21.1
Which two nations emerged from World War II as the two “superpowers” of the world with vastly different political and economic systems?
US & USSR
What is one of the reasons that the Soviet Union created satellite states like Poland, Hungary, and Romania after World War II?
To form a buffer zone between the USSR and Western Europe for security reasons.
Who won the Chinese Civil War and which leaders were involved?
The Communists, led by Mao Zedong, defeated the Nationalists, led by Chiang Kai-shek.
Which neighbor came to North Korea’s aid as they began to struggle during the war?
China
What was the Arms Race during the Cold War?
A competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union to outpace each other in nuclear weapon development, leading both countries to build enormous stockpiles of nuclear weapons.
Which of the following best defines a “Cold” War?
Intense political tension and rivalry between nations without direct military confrontation.
What did Winston Churchill mean by the "Iron Curtain" in his 1946 speech?
A metaphor for the division of Europe between democratic Western nations and communist Eastern nations.
How did the U.S. react to the Communist takeover in China?
Americans were shocked by the takeover, and President Truman was criticized
What was the outcome of the Korean War in terms of territorial boundaries?
The pre-war line along the 38th parallel was reestablished, with Korea remaining divided.
What was President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Cold War strategy of "massive retaliation"?
The U.S. would launch a counterattack with nuclear weapons if the Soviet Union attacked.
Which of the following best describes a "hot" war?
Intense political tension and rivalry between nations without direct military confrontation
What was the primary goal of U.S. containment strategy during the early Cold War?
Stop the spread of communism to new regions of the world.
Which former "zone" was North Korea established in? Who was the leader?
North Korea was established in the Soviet-occupied zone and led by Kim Il Sung, based in Pyongyang.
What was the Red Scare that began in the late 1940s, and what led to its rise?
Fear of communism spreading across the globe after the Soviet domination of Eastern Europe and communism in China.
What does the concept of "Mutually Assured Destruction" (MAD) mean in the context of the Cold War?
Neither side would risk attacking because they knew they would destroy each other in a nuclear war.
Which of the following describes the economic systems USSR during the Cold War?
USSR practiced Communism, focusing on a state-controlled economy for the collective good.
What was the main goal of the Berlin Blockade (1948)? How did the U.S. respond?
Stalin aimed to force Western powers out of Berlin by blocking all routes, and the U.S. responded by organizing the Berlin Airlift to supply West Berlin with food and supplies.
What triggered the start of the Korean War on June 25, 1950?
North Korea crossed the 38th parallel in a surprise attack on South Korea.
What were Julius and Ethel Rosenberg accused of, and what was the outcome of their trial?
Passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union, leading to their conviction for espionage and execution.
How did the fear of nuclear war during the Cold War impact American society?
Families built fallout shelters, and schoolchildren practiced air-raid drills.
Which of the following describes the economic systems of the U.S. during the Cold War?
The U.S. practiced Capitalism, emphasizing private ownership and free markets,
What was the main goal of the United States' Marshall Plan (1947–1952)?
To rebuild war-torn Europe, combat hunger, poverty, desperation, chaos, and ultimately reduce the appeal of communism.
How did the United States get involved in the Korean War?
U.S. troops left Japan to support South Korea, calling it a UN “police action” without a formal Congressional declaration of war.
Who was Joseph McCarthy, and what was his role in the Red Scare?
A senator from Wisconsin who gained popularity by claiming Communists had infiltrated the highest levels of the U.S. government.
What is the military-industrial complex?
A group of private companies/contractors with influence over government spending and policy decisions.