Cold War Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why was the Cold War called the Cold War?

It was called the Cold War because there was no actual fighting; the Soviet Union and the United States were just creating and testing nuclear weapons.

What is the United Nations?

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote world peace and cooperation, replacing the League of Nations.

What does 'ideological' mean?

A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.

Who was John Locke?

An English philosopher who advocated the idea of a 'social contract' where government powers are derived from the consent of the governed. Signup and view all the answers

What did Karl Marx propose?

He proposed the idea of communism/dialectic socialism, stating that two classes have always battled against each other to form an equal class. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Yalta Conference?

A meeting in February 1945 between Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin to make final war plans and discuss post-war Germany and the United Nations. Signup and view all the answers

Who was George Kennan?

An American diplomat best known as 'the father of containment' and for identifying the Soviet Union as a threat. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Long Telegram?

A message written by George Kennan in 1946 to Truman advising him to contain Communist expansion. Signup and view all the answers

What did Andrew Alexander say about the Soviets?

He said the Soviets were not a threat. Signup and view all the answers

What did Stalin's speech in 1946 imply?

Stalin believed that capitalism is flawed and that England and the U.S. would fight each other, marking an unintentional declaration of the Cold War. Signup and view all the answers

What was Time Magazine's interpretation of Stalin's speech?

They thought he was declaring an attack on America. Signup and view all the answers

What did William O'Douglas claim about Stalin's speech?

'Declaration of World War III'. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Iron Curtain?

Winston Churchill's term for the Cold War division between the Soviet-dominated East and the U.S.-dominated West. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Harry S. Truman?

The 33rd U.S. president, known for making the decision to use atomic bombs against Japan and for implementing the Marshall Plan. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Truman Doctrine?

It pledged U.S. military and economic aid to any nation threatened by communism, first established in 1947. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by Containment?

A U.S. foreign policy adopted by Truman to stop the spread of communism by creating alliances and aiding weak countries. Signup and view all the answers

What assistance did Truman seek for Greece and Turkey?

He asked Congress for $400 million in economic and military aid for Greece and Turkey. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Marshall Plan?

Massive American economic aid proposed in 1947 to revitalize European economies after WWII and prevent the spread of communism. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during the Berlin Blockade/Airlift?

The Soviet Union blocked Berlin in 1948, prompting the U.S. to airlift supplies into the city. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the 1948 election?

Republican President Dewey was seen as boring and overconfident, while Truman surprisingly won the election. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cold War Overview

The term "Cold War" refers to the lack of direct military conflict between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, marked instead by nuclear arms races and ideological competition.

United Nations

Established in 1945 to encourage international peace and cooperation, replacing the earlier League of Nations.

Ideological Foundations

Ideology encompasses systems of ideas influencing political and economic policies.

Influential Philosophers

John Locke emphasized the "social contract," positing government derives authority from the people's consent and that individuals possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
Karl Marx proposed communism, asserting class struggle leads to societal evolution towards a classless society.

Yalta Conference

Held in February 1945, leaders Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin discussed final war strategies, post-war divisions of Germany, and the establishment of the United Nations.
Germany was divided into four occupation zones, with Russia committing to join the war against Japan for territorial concessions.

Key Figures in the Cold War

George Kennan, recognized as the creator of the containment policy, believed the Soviet Union posed a significant threat that needed to be countered.
Andrew Alexander contended that the Soviets did not present a danger.

Cold War Communications

The Long Telegram, written by Kennan in 1946, urged President Truman to contain Communist expansion, suggesting that isolating Soviets would eventually weaken Communism.
Stalin's 1946 speech implied a belief that capitalism was doomed and predicted a conflict between capitalist nations.

Interpretations of Stalin's Speech

Time Magazine interpreted it as a declaration of attack against the U.S.
William O'Douglas referred to it as a proclamation of World War III.

Iron Curtain

Winston Churchill coined the term to describe the divide between the Soviet-controlled East and the U.S.-led West.

Harry S. Truman

The 33rd U.S. president, assumed office after Roosevelt’s death in 1945, overseeing the end of WWII and initiating significant foreign policies, including the Dean of the atomic bomb.

Truman Doctrine

Announced in 1947, aimed to support nations threatened by communism, starting with military and economic aid to Greece and Turkey.

Containment Policy

Formulated by Truman, U.S. foreign policy sought to prevent further Soviet expansion through alliances and support for vulnerable countries.

Financial Aid to Greece and Turkey

Truman requested $400 million to bolster Greece and Turkey against communist influences.

Marshall Plan

Proposed in 1947, it provided extensive American economic aid to rebuild European economies post-WWII to thwart the spread of Communism.

Berlin Blockade and Airlift

In 1948, the Soviet Union blockaded Berlin, prompting the U.S. to initiate an airlift to supply the city with essential goods.

1948 Presidential Election

Featured candidates: Republican Dewey, who had no significant Cold War policies; Progressive Wallace; and Dixiecrat Thurmond, advocating state rights.
Truman's victory surprised many due to his effective communication and campaign strategy.

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Description

This quiz features flashcards about significant terms and concepts related to the Cold War. Explore definitions like why the Cold War was termed as such and the role of the United Nations and ideological beliefs during this period. Perfect for students looking to strengthen their understanding of Cold War history.