Was US–USSR Confrontation Only a Remote Possibility (1956–61)?

What is the key argument of the question?

Whether direct military confrontation between the US and USSR was only a remote possibility between 1956 and 1961.

Why did nuclear deterrence make confrontation unlikely?

Both sides had hydrogen bombs and long-range delivery systems, making direct war suicidal.

What was Eisenhower’s nuclear doctrine called?

Massive retaliation.

How did Khrushchev promote reduced tensions after 1956?

Through the policy of peaceful coexistence.

Why did indirect competition reduce the chance of direct war?

The superpowers focused on arms race, space race, and global influence rather than direct fighting.

What major crisis in 1956 tested the limits of coexistence?

The Hungarian Uprising.

How did the Hungarian Uprising show confrontation risk?

Soviet force provoked global outrage; if the US had intervened, war could have erupted.

Why was Berlin (1958–61) a potential flashpoint for direct confrontation?

Khrushchev demanded Western withdrawal, leading to ultimatums and tank standoffs.

What incident in 1960 worsened US–USSR relations and collapsed diplomacy?

The U-2 spy plane incident.

What happened at Checkpoint Charlie in 1961?

A direct tank standoff between US and Soviet forces in Berlin.

Why were the Taiwan Strait Crises (1958) significant to confrontation risk?

he US considered nuclear strikes; the USSR warned against them.

What event in Cuba increased US–USSR tension by 1961?

The Cuban Revolution’s alignment with the USSR (and Bay of Pigs planning).

How did the US and USSR attempt to manage crises peacefully?

Through summits, back-channel communications, and avoiding escalation.

Why did Khrushchev agree to build the Berlin Wall in 1961?

As a non-military solution to the Berlin Crisis.

hy were domestic political constraints important?

Both leaders faced pressure to avoid nuclear war.

Overall, was confrontation only a remote possibility?

Partially — war was unlikely due to deterrence, but several crises brought the superpowers close to conflict.

What is the final judgement?

Direct confrontation was unlikely but not remote; miscalculation and brinkmanship created real dangers.