Geopolitical Terms Quiz

The authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. Syberia did not have sovereignty during the Soviet Union's rule.

A U.S. policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism beyond its existing borders. The United States contained the Soviet Union from spreading its sphere of influence by placing restrictions and assisting other European countries.

The process of a government taking control of private industry or assets. The Soviet Union nationalized it countries.

A period of political tension and military rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union after World War II, stopping short of direct conflict. The hottest time of the Cold War was the Cuban Missile Crisis, in which nuclear war almost broke out.

An alliance is a mutual defense agreement between two or more countries. An example of this is The Big Three.

The Executive Committee of the National Security Council, which advised Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was used to advise John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which compromised of a bunch of government body officials in the United States.

The practice of managing international relations and negotiating between nations. John F. Kennedy was diplomatic with other countries to ensure peace and no conflict during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving. John F. Kennedy placed a blockade (quarantine in his terms) on Cuba to halt the shipment of weaponry to Cuba.

A strategy to prevent an adversary from taking an undesirable action by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.

A stated principle or policy of government, often regarding foreign affairs.

The competition between nations to develop and stockpile powerful nuclear weapons.

The reduction of the intensity of a conflict or potentially hostile situation.

A policy focused on strengthening socialism within the USSR rather than spreading it globally.

A series of economic plans implemented by the Soviet Union to rapidly industrialize and catch up with Western powers.

The government's takeover of farms to increase agricultural production and support industrialization.

Misleading information used to manipulate public opinion.

The division of Europe into two distinct areas, the Communist East and the Capitalist West, after World War II.

A government's decision to halt all trade and commercial activity with a particular country.

The Soviet Union's strategy after World War II to create a buffer zone of communist states between itself and Western Europe, ensuring security and control over Eastern Europe.

Soviet propaganda under Stalin involved distorting facts and statistics to portray a positive image of the USSR. It used newspapers, radio, and art to glorify Stalin's leadership and promote communist ideology.

The Great Purge, a period of political repression in the USSR, instilled a climate of fear and obedience among citizens. It also silenced dissent and potential political innovation, hindering the development of alternative viewpoints.

The Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel Castro, overthrew the US-backed dictator Batista, leading to the rise of a communist government in Cuba. This event significantly strained US-Cuban relations and led to a rivalry between the two countries.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy agreed to not invade Cuba and promised to remove US missiles from Turkey in secret. Khrushchev agreed to dismantle Soviet missiles in Cuba, easing tensions. The US lifted the naval blockade as the missiles were removed.

The Bay of Pigs invasion, an attempt by the US to overthrow Castro, failed and strengthened his position in Cuba. This event further damaged US-Cuban relations and heightened Cold War tensions.

The Space Race between the US and the USSR during the Cold War fueled tensions, intensified the arms race, and increased fears of nuclear war due to escalating competition.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, JFK's leadership during the crisis increased his popularity and reputation. On the other hand, the USSR felt vulnerable after backing down and significantly expanded its nuclear arsenal in response.