The Cold War 1947-1991

This is a set of flashcards covering the Cold War, its origins, key events, and major players, intended for exam preparation.

What was the Cold War?

A period of intense rivalry between the Communist Soviet Union and the Western Democracy of the United States from the late 1940s to 1991.

What were some of the areas of competition between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War?

Diplomacy, arms race, space race, sports, espionage, and proxy wars.

What WWII conference established the policy of unconditional surrender for all enemies?

The Casablanca Conference in 1943.

Who were the 'Big Three' at the Tehran Conference in 1943?

Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin.

What commitment did Stalin reaffirm at the Tehran Conference?

Stalin reaffirmed Soviet commitment to declare war on Japan after the war with Germany ended.

What were the key agreements made by Stalin at the Yalta Conference in 1945?

Stalin agreed to enter the Pacific War and to the 'Declaration of Liberated Europe'.

What actions were taken at the Potsdam Conference in July 1945?

Issuing a warning to Japan of unconditional surrender and reversing position on Eastern Europe by stating no free elections.

What did Stalin accuse the Allies of regarding the invasion of France?

That the Allies delayed opening a second front in France so that Germany had time to destroy Russia.

What common goal held the Allies together during WWII?

To defeat Hitler.

What were the different visions of the Allies regarding post-war Europe?

Churchill wanted to divide Europe into 'spheres of influence,' the US wanted to establish 'friendly governments,' and Stalin wanted a buffer zone in Eastern Europe.

What three factors set the stage for the breakdown of the Grand Alliance?

The Allies did not have a history of cooperation, each country had a different vision of the postwar world, and the United States misunderstood Stalin and Soviet policy.

What was a key decision made at the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences regarding Germany?

Dividing Germany into four zones of occupation.

What was the result of Stalin's influence in Eastern Europe?

Communist regimes were established in Eastern European countries, loyal to the Soviet Union and controlled by them.

What was the Iron Curtain?

The division of Europe into Democratic Western Europe and Communist Eastern Europe (Eastern Bloc).

What was the Policy of Containment?

To contain or block Soviet Expansion by preventing the spread of Communism throughout the world.

What was the key message of the Truman Doctrine?

The US would support 'free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures'.

What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?

To promote the recovery of war-torn Europe, contain communism, and increase trade between European countries and the US.

What action provoked the Berlin Crisis (1948-49)?

The Soviets attempted to remove the Allies from Berlin by cutting off Western land access to West Berlin.

What was the US response to the Soviet blockade of Berlin?

Truman ordered a massive airlift of food, fuel, and other supplies to the citizens of West Berlin.

What was the result of the Berlin Airlift in terms of the division of Germany?

The US, France, and Britain created West Germany (Democratic), and the Soviet Union established East Germany (Communist).

What was the significance of the US joining NATO?

The US joined a military defense pact to protect Western Europe, breaking from its tradition of avoiding permanent alliances.

What was the Warsaw Pact?

The alliance linked the Soviet Union with seven Eastern European countries.

What entities were created by the National Security Act?

The Department of Defense, the National Security Council (NSC), and the CIA.

What was the objective of the arms race between the US and the Soviet Union?

To develop superior weapons systems.

Who developed the Hydrogen Bomb in 1952?

The US develops the Hydrogen Bomb which is 1,000 times more powerful than the atom bomb.

What policy led the US into wars and efforts to halt Communist expansion from 1945-1991?

The policy of Containment.

Who oversaw the reconstruction of Japan after WWII?

General Douglas MacArthur.

Who led the Communists in China?

Communists led by Mao Zedong.

Where did the Nationalists retreat after the Communist takeover of mainland China?

The Nationalists retreated to the island of Taiwan.

What was the Domino Theory during the Cold War?

That if one country fell to Communism, many others would follow.

How was Korea divided after the defeat of Japan?

Korea was divided along the 38th Parallel.

What event started the Korean War?

North Korea launched a surprise invasion of South Korea.

What was the significance of the assault at Inchon?

MacArthur reversed the war with a brilliant amphibious assault at Inchon.

What was the result of the Chinese intervention in the Korean War?

Chinese soldiers invaded and pushed the UN and US forces out of North Korea.

Why was MacArthur dismissed by Truman?

He wanted to expand the war, including bombing and invading mainland China.

What was the outcome of the Korean War in July 1953?

The two sides signed an armistice ending the fighting but never signed a peace treaty.

From the perspective of the grand strategy of the Cold War, what was the outcome of the war?

Truman’s containment policy worked.

What events led to the American public to fear the spread of Communism around the world and within the US?

The stalemate in Korea and the loss of China to Communism.