4/10 Questions Cold War Expansion: Alliances, CIA Actions, and Global Conflicts (1950s–60s)

What was the “Spirit of Geneva” (1955)?

Effort to ease Cold War tensions through U.S.-Soviet talks

What was the Open Skies proposal?

U.S. plan to allow mutual aerial surveillance; USSR rejected it

What is “Pactomania”?

U.S. strategy of forming many military alliances to contain communism

SEATO

Southeast Asia Treaty Organization to stop communism in Asia

CENTO

Central Treaty Organization to contain Soviet influence in Middle East

ANZUS

Alliance between Australia, New Zealand, and United States

Who was Allen Dulles?

CIA director who led aggressive anti-communist actions

What did the CIA do in Iran (1953)?

Overthrew Mossadegh; restored Shah to power

Why did the U.S. intervene in Iran?

Fear of communism and protection of oil interests

What are “Banana Republics”?

Countries economically controlled by foreign companies (ex: United Fruit)

What happened in Guatemala (1954)?

CIA helped remove Arbenz after land reforms threatened U.S. interests

Why was Arbenz removed?

Labeled communist; threatened United Fruit Company

What happened in Cuba (1959)?

Cuban Revolution brought Fidel Castro to power

What happened in Vietnam (1960)?

Growing conflict with Viet Cong; start of major U.S. involvement

Who was Gamal Abdel Nasser?

Leader of Egypt who promoted nationalism and modernization

What caused the Suez Crisis (1956)?

Nasser nationalized Suez Canal

Why was the Suez Canal important?

Key trade route controlled by Britain and France

How did Britain and France respond to Suez?

Invaded Egypt to regain control

Why did the U.S. oppose the invasion?

Feared Soviet involvement and wider war

Result of Suez Crisis

Britain/France withdraw; Nasser keeps control of canal