Khrushchev and Peaceful Coexistence (1955-1961)

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Khrushchev's foreign policies and the notion of peaceful coexistence during the Cold War period from 1955 to 1961.

Peaceful Coexistence

A political concept introduced by Khrushchev, suggesting that ideological rivals, namely the capitalist West and the communist Soviet Union, can coexist without conflict.

Khrushchev's Secret Speech

A speech delivered in February 1956 where Khrushchev denounced Stalin's rule and started a policy of de-Stalinization.

Warsaw Pact

A military alliance established in 1955 by the Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies in response to NATO.

ICBM

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, a type of missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and reaching targets over long distances, first developed and tested by the USSR in the late 1950s.

Geneva Conference (1954)

A conference aimed at resolving issues in Asia, particularly concerning Vietnam, where agreements were made regarding the division of Vietnam.

Hungarian Uprising (1956)

A nationwide revolution against the Soviet-backed government in Hungary that was suppressed by Soviet forces.

Berlin Wall

A barrier erected in August 1961 to prevent East Germans from fleeing to West Berlin, symbolizing the division of East and West during the Cold War.

Kitchen Debate

A series of impromptu exchanges between U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1959, highlighting the technological and cultural competition between the two superpowers.

U2 Spy Incident

The shooting down of a U.S. U2 spy plane over Soviet airspace in May 1960, leading to heightened tensions and the collapse of a proposed summit between the USA and USSR.

De-Stalinization

The process initiated by Khrushchev to eliminate the influence of Joseph Stalin and his repressive regime, promoting a more liberal form of governance in the Soviet Union.