ap euro lre cold war flashcards

COMECON

The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, established in 1949 to coordinate the economies of Eastern Bloc countries.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. initiative from 1948 to 1951 that provided over $13 billion for the reconstruction of European nations after World War II.

Solidarity movement

An independent labor union in Poland during the 1980s that challenged Soviet economic policies.

Wirtschaftswunder

The 'economic miracle' referring to West Germany's rapid industrial growth and recovery post-World War II.

Beveridge Report

A 1942 document that laid the groundwork for the establishment of a welfare state in the UK.

East Germany's economic stagnation

A situation characterized by chronic shortages and inefficiency in the Eastern Bloc economies.

European Economic Community (EEC)

A regional organization created in 1957 to promote economic integration among its member states.

Keynesian economics

An economic theory advocating for increased government expenditures and lower taxes to stimulate demand and pull the global economy out of depression.

Gastarbeiter program

A labor migration program in Germany (1955-1973) that recruited foreign workers, primarily from Turkey, to fill labor shortages.

Breton Woods System

An international monetary system established in 1944 aimed at promoting economic stability and prevent another Great Depression.

Deutsche Mark

The currency of West Germany that became stable and recognized internationally during the postwar period.

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, established in 1949 as a military alliance for collective defense among Western nations.

Vellvet Revolution

A non-violent transition of power in Czechoslovakia in 1989 that led to the end of communist rule.

Maastricht Treaty

A treaty signed in 1992 that led to the creation of the European Union and introduced EU citizenship.

Schengen Agreement

A 1985 treaty that abolished border checks between participating European countries.

National Front (France)

A far-right political party in France that has gained prominence on an anti-immigration platform.

Helsinki Accords

A 1975 agreement signed by 35 nations to improve relations between the Communist bloc and the West, which recognized post-WWII borders.

Social market economy

An economic system combining free market capitalism with social policies aimed at ensuring fair competition and a welfare state.

Elysee Treaty

1963, established franco-german parliamentary exchanges

European Payments Union

1950, enabled multilateral trade, clearing 8 billion dollars in transactions by 1958.

ECSC

European coal and steel community, merged french-german heavy industry.

Treaty of Rome

1957, created EEC; franco-german trade tripled by 1962

UK’s commonwealth immigration act

1962, restricted non-white migration

EU’s single market

1993, erased trade barriers, making war “unthinkable”

West Germany’s Ostpolitik

1970s, prioritized detente over nationalist claims.