AP World History 8.2 Flashcards

Iron Curtain

Metaphorical barrier symbolizing the division between Eastern (communist) and Western (democratic) Europe during the Cold War.

Satellite countries

Nations in Eastern Europe influenced and controlled by the Soviet Union post-World War II.

Containment

U.S. policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism beyond its existing borders.

Truman Doctrine

1947 U.S. policy declaring support for countries resisting communism, notably in Greece and Turkey.

Non-Aligned Movement

Alliance of countries in the 1950s-1960s that sought to avoid alignment with either superpower during the Cold War.

Mutual assured destruction (MAD)

Military doctrine stating that both superpowers would be destroyed in a nuclear war, deterring direct conflict.

Marshall Plan

U.S. initiative launched in 1947 to provide economic aid for the reconstruction of European nations after WWII.

Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON)

Soviet-led economic organization established in 1949 to help Eastern European countries, less effective than the Marshall Plan

Sputnik

first artificial Earth satellite, launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, marking the beginning of the space race during the Cold War.