Cold War and Chinese History Flashcards

Flashcards about the Cold War and rise of China

What major event happened on October 1, 1949?

1949: Mao Zedong proclaims the People's Republic of China in Beijing.

What was the significance of China's involvement in the Korean War?

China enters the war to support North Korea and gains international recognition as a Communist power.

What was the goal of the First Five-Year Plan in China (1953-1957)?

Modeled on the Soviet Union and focused on rapid industrialization and collectivization.

What were the consequences of the Great Leap Forward (1958-1961) in China?

A catastrophic failure with 20-45 million deaths from famine and industrial/agricultural collapse.

What was the significance of Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972?

Nixon visited China ,starting normalization of relations between the U.S. and PRC.

Deng Xiaoping's reforms launched what 'Four Modernizations'?

Agriculture, industry, defense, and science/technology.

What were the consequences of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989?

Thousands killed or arrested, global condemnation, but the Communist Party retained power.

Describe the political and economic state of China from the 1990s to 2020s.

Economic superpower under continued authoritarian rule.

What was the key ideological conflict that caused of the Arms Race & Proxy Wars?

U.S. (Capitalism/Democracy) vs. USSR (Communism).

What was the Containment Doctrine?

U.S. goal to prevent the spread of Communism.

Which countries backed North and South Korea during the Korean War?

North Korea (Communist) backed by USSR and China vs South Korea (Capitalist) backed by U.S. and UN.

Which sides were fighting in Angolan Civil War (1975–2002)?

MPLA (Marxist, Soviet/Cuban-backed) vs. UNITA (U.S./South African- backed).

What action caused the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962?

USSR installs nuclear missiles in Cuba, bring the world to brink of nuclear war

Why did the U.S. fund the Contras in Nicaragua?

U.S. funds Contras (anti-Communists) in response to Sandinistas (Communist) take power (1979).

How did the U.S. respond to the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan in 1979?

U.S. arms the mujahideen (Islamic rebels), including Osama bin Laden after USSR tries to support Communist government in Afghanistan.

Identify some key effects of the Arms Race & Proxy Wars.

Massive military spending, destruction and destabilization, civilian suffering, and nuclear proliferation concerns.