba
93
Cuban Missile Crisis impact on USA
94
Cuban Missile Crisis impact on USSR
95
Cuban Missile Crisis impact on the Cold War
96
Cuban Missile Crisis impact on Cuba
Remained a communist country
Reliant on the Soviet Union for protection and financial aid
97
What was set up in 1963 after the Cuban Missile Crisis?
A direct communications line was set up between Washington and Moscow
—> this became known as the ‘hotline’
98
What was signed in August 1963?
A Test Ban Treaty was signed by the US, USSR and GB
—> agreed to prohibit the testing of nuclear weapons in outer Space, underwater or in the atmosphere
—> was an important step towards the control of nuclear weapons
99
What was signed in 1967?
The Outer Space Treaty
USA and USSR agreed not to use Space for military purposes
—> treaty specifically rules out putting nuclear weapons into orbit
100
Why did Kennedy’s popularity increase significantly in the US after the Cuban Missile Crisis?
He showed himself to be a strong leader
—> by standing up to Khrushchev
—> and to the Hawks in his government
101
Why did Khrushchev’s popularity decrease after the Cuban Missile Crisis?
The military in Moscow felt he had been forced into a humiliating withdrawal
His unpopularity was a significant factor in Khrushchev’s dismissal in 1964
102
Cuban Missile Crisis impact on relations at the time
DURING THE CRISIS:
tension increased
BRINKMANSHIP:
They were the closest they had ever been to a nuclear war
Peak in tension
103
Cuban Missile Crisis impact on relations in the longer term
IMPACT ON CUBA:
Increased tension
They relied on the USSR for protection and financial aid
Stay communist
REDUCING TENSIONS:
1968 - the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed to stop the spread of nuclear weapons
104
What happened to Vietnam in 1950?
Ho Chi Mihn declared Vietnam to be an independent communist country state called the Democratic Republic of Vietnam
105
What happened in 1954 (Vietnam War)?
At a meeting in Geneva, world powers including France, USSR and the USA agreed to split Vietnam in half along the 17th Parallel
106
What would the north and south be when Vietnam was split along the 17th parallel?
North: remain communist under Ho Chi Mihn
South: be ruled by a capitalist government
(This was a temporary solution for two years, before the country would be reunited and free elections held)
107
What did America refuse to sign (Vietnam War)?
The agreements as they could not accept a communist North Vietnam
108
Why would America be increasingly concerned about events in Vietnam?
They were worried about communism spreading and the domino effect
109
What was Eisenhower’s approach to containment?
He wasn’t really willing to become militarily involved in individual conflicts
Believed in a much wider strategic approach as well as focus on increasing the number and power of nuclear weapons
110
What was Eisenhower’s strategy called (Vietnam War)?
New Look Policy
111
What was established in 1960?
The National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam
112
What was set up from North to South (Vietnam)?
A route known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail
113
What did Kennedy do in 1960 to escalate American involvement?
Sent advisors and experts to the country in greater numbers, eventually more than 16,000
114
What happened to Diem on 2nd November 1963?
He was murdered by the rebels who forced him from power
115
What was Johnson’s (Kennedy’s successor) approach to Vietnam?
He would order full US military involvement
116
Events in Vietnam up to 1963 impact on relations at the time
IMPORTANCE OF CONTAINMENT:
America feared the spread of communism (Domino Theory)
117
Events in Vietnam up to 1963 impact on relations in the longer term
JOHNSON’S APPROACH TO VIETNAM:
Led to an increase in tension and a long bloody war
118
What other weapons did the Viet Cong use?
Bouncing Betty landmine
Trap wires
Pits filed with sharpened bamboo staves
119
What did the Vietnam Cong use to undermine the American weapons and tactics?
Guerilla tactics
120
What did the Viet Cong keep on their side?
The population, who supported them with food and shelter
121
What was the Viet Cong’s greatest strength?
Their refusal to give in
122
What did the US launch on 7th February 1965?
Operation Rolling Thunder
123
What did the Operation Rolling Thunder involve?
Extensive bombing of North Vietnam and the Ho Chi Mihn Trail
—> this could not defeat the communists only slow them down
(Extremely expensive)
124
What chemical weapons did the US use?
Agent Orange
Napalm
125
Why did the US use chemical weapons in the Vietnam War?
To destroy the jungles where the Viet Cong hid
—> many civilians were killed by these
126
What missions were used to destroy villages by the US?
Search and destroy missions
—> destroy the villages where it was believed Viet Cong troops were
127
Why did America face political problems (Vietnam War)?
They could not send troops into North Vietnam without causing another war
—> so could not destroy the Viet Cong support lines
128
Where did most American soldiers come from?
Poor and immigrant backgrounds as university students were exempt from the draft
129
How old were 60% of all US deaths (Vietnam War)
17-21
130
What did poor training and low morale lead to for America (Vietnam War)?
To atrocities against civilians
131
What phrase did Johnson use (Vietnam War)?
‘Hearts and minds’
132
What did ‘hearts and minds’ mean?
To get support of the Vietnamese people
—> but Us actions led to many civilians supporting the Viet Cong instead
133
What was broadcast on the news in 1963?
The Vietnam War
134
What were most Americans (who owned a TV) suddenly seeing American troops do (Vietnam War)?
That they were using violence against women and children or executions of Viet Cong soldiers
135
What did American troops using violence against women and children or executions of Viet Cong soldiers make them do?
Question the morality of American involvement and the anti-war movement grew
136
What did the anti-war growing lead to (Vietnam War)?
Pressure on the government to end the war
137
What did President Nixon introduce the policy of in 1968?
The policy of Vietnamisation
138
What is the policy of Vietnamisation?
A gradual withdrawal of US troops, leaving the South Vietnamese army in control
139
Why was leaving the South Vietnamese army in control bound to fail?
The South Vietnamese army was no match for the Communist forces
140
What did Nixon begin doing in 1969?
Began secret talks with North Vietnam to end the war, but these made little progress
141
What did the North Vietnam launch in 1972?
A massive attack
142
What happened when North Vietnam launched a massive attack in 1972?
It failed to capture South Vietnam
143
What reopened and what was reached in October 1972?
Talks reopened
Agreement was reached
144
What was signed in 1973?
Peace was signed in Paris
145
What was peace being singed in Paris allow Nixon to do?
Remove all troops by March 1973
146
How many US soldiers had died by the end of the Vietnam War?
58,000
147
Events in Vietnam 1965-1972 impact on relations at the time
IMPACT OF FIGHTING:
Led to lots of casualties and caused distress
Increased tensions
USSR were sending weapons to North Vietnam
—> fighting indirectly (proxy war)
148
Events in Vietnam 1965-1972 impact on relations in the longer term
IMPACT ON CONTAINMENT:
US failed to contain communism
END OF WAR:
Vietnam falls to communism
—> makes America looks weak
149
What did people living behind the Iron Curtain become (in the late 1960s)?
Frustrated with their lack of freedom and low standard of living
150
Who was the new leader of Czechoslovakian in 1968?
Alexander Dubček
151
What did Dubček lead in Czechoslovakia in 1968?
The ‘Prague Spring’
152
What was life like in Czechoslovakian in the 1960s?
It was tightly controlled
153
What kind of government did Czechoslovakia have in the 1960s?
A one-party communist government
154
What did the Czech government control (in the 1960s)?
The press and opposition was not tolerated
155
What were their calls of in Czechoslovakia as economic problems got worse?
Calls for change were increasing
156
The leader of Czechoslovakia, Antonin Novotny, was …?
Corrupt
157
What did Ota Sik called for in the mid-1960s?
Economic reform
158
What did Ota Sik recommend?
Less central control of the economy and the lifting of the ban on private business
More rights for consumers
More power for ordinary workers
The government should be more ready to listen to people’s concerns
159
What did the Soviet Union do about Ota Sik’s recommendations?
Rejected all of these suggestions
160
Why did Moscow realise that change was needed?
Because Sik’s ideas quickly grew in popularity
161
Who was the leader of Czechoslovakia in 1968?
Alexander Dubček
162
Why did Antonio Novotný resign?
He was forced to resign by the Soviet government
163
Who was the leader of Czechoslovakia before Dubček?
Antonin Novotnŷ
164
What did the Soviets think of Dubček?
He would manage the situation and calm the calls for change
165
What phrase did Dubček use to describe his approach to communism?
‘Socialism with a human face’
166
What did Dubček do?
Removed state controls on industry, allowing Czechs to run their own business
Allowed public meetings and freedom of speech
Ended press censorship
Gave Czechs the right to visit non-communist countries
167
Who would keep power under Dubček’s reforms?
The Communist Party would retain its power
168
What new types of organisations were allowed under Dubček?
Trade unions were allowed to form
169
What did Dubček promise about Czechoslovakia’s political system?
That it would remain communist
170
How did Moscow feel about Dubček’s reforms?
Moscow was becoming increasingly worried about his reforms
171
Did the USSR stop Dubček’s reforms from happening at first?
No
172
What did Dubček do as the USSR stayed passive?
He introduced even more radical reforms
173
What was the period of Dubček’s reforms called?
The Prague Spring
174
What new party did Czech reformists talk about creating?
The Social Democrats to rival the Communist party
175
What did the Warsaw Pact of 1955 mean for Eastern Bloc countries?
They were occupied by Soviet forces
176
Who led opposition to communism in Czechoslovakia and why?
Intellectuals
They felt communism had failed to move the country forward
177
What did Dubček believe in?
Compromise not force
178
What reforms did Dubček make in 1968?
He abolished censorship and allowed media to call for democracy
179
Why did Dubček want to stay in the Warsaw Pact?
He learned from the Hungarian Uprising and didn’t want to provoke the USSR
180
What was the USSR worried about in 1968?
That reform in Czechoslovakia would spread to other Eastern European countries
181
Why did relaxing censorship backfire on Dubček?
It led to public attacks on corrupt communist leaders
182
How did Novotný’s resignation affect reformers?
It encouraged them to push harder for change
183
Who became the leader of the USSR in 1964 after Khrushchev was forced to resign?
Leonid Brezhnev
184
Why were the USSR concerned about what was happening in Czechoslovakia?
1) might lose control over Czechoslovakia
2) other Eastern European countries might want the same freedoms
3) feared Czechoslovakia might leave the Warsaw Pact
4) they didn’t want free speech or democracy (anti-communist ideas) spreading to other countries
185
What did the USSR do at first in response to Dubček’s reforms?
He resisted intervening
In June 1968, the Czech border was chosen as the location for Warsaw Pact military exercises by Soviet, Polish and East German troops
—> was designed to intimidate Dubček’s government
186
When was the Warsaw Pact meeting about Czechoslovakia?
July 1968
187
What was issued at the Warsaw Pact meeting in July 1968?
The ‘Warsaw Letter’ to the Czech government
188
What did the ‘Warsaw Letter’ say?
That each country had a right to self-determination but also warned that a challenge to the communist system in one country risked damaging the system as a whole
189
Why did Brezhnev meet with Dubček?
To try to stop the reform but Dubček refused
190
What happened when Brezhnev was unable to solve the crisis diplomatically?
He and the countries of the Warsaw Pact turned to force
191
When did the USSR invade Czechoslovakia?
20th August 1968
192
What happened during the August 1968 invasion?
Soviet troops entered Czechoslovakia and quickly took control of Prague
193
How many troops were used in the invasion of Czechoslovakia?
Around 500,000 Warsaw Pact troops
194
Did the Czechoslovakia army fight back in 1968?
No - Dubček ordered the army not to fight back
195
How did civilians react to the Soviet invasion in 1968?
Some resisted and were treated brutally
Others gave flowers to troops as peaceful protest
196
What movement influenced the flower protests during the invasion?
The Flower Power and Hippy movement
197
What happened to Dubček after the 1968 invasion?
He was arrested, forced to reverse his reforms and expelled from the Party in 1969
—> replaced by a hard-line communist
198
What did the 1968 Soviet invasion end?
The Prague Spring and Dubček’s freedom reforms
199
What was the Soviet excuse for invading Czechoslovakia in 1968?
They claimed they were responding to a request for help from the Czech Communist Party
200
How did Czech radio stations respond to the invasion?
They broadcast the invasion to the world, calling it a violation of socialism and international law
201
How many people were killed or wounded in the Soviet invasion?
About 100 killed
500 wounded
202
What happened to Dubček after he was removed?
He was not put on trial or executed and he later turned to politics after the fall of the USSR
203
What government replaced Dubček in 1969?
A hard-line communist government loyal to Moscow
204
How did China and Yugoslavia respond to the Prague Spring (communist response)?
Both were communist but not under Soviet control
They protested the invasion seeing it as imperialism
The invasion damaged relations especially with China
205
How did the USSR respond to the Prague Spring (communist response)?
A small protest happened in Red Square, Moscow, but was quickly stopped
Red Army soldiers were told their actions had been requested by the Czechoslovakian people
—> when they realised it was a lie, many were angry
206
What did many people in Eastern Europe and the USSR see their leaders as?
Power-hungry and not true communists
207
What did many people lose faith in, in 1968?
Communism
208
How did the USA respond to the Prague Spring (West’s response)?
Quickly condemned the Soviet invasion
Cancelled a meeting between President Lyndon B. Johnson and Brezhnev
Took no further action, more focused on the Vietnam War
The USA did not interfere in Eastern Europe
209
How did UN respond to the Prague Spring (West’s response)?
Some countries tried to pass a resolution to condemn the USSR
The USSR used its veto power, so the resolution failed
210
What was an outcome of the Prague Spring?
The Brezhnev Doctrine
211
When was the Brezhnev Doctrine announced?
November 1968
212
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?
A policy saying the USSR could intervene in any communist country where communism was under threat
213
Why was the Brezhnev Doctrine introduced?
To justify the invasion of Czechoslovakia and warn other communist countries not to make reforms
214
What did the Brezhnev Doctrine mean for other Eastern Bloc countries?
They were not allowed to leave the Warsaw Pact or weaken communism
215
How did the Brezhnev Doctrine affect USSR-China relations?
It drove a further wedge between them
China saw it as Soviet interference and a threat to its independence
216
Why was China especially concerned about the Brezhnev Doctrine in 1968?
They were in the middle of the Cultural Revolution, a time of major upheaval, and feared the USSR might try to intervene
217
How did the Brezhnev Doctrine influence China’s position in the Cold War?
They distanced themselves from the USSR and move towards closer relations with the USA in the 1970s
218
How did the USA initially respond to the Brezhnev Doctrine and the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968?
They ended all talks about improving relations or nuclear disarmament
219
Why didn’t the USA take military action against the USSR over the invasion of Czechoslovakia?
They were already involved in the Vietnam War and didn’t want to risk direct conflict with the USSR
220
What was the long term impact of the invasion on US-USSR relations?
It slowed down détente in the short term, but the USA didn’t want to fully break off relations, so talks resumed later
221
Why did the USA change its position after the Prague Spring?
They didn’t want to lose progress with the USSR, so they viewed the Brezhnev Doctrine as defensive, not a direct threat
222
Who became the US President just after the Brezhnev Doctrine was announced?
Richard Nixon
223
Who was Richard Nixon?
A strong anti-communist
224
When was Richard Nixon elected?
1968
225
How did Nixon affect US-USSR relations after the invasion of Czechoslovakia?
Nixon and Brezhnev built a working relationship that led to détente in the 1970s
226
Prague Spring impact on relations (increased, at the time)
CZECHOSLOVAKIA-USSR TENSION:
Worsened relations
Czechoslovakian resentment of Soviet dominance grew
Shows far far the USSR would go to protect their ideology
WITHIN WARSAW PACT TENSION:
Some member states worried about potential Soviet intervention in their own affairs if they attempted similar reforms
Weakens relationship between WP countries
227
Prague Spring impact on relations (decreased, at the time)
LACK OF US INVOLVEMENT:
Made the Soviets stronger and showed the US had less power in Eastern Europe
Didn’t feel threatened
228
Prague Spring impact on relations (Brezhnev Doctrine, in the longer term)
RELATIONS WITH CHINA:
Drove a wedge between them (worsened relations)
Saw the BD as a threat - feared the USA may invade them too
RELATIONS WITH THE USA:
USA strongly condemned the invasion but took no action
Increased Cold War tensions by showing the USSR would use force to control EE
Improved relations as neither wanted to interfere
229
What was the Red Scare in America?
When Americans were afraid of communism spreading in the USA
230
What was Ex-Comm
A group of US officials who helped President Kennedy make decisions during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962
