Cold War History Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the main prediction made by George Orwell in his 1945 article regarding global superpowers?

The establishment of a peaceful post-war world.

Nuclear stalemate among two or three super-states. (correct)

An imminent invasion of Japan by the Allies.

A unified front against communism.

What event did Stalin pledge to participate in during the Yalta Conference in February 1945?

Declaration of war on Japan. (correct)

Military invasion of Germany.

Formation of the United Nations.

Nuclear disarmament discussions.

What was a significant outcome of the National Security Act of 1947?

Establishment of the United Nations.

Immediate military intervention in China.

Withdrawal of military presence from Europe.

Creation of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). (correct)

Which key policy document from April 1950 advocated for a massive expansion of military power to counter the USSR?

NSC-68. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of Mao Tse Tung's victory in the Chinese Civil War?

Establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Potsdam Agreement regarding Korea in 1945?

The US and USSR agreed to temporarily oversee Korea. Signup and view all the answers

Which leader was chosen by Stalin to lead North Korea?

Kim Il Sung Signup and view all the answers

What was Kim Il Sung's political party in North Korea?

Korean Worker’s Party Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the beginning of the Korean War?

The invasion by North Korea on June 25, 1950. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the UN Security Council take after the invasion of South Korea?

Issued a resolution to condemn North Korea. Signup and view all the answers

What significant increase in defense spending was indicated by NSC-68 during the Korean crisis?

$13 billion to $45 billion per year Signup and view all the answers

What was Syngman Rhee's role in South Korea?

He was the first president elected after World War II. Signup and view all the answers

What did Truman believe would happen if Korea fell to communism?

The Soviet Union would expand its influence unchecked. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the establishment of Israel in 1948?

To create a safe haven for Jewish people after the Holocaust. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War?

The UN classified approximately 700k Palestinians as refugees. Signup and view all the answers

What was JFK's decision during the Bay of Pigs invasion?

To withdraw support for the invasion at the last minute. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962?

The Soviets withdrew their missiles from Cuba. Signup and view all the answers

What led to increased tensions between the US and Cuba after Castro's revolution?

Nationalization of American-owned businesses in Cuba. Signup and view all the answers

Which Arab countries invaded the region immediately after the US and USSR recognized Israel?

Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and Lebanon Signup and view all the answers

Which event solidified Castro's support among the Cuban urban poor and peasants?

The successful implementation of land reform. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the consequences of the US response to Castro's land reform policies?

Strengthened anti-American sentiment in Latin America. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Mao interpreted the U.S. actions in Korea as a threat to national security?

The amphibious landing at Inchon was close to China's border. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the negotiations that began two years after the Korean conflict escalated?

An armistice was signed, keeping Korea divided. Signup and view all the answers

What was General MacArthur's primary criticism of President Truman’s approach to the Korean War?

Truman was not aggressive enough in using military force. Signup and view all the answers

What marked the end of British rule in Palestine?

The expiration of the Balfour Declaration in 1948. Signup and view all the answers

During which period did Mao launch a series of offensives against UN forces in Korea?

October 1950 to April 1951 Signup and view all the answers

What was the implication of the Balfour Declaration in 1917?

It proposed a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate effect of the U.S. landing at Inchon?

It prompted a large-scale intervention by China. Signup and view all the answers

What was Eisenhower's primary strategy concerning communism during his presidency?

To use covert operations and psychological warfare against communism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cold War Overview

George Orwell, a British writer, predicted a nuclear stalemate between 2 or 3 super-powers during 1945.
Super-powers possessed weapons with the power to wipe out millions within seconds.
The Yalta Conference (February 1945) highlighted the need for Soviet involvement in ending WWII.
Stalin pledged to declare war on Japan, which happened on August 8, 1945. Allies needed Soviet Union's cooperation.

National Security Act of 1947

The act was a response to perceived threats from the USSR after WWII
It established the Department of Defense (incorporating the army, navy, and air force).
It created the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Council (NSC).
The NSC advised the president on security matters.
The Act set a framework for foreign policy for the next 40+ years

China's Civil War & US Involvement

Fears of Communism in China led the US to aid Chiang Kai-shek's (Chiang Kai Chek) government, despite its unpopularity.
Mao Zedong's (Mao Tse Tung) Communists were gaining support, particularly in rural areas, eventually gaining control of the country.
On October 1, 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was established.
Chiang and his nationalists fled to Taiwan.
The US refused military intervention in China's civil war.

Korean War (1950-1953)

Korea was a colony of Japan until the end of WWII.
Post-war, temporary occupation of Korea was agreed upon at the Potsdam Conference (1945) to remove Japanese control.
US administered South Korea; USSR administered North Korea.
In June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea.
The UN Security Council condemned the invasion and authorized military intervention.
The US, with other UN forces, intervened to defend South Korea.
The Korean War resulted in high civilian casualties that exceeded those of WWII and Vietnam.
The Korean War ended in July 1953 with the two Koreas remaining divided.
Mao Zedong (Mao Tse Tung) felt US commitment would halt expansion – he sent Chinese troops.

The Bay of Pigs Invasion

The 1,200-man counter-revolutionary force was part of a CIA-led mission to overthrow Fidel Castro.
The exiles landed in Cuba in April 1961 and were quickly defeated by Castro's forces, embarrassing the United States.

Cuban Missile Crisis

The USSR provided Cuba with weapons.
This led to the discovery of missile sites in Cuba by US intelligence.
Kennedy, through US military, demanded removal of these missiles.
Naval blockade of Cuba, and emergency UN meeting
Eventually, under pressure, the USSR agreed to withdraw missiles and bombers.
An agreement was reached, preventing a global nuclear conflict

Post-Crisis Aftermath

The establishment of a direct phone line between the US and the USSR (the hot line) led to peaceful coexistence (avoiding nuclear war).
Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (August 1963), prohibiting testing nuclear weapons by US, USSR & UK

McCarthyism and the Red Scare

Joe McCarthy, a US senator, led the anti-communist movement.
McCarthy's efforts resulted in the dismissal of employees and the censure of elected officials, resulting in loss of support.

Collapse of the USSR

The fall of the USSR happened in 1991.
This led to many Russian immigrants leaving Central Asia.

The Arab-Israeli War of 1948

Arab states refused to recognize Israel's right to exist.
Following the declaration, 5 Arab states invaded Israel.
This conflict complicated US policy in the Middle East.
More than 700,000 Palestinians fled their homes.

Cuba: The Rise of Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro led a peasant-based revolution that overthrew Fulgencio Batista in 1959.
Cuba became increasingly anti-American in the years following.

US Economic Dominance

The US gained economic influence, especially in Latin America and other regions, beginning with the Spanish-American War.

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Description

Test your knowledge on significant events and predictions during the Cold War, including George Orwell's insights and key outcomes of pivotal conferences and acts. Explore the impact of Mao's victory in China and U.S. military policies formulated in response to the USSR.