Origins of the Cold War
Why is this period of conflict referred to as the "cold war" (what does the term mean)?
Conflict is between the US and the USSR but the two countries never meet on a battlefield
The Cold War is characterized by the ongoing tension between these two countries (who would have the most influence, power, weapons, etc.)
List 3 changes that occurred in America after WWII
Rise of Suburbia
Baby Boom
Increased Focus on Education
Interstate System
What kind of conflict are the Korean War and Vietnam War examples of?
Proxy Wars
What was Sputnik and why was it important?
It was the first satellite launched into space and it started the Space Race.
What was the Détente?
A "cooling off" period of the 1970s
What happened to Germany after WWII? In which conference was this decision made?
It was split between G.B., France, U.S.A., and USSR.
Yalta Conference.
What is McCarthyism (either the Cold War definition or the modern one)?
The ongoing accusation of individuals, labeling them as Communists.
Today “McCarthyism” is used to refer to someone who accuses someone of disloyalty without having any evidence.
What line divides North and South Korea?
The 38th Parallel
What was the biggest thermonuclear weapon developed during the Cold War?
Tsar Bomba tested by the USSR on October 30, 1961
What ended the Détente?
The Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979 and the U.S.A. supported the Afghans.
Why was the Berlin Airlift necessary?
Soviet forces blockaded rail, road, and water access to Allied-controlled areas of Berlin.
Name 2 people who were impacted by McCarthyism or the 2nd Red Scare.
Alger Hiss, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg
Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, Arthur Miller, Langston Hughes, Lena Horne.
What were the Geneva Accords?
A peace settlement for the end of World War II that divided Vietnam along the 17th parallel.
North (Communist) under Ho Chi Minh
South (anti-communist) under Ngo Dinh Diem
Called for elections to unify the country in 1956 – South did not support this
Which space mission successfully landed men on the moon? Name 2 of those men.
Apollo 11
Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, Michael Collins
What were SALT I and SALT II (What did SALT stand for and what did they do)?
Strategic Arms Limitation Treaties (SALT I & II) limit the number of nuclear missiles
Explain the policy of containment and give 2 examples of conflicts that occurred because of it
Goal of preventing communism from spreading
Korean and Vietnam Wars
What is the lasting impact of the Baby Boomers generation. List and describe 2 specific effects they have had on our modern world.
Social Security tax is strained
Higher strain on government-funded medical insurance
Urban Decay
Loss of Farmland
Name 1 similarity between the Korean war and the Vietnam war, and 1 difference for each.
Similarities:
Both North vs. South; Both Communism vs. Capitalism
Both had USSR support North and USA soldiers supporting south.
Both motivated by containment policy
Differences:
Scorched Earth vs. Carpet Bombing
Stalemate vs. clear loss for USA
Korean War was not televised but Vietnam War was
Korean War was 3 years, Vietnam War was 20 years
Name 1 similarity between the Arms Race and the space race, and 1 difference for each.
Similarities:
Both quests for power
Both characterized by scientific developments
Both between the USA and USSR
Both very dangerous with successes and failures
Differences:
Space race- focus on outer space; Arms race- focus on Earth
Space race- Exploration; Arms race-Defense
Space race- U.S. "won"; Arms race-"winner" is disputed (but most think the USSR won.
What were the reforms of Glasnost and Perestroika and what change did it show in the USSR?
Glasnost – more openness
Perestroika – Free market economic restructuring
A move toward more Democratic and Capitalistic policies.
How were the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan different?
The Truman Doctrine specifically stated that it would help Democratic countries.
Name 2 ways in which the Cold War affected the "norms" of American society.
Hint: Think of the 1950s Educational films we watched.
Bomb drills became normal in schools
Communists were being hunted
The American people openly protested war
Television use became more widespread.
What was the Tet Offensive and how did it change American views on the Vietnam War?
The Vietcong attack the Tet. Technical American victory but turning point in the war. Americans began to question whether we could ever actually win this war.
What was the Bay of Pigs invasion and how did it impact America?
CIA trained group of Cubans to try to overthrow Castro.
Attempted airstrike failed and invading force defeated by Cuban military.
It was a military Catastrophe, Embarrassment for US
What problems led to the USSR's downfall? List and describe 2 specific factors.
Increasing military expenses to compete with USA
Rising nationalism in Soviet republics
Soviet republics break away & declare independence
Economic inefficiency