section 2.8: creation of NATO in 1949

What was Czechoslovakia economic state in 1947?

They were met with poor harvest

Why did the economic situationin Czech impact the relations with USA?

Czechoslovakia appealed to the USA for aid, but US gov demanded the signature of Prague in order to offer aid, worsening their relations.

How did USA refusal of immediate aid impact the relations between the Czech and the Soviets?

Instead of USA's aid, the Soviets promised to aid with tonnes of seeds to prevent starvation. However this increased USSR standing and communist control in Czechoslovakia.

How many tonnes of seeds did the Soviets offer to Czechoslovakia?

600,000 tonnes

Why did the communists expect to do poorly in a free and fair election?

Many Czechoslovaks blamed the communist for the failure to receive Marshall aid, therefore limiting their popularity.

Who was president of Czechoslovakia?

President Beneš

Who was the minister of foreign affairs in Czechoslovakia?

Jan Masaryk

What did the communist persuade the president to allow?

To form a government without the parties who have resigned?

Why did party leaders resign in Czechoslovakia?

It was an attempt to force government crisis, which they hoped would compel president Beneš to either dismiss communist prime minister gottwald or call early elections.

What impact did party leaders believe early elections have on the communist party?

Would weakened communist party's power, as their popularity seemed to be waning among the middle class.

How did Beneš agreeing to the communist demands help them gain control?

It allowed the communist party to control the ministry of interior designers and police which allowed them to arrest and intimidate remaining opponents.

Why was the death of Jan Masaryk and Beneš significant?

It was believed that Jan Masaryk was pushed out the window by the Czechoslovak secret police (STB) and with the president dead the communist party was able to replace him with their leader Klement Gottwald.

What was Trumans speech at the session of joint Congress about on 17 March 1948?

Taking action against the communist despite the risks and consequences.

What did the Congress approve of?

• Sending US$ 5 billion of aid

• Sending shipments of food to Marshall aid memebers

• Increasing military spending

• Reintroducing conscription

When was the Brussels treaty?

1948

Which countries signed the Brussels treaty?

1. Great Britain

2. Belgium

3. France

4. Luxembourg

What was the purpose of the Brussles treaty?

To counter the threat of the Soviet Union by coming to each others aid if one of the five was attached military.

What did Bevin and Bidault say to Truman?

The men put a case that the 5 countries would “ require the assistance of the United States in order to organise the effective defence of western Europe”

Why did the USA agree to assist the countries in the Brussels treaty?

The Berlin crisis proved without the US assistance Europeans were not strong enough to resist the Soviets.

What does NATO stand for and when eqs it signed?

North Atlantic treaty was signed in 4 April 1949

Which countries signed?

Italy, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, USA, UK, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Portugal

What was the purpose of NATO?

A military attack against any one country would be an attack against them all

How did NATO benefit America?

• Shared responsibility of containing communism

• Able to respond quickly to eastern threats as they are able to base themselves in middle of Europe

• Tied with the strongest Western European countries

What did confirm?

Confirmed the divide in europe into two armed blocs which supported the iron curtain speech

How did the USSR respond to NATO?

Organised their own mutual defence treaty, the Warsaw Pact in 1955