The Cold War

Flashcards about the origins of the Cold War, the impact of Cold War tensions, the spread of communism and the Berlin Crisis.

How did the USSR benefit from the Nazi-Soviet Pact?

Through the Nazi-Soviet Pact of August 1939, they regained land lost to Poland.

How did the USSR view the US's intention to open up the world to free trade and democracy?

An attempt by the US to pursue its own economic, capitalist interests, fundamentally hostile to Marxism-Leninism.

What were the key agreements made at the Yalta Conference of February 1945?

Germany was to be placed under Four-Power Control, the USSR would retain gains in Poland from September 1939, and democratically elected governments should be set up in liberated Europe.

What actions did the US and its allies take by June 1948 regarding Germany?

Allow the Germans in the three western zones of occupation to draft a constitution for a West German state, strengthen this future state by introducing a new currency, and place the Ruhr industries under the control of the International Ruhr Authority.

How did the Western powers respond to the growing hostility between the Western and Eastern blocs?

The division of Germany intensified the Cold War, the Western powers created NATO and began the process of western European integration, and the USA began to develop the hydrogen bomb.

How did the USSR respond to the growing hostility between the Western and Eastern blocs?

Successfully testing an atom bomb, tightening its grip on the Soviet bloc through COMECON and Cominform, and launching the communist-led World Peace Movement.

What proposal did Stalin make in 1952 regarding German reunification, and why was it rejected?

Stalin offered German reunification, provided Germany remained neutral, but the Western allies rejected this due to fear of Soviet influence.

What factors increased tension between the US, Britain, and the USSR after World War II?

The abrupt termination of lend-lease supplies, disagreement over the United Nations and control of nuclear weapons, and divisions over reparations in Germany.

What prompted the announcement of the Truman Doctrine in March 1947?

The US President announced this in response to a communist rebellion in Greece, pressure on Turkey, and Britain's growing economic weakness.

What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan, and why did Stalin oppose it?

To offer financial aid to Europe, but Stalin feared it would enable the US to interfere with the economies of eastern Europe.

What was the US's approach to the occupation and recovery of Japan after its surrender in 1945?

The US was unwilling to share the occupation of Japan and ensured Japan recovered economically to counter communist states.

What was the impact of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) victory in 1949?

The CCP's victory altered the balance of power in Asia and led to PRC support for communist movements in Korea and Indochina.

What impact did the Korean War have on western Europe?

It paved the way for West German rearmament and eventual economic integration.

How did Mao's victory in China impact the war in Indochina?

Equipment and advisors were sent with the Viet Minh defeating France and establishing a communist state in northern Vietnam.

What characterized the period after Stalin's death?

The intensity of the Cold War eased, with the new Soviet leadership attempting to defuse international tension through a policy of détente.

What was the main achievement in Europe during the period of détente after Stalin's death?

The Soviet agreement to evacuate Austria in May 1955.

What action did Khrushchev take in February 1956 that impacted the Soviet Union and its satellite states?

He shocked comrades with a speech that openly attacked Stalin, leading to attempts to liberalize Soviet regimes in eastern Europe.

What did Khrushchev unsuccessfully attempt regarding the GDR and Berlin, and what was the result?

Pressure Britain, France, and the US into recognizing the legal existence of the GDR and agreeing to change the status of Berlin. When did this fail?