The Beginning of the Cold War
What event started the Cold War?
When was the Berlin Blockade?
1948-49
When did Stalin die, and who replaced him?
1953, replaced by Nikita Krushchev
When was the state of Israel created?
1948
Who did the Soviets fight in Afghanistan?
The Mujahideen
Who were the main superpowers in the Cold War?
The USA and the USSR
How was Germany divided after World War II?
Into 4 zones belonging to France, Britain, the USA, and the USSR
Who was Nasser, and what did he do in 1956?
The president of Egypt. He nationalised the Suez Canal
What was 'socialism with a human face', and who invented it?
Invented by Alexander Dubcek, 'socialism with a human face' was communism with more liberal reforms such as less censorship and greater freedom.
What happened in Iran in 1979?
The Islamic Revolution replaced the pro-American shah with a fundamentalist regime led by Ayatollah Khomeini, reducing US influence in the Middle East.
What was the 'Iron Curtain', and who introduced the term?
A symbolic boundary that divided Europe politically and militarily between East and West. It was used by Winston Churchill
Describe the two sides involved in the Chinese Civil War (leader, aims, who supported them)
1. The Nationalists led by Chiang Kai-Shek. Supported by Thailand and the USA, they aimed to create a free and democratic China.
2. The Communists led by Mao Zedong. Supported by Burma and the USSR, they aimed to seize political power and establish a communist state
What was the Hungarian Revolution?
In 1956, people took to the streets demanding freedom, and the Hungarian army joined them. Hungary requested withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact and recognition as a neutral country. The USSR invaded the country and put an end to the uprising
What happened to Vietnam in 1954?
Divided into two countries at the 17º N parallel. South Vietnam was a dictatorial regime, led by Ngô Đình Diệm and friendly towards the USA. North Vietnam was a communist regime led by Ho Chi Minh
What did Mikhail Gorbachev do?
Came to power in 1985 as leader of the USSR. He introduced important reforms, improved relations with the USA and reduced the arms race. In 1987, he and the US president Reagan agreed to begin nuclear disarmament.
Capitalism, communism... what's the diff? Define both terms
Capitalism: Where all factors of production are owned by private business who run them for their own profit.
Communism: Where all factors of production are owned by the state for the good of everyone.
Describe the state of Korea in 1945
Divided into two along the 38°N parallel:
1. North Korea, a communist regime under Kim Il-Sung and supported by China and the USSR.
2. South Korea, a pro-Western authoritarian regime under Syngman Rhee and supported by the USA.
What was happening in Cuba in 1962? Describe the situation and key events
The Cuban Missile Crisis. Cuba had become communist in 1958 under Fidel Castro, which worried the USA. After a US led failed attack on the Bay of Pigs in 1961, Nikita Khrushchev decided to deploy nuclear missiles to Cuba. The US detects missile bases in Cuba using spy planes. President John F. Kennedy orders a naval blockade of the island and demands the withdrawal of the missiles. The Soviet leader orders their withdrawal.
What were the First and Second Intifadas?
First Intifada in 1987, the Second in 2000. These were Palestinian uprisings against Israeli control that involved violent and non-violent methods. There were also acts of civil disobedience, riots, and terrorist attacks.
What happened in 1989 in China?
Student-led protests for democracy in Tiananmen Square were violently suppressed by the government. 2,600 people were killed and China used strong weapons like tanks against the protestors.
List and describe the five characteristics of the Cold War
1.The arms race. Rivalry to have the greatest weapons. This increased the destructive capacity of both superpowers.
2.Policy of brinkmanship. The potential use of nuclear weapons meant the possibility of mutual destruction.
3.Regional conflicts.
4.Propaganda Both sides used it to convince other countries about the dangers of the opposing bloc.
5.Espionage and secret services. Information about the enemy became a potent weapon.
Describe the main events of the Korean War and how it ended
1. Started in 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. UN condemns the conflict and sends in forces to end it.
2. The UN forces, led by the USA, began the counterattack to recover the territories lost by South Korea.
3. However, US forces go too far and invade North Korea. They get close to the Chinese border, at which point China announces its involvement.
4. Fighting for some years between North and South Korea, with both sides gaining then losing territory.
5. A military armistice is eventually signed in 1953 by the USA, China, and North Korea. A 4 km wide Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is established near the 38th parallel.
What happened to Berlin after World War II, and what was happening there until 1961?
Berlin had been divided into West and East Berlin, the West side controlled by the USA and the East side controlled by the USSR. However, the East side was less prosperous and had less freedom than the West, so many East Berliners had been moving to West Berlin. To end this mass migration, the communists built the Berlin Wall in 1961. This wall divided the city for almost 30 years.
What were the weapons used by both sides in the Vietnam War?
USA and South Vietnam: automatic machine guns, heavy bombing (carpet bombing), tanks, aeroplanes, helicopters, chemical weapons such as Agent Orange.
North Vietnam and the Viet Cong: small arms (guns with not as much impact), booby traps, mines, psychological warfare, guerilla tactics such as hit-and-run attacks and sabotage.
What problems did the USSR face in the mid 1980s?
Tense relations with the USA, growing rivalry with China, economic difficulties, numerous uprisings, a rise in democratic movements, and a weakening of control.