Cold War Origins and Developments

Flashcards covering the origins and key events of the Cold War.

What conflicting ideologies fueled the Cold War's origins?

Marxism-Leninism, advocating for a Soviet regime, clashed with the US's promotion of free trade, democracy, and self-determination.

What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939?

An agreement where the USSR regained land lost to Poland.

What key agreement was reached at the Yalta Conference of February 1945?

Germany was to be placed under four-power control.

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A US policy announced in March 1947 in response to communist rebellion in Greece and pressure on Turkey, signaling US intervention against communism.

What was the Marshall Plan?

A US initiative launched in June 1947, offering financial aid to Europe.

What was Stalin's reaction to the Marshall Plan?

He created Cominform and vetoed Eastern European states' acceptance, fearing US interference.

What did Stalin do in response to the Western Allies plans for West Germany?

He blockaded West Berlin.

What events led to the formal division of Germany?

The formation of the FRG in May 1949 and the GDR in October 1949.

What was the significance of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) victory in 1949?

It altered the balance of power in Asia and led to PRC support for communist movements in Korea and Indochina.

What was the outcome of the Geneva Conference in 1954 regarding Vietnam?

Vietnam was partitioned into two states, while Cambodia and Laos gained independence.

What was the Warsaw Pact?

The Soviet bloc's response to West Germany joining NATO in 1955.

What was Khrushchev's secret speech in February 1956 about?

A speech that openly attacked Stalin.

What role did the Suez Crisis of 1956 play in the Cold War?

Khrushchev posed as a champion of less developed, non-aligned states.

What was the main challenge for GDR's economy?

Chronic economic weakness.