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Untitled Flashcards Set
Unit 9, Part I: The Cold War (1945-1990)
Jean-Paul Sartre
existentialism
Abstract Expressionism
Anselm Kiefer
Pop Art
Peter Blake
postmodernism
Theatre of the Absurd
Karl Barth
LGBT Rights movements
Iron Curtain
Definition
A political and military barrier separating the communist nations of Eastern Europe from the Western democracies.
Significance
It symbolized the division of Europe and the Cold War ideological divide between East (Soviet) and West (U.S.-led democracies).
Truman Doctrine
Definition
A U.S. foreign policy (1947) that aimed to contain communism by supporting countries resisting Soviet influence.
Significance
Marked the beginning of the U.S. Cold War containment strategy.
Greek Civil War
Definition
A civil war (1946-1949) in Greece between communist rebels and the government supported by the U.S. and Britain.
Significance
It was one of the first major confrontations of the Cold War, showing the battle between communism and capitalism.
Marshall Plan
Definition
U.S. economic assistance program (1948-1952) to rebuild Western Europe after WWII.
Significance
Helped stabilize European economies and reduce the appeal of communism.
COMECON
Definition
The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, a Soviet-led economic organization established in 1949 to aid Eastern Bloc nations.
Significance
Aimed to counter the Western economic influence of the Marshall Plan.
Berlin Blockade
Definition
Soviet blockade of West Berlin (1948-1949) to force Allied withdrawal.
Significance
Led to the Berlin Airlift, a major Cold War confrontation between the Soviet Union and the Western powers.
Berlin Airlift
Definition
A U.S. and British operation to supply West Berlin during the Soviet blockade.
Significance
Demonstrated Western resolve and marked a major Cold War victory for the Allies.
NATO
Definition The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed in 1949 among Western nations.
Significance: Created as a collective defense pact against Soviet aggression and a cornerstone of the Cold War divide.
9. Warsaw Pact
Definition: A military alliance of Soviet and Eastern Bloc countries, formed in 1955 in response to NATO.
Significance: Represented the Soviet-led military opposition to the West during the Cold War.
10. Big Science
Definition: Large-scale scientific research and technological development, often funded by governments.
Significance: Contributed to Cold War technological and military competition, especially in space and nuclear technology.
11. Arms Race
Definition: The competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union to develop more powerful weapons, particularly nuclear arms.
Significance: Increased tensions and the threat of nuclear war during the Cold War.
12. Space Race
Definition: The competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union to achieve space exploration milestones.
Significance: Symbolized technological and ideological superiority between the two superpowers during the Cold War.
13. Sputnik I
Definition: The first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.
Significance: Marked the beginning of the Space Race and increased Cold War tensions.
14. NASA
Definition: The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, established in 1958.
Significance: Played a central role in U.S. space achievements, including the 1969 moon landing.
15. Economic Miracle
Definition: Rapid economic recovery and growth in post-WWII Western Europe, particularly in Germany and France.
Significance: It was a major reason for the stability and prosperity of Western Europe during the Cold War.
16. Christian Democrats
Definition: A political ideology focused on Christian values and social market economies, common in post-WWII Western Europe.
Significance: Christian Democratic parties helped stabilize Western European democracies and promote economic recovery.
17. Exceptions of Greece, Spain, & Portugal
Definition: These countries remained under authoritarian regimes longer than most of Europe, until the 1970s.
Significance: Highlighted the uneven political development in post-war Europe.
18. Welfare State
Definition: A government system providing social services, such as healthcare, education, and pensions.
Significance: It became a hallmark of post-WWII Western European countries to ensure citizens’ well-being.
19. European Economic Cooperation (EEC)
Definition: The 1957 agreement among six European countries to create a common market.
Significance: The precursor to the European Union, promoting economic integration in Europe.
20. Council of Europe
Definition: An organization founded in 1949 to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe.
Significance: It was a key institution in Europe, helping to maintain peace and cooperation during the Cold War.
21. European Coal and Steel Community
Definition: A 1951 agreement between six European nations to regulate coal and steel industries.
Significance: Paved the way for broader European economic integration, laying the groundwork for the EU.
22. Charles de Gaulle
Definition: Leader of Free France during WWII and later president of France (1959-1969).
Significance: Strengthened France’s role in Europe and pursued an independent foreign policy during the Cold War.
23. Expansion of the Consumer Market
Definition: Increased production and consumption of consumer goods, particularly in Western Europe in the post-WWII period.
Significance: Reflected economic prosperity in Western Europe and led to a higher standard of living.
24. Cominform
Definition: The Communist Information Bureau, founded in 1947 to coordinate communist parties under Soviet leadership.
Significance: Served to centralize Soviet control over communist parties in Europe and elsewhere.
25. East Bloc
Definition: The group of communist countries in Eastern Europe, led by the Soviet Union.
Significance: Represented the Soviet sphere of influence and was a central element in Cold War divisions.
26. Josip Tito
Definition: Leader of Yugoslavia who resisted Soviet control and developed a non-aligned socialist path.
Significance: Tito's leadership symbolized independence from Soviet domination within the communist world.
27. East German Construction Workers Revolt (1953)
Definition: A revolt by East German workers against the government in 1953, suppressed by Soviet forces.
Significance: Demonstrated popular discontent with communist rule in Eastern Europe.
28. Socialist Realism
Definition: An artistic movement promoted by the Soviet Union to depict an idealized vision of communist society.
Significance: It served as propaganda to reinforce Soviet ideology and discourage dissent.
29. Nikita Khrushchev
Definition: Soviet leader from 1953 to 1964, known for de-Stalinization and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Significance: Played a major role in Cold War politics, both escalating and attempting to ease tensions.
30. De-Stalinization
Definition: The process initiated by Khrushchev to dismantle the policies and legacy of Joseph Stalin.
Significance: Led to more liberal policies in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe but also exposed the flaws in Soviet governance.
31. “Peaceful Coexistence”
Definition: A policy promoted by Khrushchev aimed at reducing tensions between the Soviet Union and the West.
Significance: It marked a shift toward diplomacy during the Cold War, but tensions remained.
32. 1956 Polish Protests
Definition: Uprisings in Poland demanding political and economic reforms.
Significance: Signified growing unrest in Eastern Europe and pressure for reform under communist regimes.
33. Imre Nagy
Definition: Leader of Hungary during the 1956 uprising against Soviet control.
Significance: His execution after the failed revolution highlighted Soviet intolerance for dissent in Eastern Europe.
34. 1956 Hungarian Uprising
Definition: A revolt against Soviet-backed communist rule in Hungary, crushed by Soviet forces.
Significance: Marked a pivotal moment in the Cold War, showing Soviet willingness to maintain control through military intervention.
35. Berlin Wall
Definition: A barrier built in 1961 by East Germany to prevent East Berliners from fleeing to West Berlin.
Significance: Symbolized the division of Europe and the Cold War’s ideological divide between East and West.
Cuban Missile Crisis
Definition: A 13-day confrontation in 1962 between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic missiles in Cuba, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war.
Significance: The crisis marked one of the most dangerous moments of the Cold War and led to a direct hotline between Washington and Moscow to avoid future crises.
Leonid Brezhnev
Definition: Leader of the Soviet Union from 1964 to 1982, he succeeded Nikita Khrushchev and led during a period of détente, but also increased repression.
Significance: Brezhnev's rule marked a period of Soviet stagnation, the continuation of the arms race, and the suppression of reforms in Eastern Europe, particularly during the 1968 Prague Spring.
Decolonization
Definition: The process by which colonies gained independence from European powers, particularly after WWII.
Significance: Decolonization reshaped global politics, ending European imperial control and leading to the emergence of new nations, many of which were involved in Cold War alignments.
Impact of the Cold War on Decolonization
Definition: The Cold War played a significant role in decolonization, as both the U.S. and the Soviet Union sought to gain influence over newly independent nations.
Significance: The Cold War's ideological battle over communism versus capitalism shaped the political futures of many former colonies, often resulting in their alignment with one of the superpowers.
Nonalignment
Definition: A movement of countries, mainly in Asia and Africa, that sought to remain neutral in the Cold War and not align with either the U.S. or the Soviet Union.
Significance: Nonalignment was important in providing a third path for newly independent countries that sought to avoid becoming pawns in Cold War politics.
Decolonization in Dutch Indonesia
Definition: The process by which Indonesia gained independence from the Netherlands in 1949 after a struggle for freedom.
Significance: Indonesia’s independence marked a key moment in Asian decolonization and the weakening of European imperialism.
Ho Chi Minh
Definition: The communist revolutionary leader who founded the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and led the resistance against French colonialism and later against the U.S. in the Vietnam War.
Significance: Ho Chi Minh became a symbol of resistance to colonialism and imperialism, and his leadership was central to the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.
First Indochina War
Definition: A conflict (1946–1954) between the French colonial forces and the Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, resulting in the independence of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
Significance: The First Indochina War marked the end of French colonial rule in Southeast Asia and set the stage for the Vietnam War.
Mohandas Gandhi
Definition: Leader of the Indian independence movement who used nonviolent civil disobedience to fight British colonial rule.
Significance: Gandhi's tactics of nonviolent resistance became a model for civil rights movements worldwide and played a key role in India’s independence from Britain.
Partition of India
Definition: The division of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, in 1947, accompanied by widespread violence and mass migration.
Significance: The partition created lasting political and religious divisions, particularly between India and Pakistan, which continue to affect South Asia today.
British Commonwealth
Definition: A political association of former British colonies, many of which have become independent nations, that cooperate on economic, political, and social issues.
Significance: The British Commonwealth allowed for continued ties between the United Kingdom and its former colonies, while also promoting self-determination and independence.
UN Partition of Palestine & Creation of Israel
Definition: A 1947 United Nations plan to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, leading to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
Significance: The creation of Israel led to ongoing conflict with Arab nations and the Palestinian people, shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics for decades.
Gamal Abdel Nasser
Definition: The president of Egypt from 1956 until his death in 1970, Nasser was a prominent leader of Arab nationalism and socialist reforms.
Significance: Nasser played a key role in the nationalization of the Suez Canal, the development of pan-Arabism, and the establishment of Egypt as a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Nationalization of the Suez Canal
Definition: The 1956 decision by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser to take control of the Suez Canal, previously operated by a British-French company.
Significance: The Suez Crisis, sparked by this nationalization, marked a decline in British and French influence in the Middle East and highlighted the geopolitical importance of the Suez Canal.
Decolonization in the Belgian Congo
Definition: The process by which the Belgian Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960, resulting in the creation of the Republic of the Congo (later the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Significance: The violent and chaotic nature of the Congo's independence exposed the challenges of decolonization in Africa and the Cold War’s influence on African politics.
National Liberation Front
Definition: A political and military organization formed in 1954 to fight for Algerian independence from French colonial rule.
Significance: The National Liberation Front's successful fight for independence led to the Algerian War (1954–1962) and set a precedent for other anti-colonial movements.
Algerian War
Definition: A war of independence (1954-1962) in which Algeria fought against French colonial rule, resulting in Algeria’s independence.
Significance: The war was a turning point in the decolonization process, leading to the decline of French influence in North Africa and inspiring other colonial independence movements.
Fifth Republic
Definition: The French republic established in 1958 under Charles de Gaulle, marking a shift toward a strong executive presidency.
Significance: The Fifth Republic stabilized France politically after the Algerian War and restored the country's influence on the global stage during the Cold War.
Neocolonialism
Definition: The practice of using economic, political, and cultural pressures to control or influence a country, often replacing direct colonial rule with indirect control.
Significance: Neocolonialism allowed former colonial powers to maintain influence over their former colonies, especially in Africa, despite formal decolonization.
Growth of White-Collar Workers
Definition: The expansion of the professional, managerial, and administrative sectors of the workforce in the post-WWII period.
Significance: The growth of white-collar workers reflected the shift from industrial to service-based economies in the West and contributed to the rise of the middle class.
Changes to the European Working Class
Definition: The transformation of the working class in Europe after WWII, with an increase in skilled labor and a move toward service-sector jobs.
Significance: These changes helped improve living standards for workers in Western Europe and contributed to the rise of social welfare systems.
Patterns of Post-War Migration
Definition: The movement of people in Europe after WWII, including the migration of laborers, refugees, and displaced persons.
Significance: Post-war migration reshaped European demographics and contributed to economic recovery, while also fueling debates over immigration and integration.
Guest Worker Programs
Definition: Programs, especially in Western Europe during the 1950s and 1960s, that allowed foreign workers to fill labor shortages.
Significance: These programs helped rebuild European economies but also led to social and cultural tensions as migrants became permanent parts of the labor force.
Postcolonial Migration
Definition: The movement of people from former colonies to Europe after WWII, particularly from the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia.
Significance: Postcolonial migration reshaped European societies and created multicultural environments, while also leading to challenges regarding immigration policy and integration.
Rising Xenophobia
Definition: The fear or dislike of foreigners, which increased in Europe in the post-WWII period due to rising immigration from former colonies and other parts of the world.
Significance: Xenophobia led to social tensions, discrimination, and the rise of far-right political movements in various European countries.
Baby Boom
Definition: The significant increase in birth rates in many Western countries between 1946 and 1964, following the end of WWII.
Significance: The baby boom contributed to economic growth, changes in family structures, and the eventual pressures on social systems as the baby boomer generation aged.
Declines in Birth Rates in 1960s/70s
Definition: A demographic trend in many Western countries where birth rates began to fall significantly during the 1960s and 1970s.
Significance: Declining birth rates had long-term implications for economic growth, social security systems, and the structure of families.
Rising Rates of Working Women
Definition: The increase in women entering the workforce during the post-WWII period, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s.
Significance: This trend contributed to the rise of gender equality movements and had significant economic and social effects, especially in family dynamics and the labor market.
Double Burden
Definition: The phenomenon where women work both inside and outside the home, balancing paid employment with domestic responsibilities.
Significance: The double burden became a key issue in feminist movements, highlighting the challenges of gender inequality in both the home and workplace.
Teenager Culture
Definition: The emergence of a distinct youth culture in the post-WWII period, characterized by rebellion, new music, fashion, and attitudes.
Significance: Teenager culture represented a shift in societal norms, influencing pop culture, music (like rock 'n' roll), and the development of youth-driven movements during the 1960s.
Willy Brandt
Definition: Chancellor of West Germany from 1969 to 1974 and a prominent social democrat, Brandt is known for his policy of "Ostpolitik" (opening relations with Eastern Europe).
Significance: Brandt's leadership and Ostpolitik helped ease tensions during the Cold War and laid the groundwork for improved relations between East and West Germany, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971.
Ostpolitik
Definition: A policy introduced by West German Chancellor Willy Brandt in the late 1960s aimed at improving relations between West Germany and the communist countries of Eastern Europe, particularly East Germany and the Soviet Union.
Significance: Ostpolitik was a major shift in Cold War diplomacy, helping reduce tensions in Europe and facilitating the eventual reunification of Germany.
Détente
Definition: A period of eased tensions and improved diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the 1970s, characterized by arms control agreements and increased diplomatic engagement.
Significance: Détente marked a temporary reduction in Cold War tensions, allowing for important agreements like the SALT treaties, though it ultimately broke down in the late 1970s.
Helsinki Accords
Definition: A series of agreements signed in 1975 by 35 nations, including the U.S. and the Soviet Union, aimed at improving relations between the East and West during the Cold War, focusing on human rights and security.
Significance: The Helsinki Accords helped to reduce tensions in Europe, promoted human rights, and provided a foundation for future movements in Eastern Europe.
The Affluent Society
Definition: A term coined by economist John Kenneth Galbraith in 1958 to describe the post-WWII Western economy, characterized by widespread prosperity, consumerism, and economic growth.
Significance: The "affluent society" highlighted the economic boom of the 1950s and 1960s in the West, but also raised questions about inequality, environmental degradation, and the consequences of consumerism.
Americanization of Europe
Definition: The process by which European culture, economies, and societies became increasingly influenced by American ideas, products, and culture after WWII, especially during the Cold War.
Significance: The Americanization of Europe led to cultural changes, the spread of American consumer goods, and the dominance of American media and entertainment, as well as contributing to the growth of global capitalism.
Second Vatican Council
Definition: A council of the Roman Catholic Church held from 1962 to 1965, which brought significant reforms to church practices, including improved relations with other religions and more focus on social justice.
Significance: The Second Vatican Council modernized the Catholic Church, emphasizing a more inclusive and progressive approach to issues like ecumenism, social justice, and liturgical practices.
Counterculture
Definition: A social movement, particularly prominent in the 1960s, that rejected traditional norms, advocating for alternative lifestyles, civil rights, peace, and environmentalism.
Significance: The counterculture of the 1960s was influential in challenging authority and traditional values, promoting social and political change, and laying the foundation for the civil rights, feminist, and environmental movements.
Impact of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement
Definition: The struggle by African Americans and other marginalized groups in the U.S. during the 1950s and 1960s for equal rights, leading to landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965).
Significance: The U.S. Civil Rights Movement had a profound impact worldwide, inspiring global struggles for racial equality, women's rights, and other social justice movements.
New Left
Definition: A political movement, mainly in Western Europe and the U.S. during the 1960s and 1970s, focused on social justice, civil rights, anti-imperialism, environmentalism, and opposition to the Vietnam War.
Significance: The New Left was instrumental in promoting progressive causes, influencing the political landscape, and challenging traditional ideologies during the Cold War.
Sexual Revolution
Definition: A social movement in the 1960s and 1970s advocating for greater sexual freedom, including the acceptance of premarital sex, birth control, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Significance: The sexual revolution challenged traditional norms about sex, gender, and relationships, leading to greater societal acceptance of sexual diversity and women's autonomy over reproductive choices.
Birth Control Pill
Definition: A contraceptive pill introduced in the 1960s, which gave women more control over their reproductive choices and contributed to the sexual revolution.
Significance: The birth control pill revolutionized women's rights, allowing greater independence and enabling more women to pursue careers and education without the fear of unintended pregnancies.
Rock 'n' Roll
Definition: A genre of popular music that emerged in the 1950s in the U.S., blending rhythm and blues with country and western, and quickly became a global phenomenon.
Significance: Rock 'n' roll became a defining cultural force in the post-WWII era, shaping youth culture, challenging social norms, and influencing subsequent music and social movements.
The Beatles
Definition: A British rock band formed in the early 1960s that became one of the most influential musical groups in history, known for their innovative music and social impact.
Significance: The Beatles played a central role in the global music revolution of the 1960s and became a symbol of the cultural and social changes of the era, influencing generations of musicians and fans.
Vietnam War
Definition: A conflict between North Vietnam (supported by communist allies) and South Vietnam (supported by the U.S. and other anti-communist allies) from 1955 to 1975.
Significance: The Vietnam War was a major Cold War conflict that resulted in the fall of South Vietnam, widespread protest movements, and a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy and military interventionism.
Antiwar Demonstrations
Definition: Protests and social movements, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, against the Vietnam War and other military conflicts.
Significance: Antiwar demonstrations became a key feature of the 1960s counterculture, challenging government policies and contributing to the broader social movements of the era.
Tet Offensive
Definition: A series of surprise attacks by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces on South Vietnamese cities and military bases in 1968, which marked a turning point in the Vietnam War.
Significance: Although a military defeat for North Vietnam, the Tet Offensive shook public confidence in the U.S. government's handling of the war and spurred growing anti-war sentiment.
Vietnamization
Definition: A policy initiated by U.S. President Richard Nixon in 1969 aimed at gradually withdrawing American troops from Vietnam and transferring the responsibility for the war to the South Vietnamese.
Significance: Vietnamization marked a shift in U.S. strategy in Vietnam and reflected the growing desire to end American involvement in the war.
May 1968 French Student Protests
Definition: A series of student-led protests and strikes in France in May 1968, initially sparked by education reforms but expanding to broader issues of societal change and opposition to authority.
Significance: The May 1968 protests symbolized the broader youth rebellion against authority and traditional structures, influencing future social movements in France and worldwide.
New Left Use of Terrorism
Definition: The use of violent tactics by some radical New Left groups in the 1960s and 1970s, including bombings and kidnappings, as part of their revolutionary ideology.
Significance: The resort to violence by some elements of the New Left, such as the Weather Underground in the U.S. and the Red Army Faction in Germany, led to debates about the legitimacy of radical activism and its long-term effects on political movements.
National Organization for Women (NOW)
Definition: A feminist organization founded in 1966 in the United States, which advocates for women's rights, including gender equality, reproductive rights, and an end to discrimination.
Significance: NOW played a critical role in the second-wave feminist movement, pushing for legislative changes in women's rights and empowering women to demand equality in various spheres of life.
Abortion
The medical termination of a pregnancy. In the context of the Cold War, abortion became a contentious issue in many European countries, with debates around women's rights, state control, and family policy.
Environmentalism
A social and political movement focused on protecting the environment from harm caused by human activity, such as pollution and over-exploitation of natural resources. Environmental concerns gained more attention in the 1970s and 1980s, influencing European politics.
Chernobyl
A catastrophic nuclear disaster that occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, which was part of the Soviet Union at the time. It is considered the worst nuclear accident in history, with widespread environmental and health effects.
Green Parties
Political parties in Europe that advocate for environmental protection, sustainability, and social justice. Green parties gained significant influence in the 1980s and 1990s, especially in Western Europe.
Greenpeace
An international non-governmental environmental organization founded in 1971, focused on addressing global environmental issues like climate change, deforestation, and pollution. Greenpeace was particularly vocal in opposing nuclear testing and the use of nuclear power.
ETA Separatist Movement
The Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) was a Basque separatist group that sought independence for the Basque Country from Spain and France through violent means. It was active from the 1950s through the early 21st century.
IRA (Irish Republican Army)
A paramilitary organization that sought the reunification of Ireland and the end of British rule in Northern Ireland. The IRA was involved in violent conflict, known as The Troubles, from the late 1960s to 1998.
Time of Troubles
A period of political instability in Russia from 1598 to 1613, marked by famine, civil war, foreign invasions, and the eventual establishment of the Romanov dynasty. While not directly related to the Cold War, it is an important event in Russian history.
French National Front
A far-right political party in France, founded in 1972. It advocates for nationalism, anti-immigration policies, and Euroscepticism. It gained prominence in the 1980s and became a significant force in French politics.
Developed Socialism
A term used by the Soviet Union to describe the state-controlled, planned economies and authoritarian systems that existed in Eastern Bloc countries. It was considered a stage between socialism and communism, emphasizing centralized control.
Life for Women in the Eastern Bloc
Under Communist regimes in Eastern Europe, women were granted legal rights, including access to education and work, but often faced state control over personal lives. In many cases, women were expected to balance work and family responsibilities.
Issues in Soviet Economies
The Soviet economy faced numerous issues during the Cold War, including inefficiency, stagnation, and over-centralization. The state-controlled economy struggled with technological backwardness, lack of innovation, and shortages of goods, contributing to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.
Václav Havel
A Czech writer, dissident, and political leader who became the President of Czechoslovakia after the fall of communism. He played a central role in the peaceful overthrow of the Communist government in 1989 during the Velvet Revolution.
Pope John Paul II
The head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005, Pope John Paul II was a strong opponent of communism and played a key role in the resistance to Soviet domination in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland.
Lech Wałęsa
A Polish labor leader and co-founder of the trade union Solidarity. Wałęsa was instrumental in the struggle against communism in Poland and later became the President of Poland after the fall of communism.
Solidarity
A Polish trade union movement founded in 1980, which became a powerful force in opposing the communist government. Solidarity played a key role in the collapse of communism in Poland and across Eastern Europe.
Soviets in Afghanistan
The Soviet Union intervened in Afghanistan in 1979 to support the communist government against a growing insurgency. The intervention led to a decade-long war (1979-1989), which ended with Soviet withdrawal and was a key factor in the weakening of the Soviet Union.
Strategic Defense Initiative
A proposed U.S. missile defense system announced by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, intended to protect the U.S. from nuclear missile attacks. The initiative was controversial and contributed to tensions during the Cold War, particularly with the Soviet Union.
Mikhail Gorbachev
The last leader of the Soviet Union, serving from 1985 to 1991. Gorbachev implemented significant reforms, including perestroika (economic restructuring) and glasnost (political openness), which contributed to the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Perestroika
A series of political and economic reforms introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s to restructure the Soviet economy and allow for some degree of private enterprise and decentralization.
Glasnost
A policy of political openness and transparency introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s. Glasnost allowed for greater freedom of speech, a more open media, and a relaxation of political repression, ultimately contributing to the fall of the Soviet Union.
Democratization
The process of transitioning from authoritarian regimes to more democratic forms of government. Gorbachev's reforms of perestroika and glasnost paved the way for democratization in Eastern Europe during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Revolutions of 1989
A series of non-violent uprisings and protests across Eastern Europe, leading to the overthrow of communist regimes. The revolutions were largely inspired by Gorbachev's reforms and led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of Soviet-controlled governments.
Fall of the Berlin Wall
In 1989, the Berlin Wall, which had divided East and West Berlin since 1961, was brought down. This event symbolized the end of the Cold War and the collapse of communist rule in Eastern Europe.
Velvet Revolution
A peaceful revolution in Czechoslovakia in 1989 that led to the overthrow of the communist government. The revolution was characterized by nonviolent protests and negotiations, leading to the eventual establishment of a democratic government.
Nicolae Ceaușescu
The communist dictator of Romania from 1965 to 1989. Ceaușescu was overthrown and executed during the Romanian Revolution of 1989, which was part of the larger wave of anti-communist uprisings in Eastern Europe.
“German Question”
The political and diplomatic issue of Germany's division after World War II, and the efforts to reunify East and West Germany during the Cold War. It was a key issue in European and Cold War politics.
Reunification of Germany
The process by which East and West Germany were reunified after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. This culminated in the official reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990.
Paris Accord
Refers to a variety of peace treaties, but in the context of the Cold War, it most commonly refers to the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, which ended the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Boris Yeltsin
The first president of the Russian Federation (1991-1999), Yeltsin played a central role in the collapse of the Soviet Union and the transition to a market economy in Russia.
Jean-Paul Sartre
A French philosopher and writer, Jean-Paul Sartre was one of the leading figures of existentialism, a philosophical movement that focused on individual freedom, choice, and the meaning of life.
Existentialism
A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. It posits that life has no inherent meaning except the meaning individuals create for themselves.
Abstract Expressionism
An art movement that emerged in the 1940s in the United States, characterized by spontaneous, abstract, and often emotionally charged works. It was a major movement during the Cold War period.
Anselm Kiefer
A German painter and sculptor, Kiefer is known for his works dealing with the aftermath of World War II, German history, and the legacy of the Holocaust. His style is often associated with neo-expressionism.
Pop Art
An art movement that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by its use of imagery from popular culture, mass media, and consumer products. It was a reaction against abstract expressionism and often incorporated irony and humor.
Peter Blake
A British artist best known for co-creating the iconic album cover for The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Blake was a prominent figure in the Pop Art movement.
Postmodernism
A cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by skepticism toward grand narratives, an emphasis on relativism, and a mix of different styles and media.
Theatre of the Absurd
A post-World War II theatrical movement that focuses on the absurdity of human existence, often characterized by nonsensical dialogue and illogical plots. Famous playwrights include Samuel Beckett and Eugène Ionesco.
Karl Barth
A Swiss Protestant theologian whose work laid the foundations for neo-orthodoxy in the 20th century. Barth emphasized the sovereignty of God and the importance of scripture.
LGBT Rights Movements
Social movements advocating for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. These movements gained significant momentum in the post-World War II era, particularly in Western Europe and the U.S., advocating for equality, legal recognition, and protection from discrimination.
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