Cold War and Containment Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

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Define the Cold War.

A state of high tension between the US and USSR and their allies following World War II that lasted until the fall of communism.

Explain the Truman Doctrine.

US policy established by Truman after WWII to stop the spread of communism, promising to support any nation threatened by it.

Explain the Marshall Plan.

The US financial aid package to Europe after WWII intended to help nations rebuild and contain communism. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the policy of Containment.

The US and its allies would do all in their power to 'contain' the spread of communism to non-communist nations. Signup and view all the answers

What nations did the USSR take over after WWII?

Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and East Germany. Signup and view all the answers

Identify NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

NATO was formed in 1949 by 10 European nations, the US, and Canada to protect against communist aggression; the Warsaw Pact was the Soviet response including the USSR and its satellite states. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Berlin Blockade?

The USSR's blockade of West Berlin to protest currency changes and enforce division of Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Berlin Airlift?

The operation by the USA and UN to supply West Berlin by aircraft during the blockade. Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of the Yalta Conference?

Liberated countries had the right to free elections, Poland's territorial changes, Germany divided into four zones, and the establishment of the United Nations. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the Korean War.

(1950-53) War started when North Korea invaded South Korea, leading to UN intervention, a stalemate, and an armistice. Signup and view all the answers

List the successes of containment.

Saved West Berlin through the Berlin Airlift, supported economic recovery in Western Europe, and aided Turkey and Greece against communism. Signup and view all the answers

List the failures of containment.

Stalin's takeover in Eastern Europe, the Cuban missile crisis, withdrawal from Vietnam leading to the fall of South Vietnam, and the rise of communist control in Cambodia and Laos. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Domino Theory?

The belief that a communist victory in South Vietnam would lead to the fall of non-communist governments across Southeast Asia. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Tet Offensive?

A North Vietnamese military strategy involving significant attacks during Tet, the lunar new year. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cold War Overview

High tension between the US and USSR after World War II, lasting until communism's fall.
Conflict manifested through espionage, arms race, and containment policies like the Truman Doctrine.

Truman Doctrine

Established by President Truman to prevent communism's spread.
US pledged financial support to nations threatened by communism.

Marshall Plan

Financial aid package from the US to Europe post-WWII.
Aimed to stabilize economies to resist communism, despite being a covert initiative against it.

Policy of Containment

US and allies aimed to stop the expansion of communism.
Focused on preventing communist influence without attempting to overthrow existing communist governments.

USSR Expansion Post-WWII

Nations overtaken by the USSR included Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and East Germany.

NATO and Warsaw Pact

NATO formed in 1949 by the US, Canada, and ten European nations for mutual defense against communism.
Warsaw Pact established as a communist counter-alliance among the USSR and its satellite states.

Berlin Blockade

USSR blockaded West Berlin in response to currency reforms, cutting off supplies.
Truman viewed this as a test of containment and rejected Soviet control over West Berlin.

Berlin Airlift

US and UN sustained West Berlin through an airlift, lasting nearly a year.
Stalin’s realization of the blockade's failure led to its removal, boosting US global image.

Yalta Conference Outcomes

Agreements included free elections in liberated countries and widespread territorial adjustments.
Germany divided into four zones of occupation; USSR promised to aid in the war against Japan.

Korean War (1950-53)

Initiated by North Korea's invasion of South Korea; UN, primarily US forces, intervened.
Conflict ended in a stalemate with an armistice, leaving heightened tensions.

Successes of Containment

West Berlin's survival signified a defeat for Stalin after the Berlin Airlift.
Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine helped rebuild Western Europe, reducing communist susceptibility.
US support secured a non-communist outcome in Turkey, Greece, and South Korea.

Failures of Containment

USSR quickly established control over Eastern Europe with little opposition.
Cuban Missile Crisis destabilized the Cuban government, fostering greater communist influence.
US withdrawal from Vietnam led to South Vietnam's collapse, despite earlier intervention.

Domino Theory

Concept that a communist victory in Vietnam would trigger widespread falls of non-communist governments in Southeast Asia.
Only partially true; while Laos and Cambodia fell, it was not a direct result of Vietnam's communism.

Tet Offensive

Major North Vietnamese military strategy involving significant assaults during the Tet holiday.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the Cold War and the concept of Containment with these flashcards. Explore key terms and definitions that highlight the tension between the US and USSR post-World War II. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of this pivotal historical period.