Spread of Communism during the Cold War

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the spread of communism during the Cold War, as discussed in the provided lecture notes.

People's Republic of China

Established by Mao Zedong in 1949 after a civil war between the Chinese Communists and Nationalists.

Great Leap Forward

An economic plan initiated by Mao Zedong to rapidly industrialize China, which led to widespread famine between 20 and 50 million deaths.

Nationalization of the Suez Canal

The act by Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser to place the Suez Canal under Egyptian control in 1956.

Proxy War

A conflict where two opposing countries support combatants that serve their interests instead of waging war directly, exemplified by the Vietnam War.

Land Redistribution

The reallocation of land from wealthy landowners to the rural peasantry, implemented in both Vietnam and Cuba.

Cuban Revolution

A successful revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1956 that established Cuba as a communist state and aimed to reduce U.S. economic influence.

Mao Zedong

Leader of the Chinese Communist Party who proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China and implemented policies like the Great Leap Forward.

Collectivization

The process of consolidating individual landholdings into collective farms, as seen in China under Mao's leadership.

Decolonization

The process by which colonies gained independence from colonial powers, significant in the context of 20th-century global politics.

Soviet Union

A socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991, known for its significant role in the spread of communism during the Cold War.