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What was the primary reason for the formation of the Grand Alliance?
What was the primary reason for the formation of the Grand Alliance?
The Western allies trusted Stalin completely during World War II.
The Western allies trusted Stalin completely during World War II.
False
What term is used to describe the conflict between capitalism and communism that contributed to the Cold War?
What term is used to describe the conflict between capitalism and communism that contributed to the Cold War?
Ideological rivalry
Stalin's main goal was to create a _________ zone against possible future German attacks.
Stalin's main goal was to create a _________ zone against possible future German attacks.
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What did Stalin remember about the Western Allies' actions during the Russian Civil War?
What did Stalin remember about the Western Allies' actions during the Russian Civil War?
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Match the following leaders with their countries:
Match the following leaders with their countries:
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Stalin declared war on Japan immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Stalin declared war on Japan immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
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By 1945, approximately _________ million Soviet citizens had died in World War II.
By 1945, approximately _________ million Soviet citizens had died in World War II.
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What was the primary policy that Truman adopted regarding Russia?
What was the primary policy that Truman adopted regarding Russia?
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The Marshall Plan was aimed strictly at communist countries in Europe.
The Marshall Plan was aimed strictly at communist countries in Europe.
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What was the purpose of COMINFORM?
What was the purpose of COMINFORM?
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The American financial aid following the Second World War was known as the __________.
The American financial aid following the Second World War was known as the __________.
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Match the following events with their corresponding details:
Match the following events with their corresponding details:
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Which country was not a founding member of COMECON?
Which country was not a founding member of COMECON?
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West Berlin was completely isolated during the Berlin Blockade.
West Berlin was completely isolated during the Berlin Blockade.
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How many countries benefited from the Marshall Plan?
How many countries benefited from the Marshall Plan?
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The capital of Germany, divided into sectors after the war, was __________.
The capital of Germany, divided into sectors after the war, was __________.
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Match the following figures with their contributions:
Match the following figures with their contributions:
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What event marked the beginning of the Cold War tensions?
What event marked the beginning of the Cold War tensions?
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The new currency introduced in Trizonia was the Reichsmark.
The new currency introduced in Trizonia was the Reichsmark.
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What was the total amount of aid distributed through the Marshall Plan?
What was the total amount of aid distributed through the Marshall Plan?
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What was the main focus of the Teheran Conference?
What was the main focus of the Teheran Conference?
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Stalin promised free elections in the countries occupied by the Soviet army at the Yalta Conference.
Stalin promised free elections in the countries occupied by the Soviet army at the Yalta Conference.
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Who replaced President Roosevelt after his death?
Who replaced President Roosevelt after his death?
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The Potsdam Conference took place in ______.
The Potsdam Conference took place in ______.
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Match the conference with its main decision:
Match the conference with its main decision:
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Which countries were represented in the 'Big Three'?
Which countries were represented in the 'Big Three'?
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The USSR agreed to declare war on Japan only after Germany was defeated.
The USSR agreed to declare war on Japan only after Germany was defeated.
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What was one major outcome of the Potsdam Conference regarding Germany?
What was one major outcome of the Potsdam Conference regarding Germany?
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The atomic bomb was developed by the ______ by July 1945.
The atomic bomb was developed by the ______ by July 1945.
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Match the term with its correct description:
Match the term with its correct description:
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What was the key reason for Kennedy’s decision to implement a blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis?
What was the key reason for Kennedy’s decision to implement a blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis?
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Which of the following countries was not one of the four occupying powers of Germany as decided at Potsdam?
Which of the following countries was not one of the four occupying powers of Germany as decided at Potsdam?
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The US military was placed on combat alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The US military was placed on combat alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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Churchill and Roosevelt had complete trust in Stalin's promises at the Yalta Conference.
Churchill and Roosevelt had complete trust in Stalin's promises at the Yalta Conference.
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Who replaced Novotny as the First Secretary of the Czech Communist Party?
Who replaced Novotny as the First Secretary of the Czech Communist Party?
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What was one reason for the tension between Truman and Stalin during the Potsdam Conference?
What was one reason for the tension between Truman and Stalin during the Potsdam Conference?
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The years of the Czechoslovak reforms under Dubcek are commonly referred to as the ___.
The years of the Czechoslovak reforms under Dubcek are commonly referred to as the ___.
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Nikolai Novikov sent a telegram to Moscow warning about increased US military ______.
Nikolai Novikov sent a telegram to Moscow warning about increased US military ______.
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Match the following individuals with their roles during the Cuban Missile Crisis:
Match the following individuals with their roles during the Cuban Missile Crisis:
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What was a significant outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis for Khrushchev?
What was a significant outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis for Khrushchev?
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The blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis was considered an act of war.
The blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis was considered an act of war.
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What major reform did Dubcek propose under his Action Programme?
What major reform did Dubcek propose under his Action Programme?
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Khrushchev’s second letter offered that the ___ missile sites would be dismantled if the USA guaranteed to leave Cuba alone.
Khrushchev’s second letter offered that the ___ missile sites would be dismantled if the USA guaranteed to leave Cuba alone.
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What governmental structure existed in Czechoslovakia prior to the Prague Spring?
What governmental structure existed in Czechoslovakia prior to the Prague Spring?
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The U2 incident nearly derailed the agreement between Kennedy and Khrushchev.
The U2 incident nearly derailed the agreement between Kennedy and Khrushchev.
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Who was critical of Khrushchev for backing down during the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Who was critical of Khrushchev for backing down during the Cuban Missile Crisis?
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President Novotny of Czechoslovakia rigidly followed ___ policies before being replaced.
President Novotny of Czechoslovakia rigidly followed ___ policies before being replaced.
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Match the following leaders to their respective countries during the time of the Prague Spring:
Match the following leaders to their respective countries during the time of the Prague Spring:
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What was the term 'defector' used to describe?
What was the term 'defector' used to describe?
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The number of defectors from East Germany in July 1961 reached 30,000.
The number of defectors from East Germany in July 1961 reached 30,000.
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What crisis was caused by the shooting down of a U-2 spy-plane?
What crisis was caused by the shooting down of a U-2 spy-plane?
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Khrushchev viewed Kennedy as __________ and believed he could be easily influenced.
Khrushchev viewed Kennedy as __________ and believed he could be easily influenced.
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Match the following events with their descriptions:
Match the following events with their descriptions:
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Which of the following was a consequence of the Berlin Wall construction?
Which of the following was a consequence of the Berlin Wall construction?
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Castro was originally a communist at the time he seized power in Cuba.
Castro was originally a communist at the time he seized power in Cuba.
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What significant action did President Eisenhower take in response to the Bay of Pigs invasion?
What significant action did President Eisenhower take in response to the Bay of Pigs invasion?
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The Bay of Pigs invasion involved around __________ exiles who attempted to overthrow Castro.
The Bay of Pigs invasion involved around __________ exiles who attempted to overthrow Castro.
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What strategy did Khrushchev use to maintain control over East Germany?
What strategy did Khrushchev use to maintain control over East Germany?
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The Cuban Missile Crisis emerged as a result of Soviet missiles being stationed in Vietnam.
The Cuban Missile Crisis emerged as a result of Soviet missiles being stationed in Vietnam.
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Who was the pilot of the U-2 spy plane that was shot down?
Who was the pilot of the U-2 spy plane that was shot down?
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The Berlin Wall began construction on __________ 13, 1961.
The Berlin Wall began construction on __________ 13, 1961.
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What was one of the main reforms implemented by Dubcek in Czechoslovakia?
What was one of the main reforms implemented by Dubcek in Czechoslovakia?
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The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia had no significant impact on the satellite states of the Soviet Union.
The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia had no significant impact on the satellite states of the Soviet Union.
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What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?
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On 20-21 August 1968, about _____ Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia.
On 20-21 August 1968, about _____ Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia.
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Match the following individuals with their roles during the 1968 Czechoslovakia events:
Match the following individuals with their roles during the 1968 Czechoslovakia events:
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What was one demand of the people in Czechoslovakia during Dubcek's leadership?
What was one demand of the people in Czechoslovakia during Dubcek's leadership?
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After the invasion, the Czech army put up significant resistance to the Soviet forces.
After the invasion, the Czech army put up significant resistance to the Soviet forces.
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What action did Jan Palach take in protest against the Soviet occupation?
What action did Jan Palach take in protest against the Soviet occupation?
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The invasion of Czechoslovakia led to the dismissal of Dubcek and his eventual appointment as _____ in Turkey.
The invasion of Czechoslovakia led to the dismissal of Dubcek and his eventual appointment as _____ in Turkey.
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Which of the following countries did not support sending troops to Czechoslovakia during the invasion?
Which of the following countries did not support sending troops to Czechoslovakia during the invasion?
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What term describes the hostility between East and West during the Cold War?
What term describes the hostility between East and West during the Cold War?
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The Iron Curtain was named by Joseph Stalin during a speech in 1946.
The Iron Curtain was named by Joseph Stalin during a speech in 1946.
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What was one reason Stalin built the Iron Curtain?
What was one reason Stalin built the Iron Curtain?
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The _______ states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were absorbed into the Soviet Union in 1940.
The _______ states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were absorbed into the Soviet Union in 1940.
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Match the countries with their outcomes during Stalin's control:
Match the countries with their outcomes during Stalin's control:
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What was the purpose of the Truman Doctrine?
What was the purpose of the Truman Doctrine?
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Stalin had complete trust in the Western Allies after World War II.
Stalin had complete trust in the Western Allies after World War II.
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What significant action did the Communist Party take in Poland to secure power?
What significant action did the Communist Party take in Poland to secure power?
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The Truman Doctrine was formally announced in _______ 1947.
The Truman Doctrine was formally announced in _______ 1947.
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Which of the following countries had a Stalinist regime established by Rakosi?
Which of the following countries had a Stalinist regime established by Rakosi?
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The Truman Doctrine specifically named countries it would support.
The Truman Doctrine specifically named countries it would support.
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What was the key feature of the governments established in Eastern European countries by the Communists?
What was the key feature of the governments established in Eastern European countries by the Communists?
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During the Cold War, a _______ war is conducted without actual fighting.
During the Cold War, a _______ war is conducted without actual fighting.
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Match the country with its action taken after WWII:
Match the country with its action taken after WWII:
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What was the primary method used by the Allies to supply West Berlin during the blockade?
What was the primary method used by the Allies to supply West Berlin during the blockade?
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The Berlin Blockade led to improved relations between the USA and USSR.
The Berlin Blockade led to improved relations between the USA and USSR.
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What were the names given to the airlift operations by the USA and Britain?
What were the names given to the airlift operations by the USA and Britain?
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The Federal Republic of Germany was established in May _____ and the German Democratic Republic in October of that year.
The Federal Republic of Germany was established in May _____ and the German Democratic Republic in October of that year.
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Match the following events with their corresponding outcomes:
Match the following events with their corresponding outcomes:
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Why did Khrushchev order the building of the Berlin Wall?
Why did Khrushchev order the building of the Berlin Wall?
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During the Berlin Airlift, the Allies managed to deliver more supplies than initially required.
During the Berlin Airlift, the Allies managed to deliver more supplies than initially required.
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How many flights were made in total during the Berlin Airlift?
How many flights were made in total during the Berlin Airlift?
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The secret police in East Germany was known as _____ (abbreviation).
The secret police in East Germany was known as _____ (abbreviation).
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What was a consequence of the Berlin Blockade?
What was a consequence of the Berlin Blockade?
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All citizens in East Germany had the right to vote for multiple political parties.
All citizens in East Germany had the right to vote for multiple political parties.
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What was the peak amount of supplies delivered in 24 hours during the Berlin Airlift?
What was the peak amount of supplies delivered in 24 hours during the Berlin Airlift?
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The distrust between the USA and USSR resulted in a military alliance called _____ (abbreviation).
The distrust between the USA and USSR resulted in a military alliance called _____ (abbreviation).
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What major challenge did East Germans face under communist rule?
What major challenge did East Germans face under communist rule?
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Match the following countries with their NATO membership:
Match the following countries with their NATO membership:
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Study Notes
Cold War Causes
- Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union (June 1941) prompted a Soviet-British alliance against Hitler.
- Japan's attack on the USA (Dec 1941) drew Britain, the Soviet Union, and the USA into a unified Grand Alliance (Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin).
- Constant tension existed within the Grand Alliance despite their formal alliance.
Long-Term Suspicions East vs West
- The 1917 communist takeover in Russia marked a fundamental ideological rift with Western powers.
- Western support for anti-communist Whites during the Russian Civil War (1918-21) fueled mistrust.
- Russia's exclusion from the League of Nations and lack of Western recognition deepened suspicion.
Stalin's Perspective
- Stalin sought a buffer zone against potential future German attacks.
- The immense Soviet loss of life (26 million) solidified Stalin's determination to prevent future conflicts.
- Stalin suspected Western intervention in the 1918-21 civil war and influence on Hitler in the 1930s.
- Perceived Western delays in invading France (1944) exacerbated Stalin's mistrust, leading him to believe the Allies supported a German-Soviet conflict.
Western Perspective
- Western powers viewed Stalin's goal as imposing communism on Europe, with differing ideological systems (capitalism vs communism) driving the rivalry.
- Stalin's reluctance to support the Warsaw Uprising (1944) and failure to declare war on Japan added to Western distrust.
Teheran Conference (Nov 1943)
- The first Big Three meeting focused on opening a second front in Western Europe.
- Roosevelt aimed to strengthen relations, agreeing on a second front in France (May 1944) and a Soviet offensive in the East.
- Agreed upon assistance for Yugoslav partisans fighting Hitler, Soviet war on Japan after Germany's defeat, and UN formation.
- Stalin was promised land lost to Poland (1920) and Poland's shifting borders westwards (Oder and Neisse rivers).
- Discussions about Germany's division commenced but no definitive decisions reached.
Yalta Conference (Feb 1945)
- Agreement to divide Germany into four zones (US, USSR, Britain, France), with Berlin divided similarly.
- Stalin agreed to include France as a power.
- Poland gained western land from Germany, but lost land to the USSR. Free elections agreed upon.
- Soviet declaration of war against Japan three months after Germany's defeat agreed upon.
- Promises of free elections in Eastern European countries occupied by the Soviet army.
- Agreement on international court of justice for war criminals, and a UN conference in San Francisco.
- Reparations remained unresolved.
Potsdam Conference (Jul-Aug 1945)
- Harry Truman (Roosevelt's successor) adopted a tougher stance, enabled by the atomic bomb development.
- Clement Attlee replaced Churchill as British Prime Minister.
- Decisions included Germany's four-zone division and demilitarization.
- Nazi dissolution, war criminal trials in Nuremberg (1946), Nazi removal from key positions, and free elections in Germany.
- German population transfers within Germany.
- Germany required reparations.
- Agreement on the UN.
Potsdam Disagreements
- Truman's pressure for free Eastern European elections.
- Stalin's anger over the bomb's secrecy.
- The beginning of the Cold War, characterized by Stalin's mistrust of the West, control of Eastern European states, and the "Iron Curtain" concept.
Truman's stance
- Truman's anti-communist stance viewing communist expansion as a threat. Influenced by George Kennan's "Long Telegram".
Stalin's stance
- Stalin's distrust of the West and the perceived threat from the atomic bomb.
- Nikolai Novikov's telegram warning the Soviet government of increasing US military expenditure reinforced Stalin's distrust and shaped Soviet foreign policy.
Early Cold War Developments
- "Iron Curtain": The division between East and West Europe following WWII, coined by Winston Churchill.
- Stalin's justification for the Iron Curtain: creation of a buffer zone to protect the Soviet Union from future German invasions.
- Stalin's control over liberated Eastern European countries (Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary). Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania were absorbed, while Czechoslovakia faced significant repression.
Soviet Control of Eastern Europe
- Maintaining Soviet forces in liberated Eastern European countries to establish Soviet control.
- Coalition governments with communist infiltration.
- Manipulating elections to secure Communist Party power.
Czechoslovakia
- Communist Party's dominance in the coalition government (1947).
- Removal of non-communists, and the death of Masaryk as a significant event.
Poland/Bulgaria/Hungary/Romania (Soviet Control of Eastern Europe)
- Communist Party control via manipulated elections (Poland, 1947). Communist party control of governments (Poland, 1947; Bulgaria, 1946, Hungary, 1947, Romania 1947).
Allied Response: Truman Doctrine
- Britain's inability to support Greece (Feb 1947) prompted US intervention.
- The Truman Doctrine (March 1947): the US commitment to support any country threatened from within or without, ostensibly to stop communism's spread.
- Intent to aid European recovery, halt further communist expansion, and possibly persuade Eastern European countries to abandon communism.
Marshall Plan
- Marshall Aid (named after George C. Marshall) (March 1947): US financial aid for European rebuilding.
- Only Western European countries participated; USSR and Eastern Bloc blocked by the need to cooperate with the Organization for European Economic Co-operation.
- USSR viewed Marshall Plan as a tool to spread Western influence and undermine communism.
COMINFORM & COMECON
- COMINFORM (Communist Information Bureau): Created to coordinate Comminst parties globally. Expelled states failing to adhere to Soviet policy.
- COMECON (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance): Created to coordinate Soviet economic aid as a response to Marshall Plan. Weakened the Soviet Union due to financial constraints and rigid planning.
Germany Post–War Governance
- Post–war Germany divided into four zones (US, USSR, Britain, France)
- Berlin's division into four sectors with joint military leadership.
- Goal of future German reunification
Berlin Blockade (1948-1949)
- Stalin's blockade of West Berlin to halt Allied supplies.
- Western response with the Berlin Airlift.
- Triggered by US-UK zones merging (Bizonia) and then adding the French zone (Trizonia). Introduction of the Deutschmark to stabilize the German currency, angering Stalin.
- Consequence: amplified East-West tensions, NATO formation, German division formalization.
Berlin Wall (1961)
- Increased East German emigration to West Berlin, prompting the Wall's construction.
- Khrushchev's reasoning: addressing the "brain drain," bolstering East German legitimacy, and limiting Western influence.
- Consequences: physical division of Berlin, heightened Cold War tensions, restrictions on movement, and increased refugee issues.
Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
- Castro's communist takeover of Cuba.
- Soviet missile installations in Cuba led to the crisis.
- Kennedy's blockade, Soviet concessions, and subsequent US missile removal agreements.
- Consequences: a dramatic peak of the Cold War, strengthened Kennedy's prestige, Soviet prestige loss, and subsequent arms reduction discussions.
Prague Spring (1968)
- Dubcek's reforms in Czechoslovakia aimed at "socialism with a human face."
- Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia to quell the reforms, citing possible Warsaw Pact disintegration and increased Soviet fears.
- Consequences: establishment of the Brezhnev Doctrine asserting Soviet intervention rights in communist states.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the events and policies surrounding the Cold War. This quiz covers key topics such as the Grand Alliance, the conflict between capitalism and communism, and significant leaders' actions during and after World War II. Challenge yourself with questions about the post-war strategies implemented by the Western Allies.
