120 Questions
Why did the French withdraw from NATO headquarters in 1966?
Because they were unhappy with the leadership of the US and UK in NATO
What did De Gaulle's action in 1966 likely imply about France's commitment to NATO?
France might pursue a defense policy different from other Western powers
Why did Lyndon Johnson respond calmly to De Gaulle's action?
Because he respected France's sovereignty and decision-making
What was De Gaulle's main concern about the UK joining the European Economic Community?
He thought the UK's close ties to the US would compromise French sovereignty
What was the consequence of De Gaulle's veto on the UK's membership in the EEC?
The UK's membership application was rejected indefinitely
When did France return to integrated NATO command?
In 2009, under President Sarkozy
Why did De Gaulle time his action in 1966?
After his successful re-election as president four months earlier
What was the administrative consequence of France's withdrawal from NATO headquarters?
NATO headquarters was moved to a new site in Brussels
What was the primary concern of de Gaulle regarding the EEC in 1965?
The centralizing tendencies that might undermine French independence
Why did de Gaulle veto British accession to the EEC in 1967?
To maintain French independence
What was the outcome of the 1969 national referendum on constitutional reform in France?
De Gaulle lost the referendum and resigned
What was a consequence of the creation of new independent states in Asia and Africa?
The global domination of the rival blocs was challenged and altered
Who succeeded de Gaulle as President of France in 1969?
Georges Pompidou
What was a key factor that contributed to a more multipolar world?
The split in the communist bloc
What was the duration of Pompidou's presidency?
5 years
Who became President of France in 1981, succeeding Giscard d'Estaing?
François Mitterrand
What was the main goal of France's foreign policy under de Gaulle?
To maximize French independence and develop links with communist countries
What was the term of Mitterrand's presidency?
Two 7-year terms
What was the result of France's withdrawal from NATO's integrated military command structure in 1966?
NATO's headquarters were relocated from Paris to Brussels
What was the significance of the conference of Bandung?
It was a challenge to the global domination of the rival blocs
What is the term used to describe the situation where a President and Prime Minister are from different parties?
Cohabitation
Why did France veto British candidacy to the EEC in 1963?
To protect French economic interests
What was the result of France's boycott of the EEC in 1965?
The empty chair crisis occurred
Why did France resist and try to maintain a dialogue with the Soviet Union?
To resist US domination and maintain independence
What was a major event in 1967 that caught the attention of the two superpowers?
China exploded its first hydrogen bomb
What was the sentiment towards China during the Johnson administration?
China was viewed as a pariah
What was a major shift in US foreign policy during the Nixon presidency?
An increase in relations with China
What was the event that marked the beginning of improved US-China relations?
Ping-pong diplomacy in 1971
What was the result of the changing diplomatic landscape in 1979?
The United States switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing
What was a major concern for the superpowers in response to China's growing nuclear capacity?
China's development of long-range rockets
What was the tone of US-China relations before Nixon's presidency?
Hostile and confrontational
What was the result of the Nixon administration's policy towards China?
A shift from ideological struggle to great power confrontation
What was significant about the Summit being held at all?
It demonstrated the importance of the new relationship with Washington
What was the main limitation of the ABM Treaty?
The number of ABM installations was limited to two per country with a maximum capacity of 100
Why did the Soviet Union have more ICBMs allowed under the Interim Agreement?
Because the Americans had a more developed MIRV program
What was the purpose of the SALT I Agreement?
To limit the number of nuclear weapons
What was the significance of MIRV technology in the SALT I negotiations?
It complicated the negotiations because of the system
Why was the Interim Agreement on Offensive Missiles only temporary?
Because it was only a temporary solution to the nuclear arms race
What was the consequence of the Soviet Union being allowed more ICBMs under the Interim Agreement?
The agreement was criticized in the USA for being unfair
What was the context of the American involvement in Vietnam during the SALT I negotiations?
The Americans had installed a pro-Western dictator in the south
What was Enver Hoxha's response to Khrushchev's policies?
He openly criticized Khrushchev and relied on Chinese aid.
Why did Gheorghieu-Dej fear integration into COMECON?
Because it would make Romania an agricultural state.
What was the event that marked a crack in the Eastern bloc in 1968?
The Prague Spring
What was Alexander Dubček's approach to the economy?
He introduced market elements and encouraged free discussion of reforms.
What was the consequence of the Soviet intervention in Czechoslovakia?
The replacement of Dubček with Husak.
What was the significance of Operation Danube?
It was a Soviet military intervention in Czechoslovakia.
What was the consequence of Moscow severing relations with Albania?
Albania remained a nominal member of the Warsaw Pact until 1968.
What was the tone of Enver Hoxha's policy towards the Soviet Union?
Critical and independent.
What was the main justification for the Soviet Union's invasion of Czechoslovakia and Afghanistan?
To protect the solidarity of socialist countries
What was the outcome of the Sino-Soviet Split in 1963?
The split marked the end of the communist bloc's unity
What was a key factor in the deterioration of the Soviet-Chinese alliance?
All of the above
What was the main principle behind the Brezhnev Doctrine?
Fraternal solidarity trumps national sovereignty
What was the main factor that led to a more multipolar world?
The creation of new independent states in Asia and Africa
What was a consequence of the Sino-Soviet Split?
The Soviet Union became more isolated
What was the primary goal of France's foreign policy under de Gaulle?
To maximize French independence and develop links with communist countries
What was the primary concern of Mao in the Sino-Soviet Split?
Posing as the 'true' anti-imperialist
What was the consequence of France's withdrawal from NATO's integrated military command structure in 1966?
NATO headquarters relocated from Paris to Brussels
What was the significance of the Sino-Soviet Split in the context of the communist bloc?
It showed that the communist bloc was not monolithic
What was the significance of the conference of Bandung?
It challenged the global domination of the rival blocs
What was the outcome of France's boycott of the EEC in 1965?
The empty chair crisis occurred
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine's stance on national sovereignty?
Fraternal solidarity trumps national sovereignty
Why did France resist and try to maintain a dialogue with the Soviet Union?
To resist US domination and maintain independence
What was the significance of the Prague Spring of 1968?
It was a key factor in the split in the communist bloc
What was the result of France's veto of British accession to the EEC in 1967?
The UK was delayed from joining the EEC until 1973
What was the strategy of the North Vietnamese and the insurgents in the South?
To prolong the fight and exhaust the enemy
What was the significance of the Ho Chi Minh Trail?
It was a supply route used by the North Vietnamese
What was the consequence of the American action in Vietnam?
It widened divisions and encouraged extremism
What was the result of the Vietnamese support for the communist fraction in Cambodia?
Cambodia fell into communism
What was the domino theory?
The idea that the fall of Vietnam would lead to the fall of other non-communist governments
What was the significance of the events in Cambodia in 1975?
The Khmer Rouge regime was established
What was the tactic used by the Americans in Vietnam?
Bombing everything in sight
What was the consequence of the American involvement in Vietnam?
Divisions were widened and extremism was encouraged
What was the significance of the Summit being held at all?
It confirmed the new relationship with Washington was more important to Brezhnev than solidarity with his fellow Marxist-Leninists in Hanoi
What was the main limitation of the ABM Treaty?
It limited the number of ABM installations to a total of two each with a maximum capacity of 100 ABMs
Why did the Soviet Union have more ICBMs allowed under the Interim Agreement?
Because the Americans had a more developed MIRV program
What was the purpose of the SALT I Agreement?
To limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons
What was the significance of MIRV technology in the SALT I negotiations?
It gave the United States a technological advantage in terms of missile accuracy and payload capacity
Why was the Interim Agreement on Offensive Missiles only temporary?
Because it was only a temporary measure to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons
What was the consequence of the Soviet Union being allowed more ICBMs under the Interim Agreement?
It gave the Soviet Union a strategic advantage in terms of nuclear deterrence
What was the context of the American involvement in Vietnam during the SALT I negotiations?
The United States was fighting against a communist insurgency in South Vietnam
What was the outcome of the Cuban missile crisis for the Soviet Union?
An increase in military investments
What was the significance of the hot line between the USSR and the US?
It was a symbol of the two superpowers' willingness to negotiate
What was the main goal of the Soviet Union's military investments after the Cuban crisis?
To equal the US in military power
What was the reality that both superpowers realized after the Cuban crisis?
Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)
What did the Soviet Union learn from the Cuban missile crisis?
The dangers of direct confrontation
What was the significance of the year 1963 in terms of disarmament negotiations?
It was the year of the first disarmament negotiations (PTBT)
What was the outcome of the high American military spending?
It failed to deliver dividends in strategic terms
Who was able to assert his independence in 1960 and relied on Chinese aid?
Enver Hoxha
What was the tone of the era after the Cuban missile crisis?
One of peaceful coexistence
What was the main concern of Gheorghieu-Dej regarding integration into COMECON?
Fear of industrial production being concentrated in East Germany and Czechoslovakia
What was the outcome of Operation Danube in 1968?
Military intervention with 500,000 strong forces
What was the result of Moscow severing relations with Albania in 1961?
Albania remained a nominal member of the Warsaw Pact
What was the main characteristic of the Prague Spring?
Strong calls for market-oriented reforms
Who replaced Alexander Dubček in 1969?
Husak
What was the significance of the year 1968 in the Eastern bloc?
The most noticeable crack in the Eastern bloc occurred
What was the tone of Enver Hoxha's policy towards the Soviet Union?
Critical and oppositional
What was the primary goal of the détente policy?
To ease tensions and improve security in Europe
What was the dual-track policy of NATO?
Deterrence and détente
What was the significance of the 'Report of the Council on the Future Tasks of the Alliance'?
It outlined the twin purpose of NATO as political and military
What was the consequence of more states recognizing East Germany?
It undermined West Germany's Hallstein Doctrine
What was the purpose of Ostpolitik?
To improve relations between East and West Germany
What was the significance of the Harmel Report?
It outlined NATO's dual purpose as political and military
What was the goal of NATO according to the Harmel Report?
To ease tensions between both camps and provide stability in Europe
What marked a shift towards a more cooperative approach in NATO?
The Harmel Report
What was the primary objective of détente between the US and the Soviet Union?
To avoid nuclear war
What marked the beginning of the real détente period between the US and the Soviet Union?
Nixon's presidency in 1969
What was the main purpose of the hot line established in 1963 between the US and the Soviet Union?
To improve direct communication between the two superpowers
What was a major achievement of the détente period?
The signing of the SALT I and II agreements
What was the period of peaceful co-existence between the US and the Soviet Union also known as?
Détente
What was the significance of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in Helsinki in 1975?
It was a major achievement of the détente period
What was the outcome of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979?
It marked the end of the détente period
What was the main goal of the US in establishing détente with the Soviet Union?
To limit the nuclear arms race and avoid nuclear war
What event strengthened Johnson's ability to fight the Vietnam war?
An attack on the USS Maddox
What was the outcome of the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
The Senate passed a motion allowing Johnson to take necessary measures
Why did Johnson decide to commit US ground troops to Vietnam?
Because of the growing frustration of the US military
What tactic did the communists use to counter US forces?
They melted away and returned when US forces had moved on
What did Robert McNamara report to Johnson after visiting South Vietnam?
That increased American action was necessary
What was the outcome of the US's 'search and destroy' missions?
The communists would return to old haunts when US forces had moved on
When did Johnson decide to commit US ground troops to Vietnam?
In 1965
What did the Senate motion on August 7 allow Johnson to do?
Take all necessary measures to repel armed attacks
Study Notes
French Withdrawal from NATO
- 1966: France withdrew from NATO's integrated military command structure under President De Gaulle, who was displeased with America's domination of NATO and the special relation between the US and the UK.
- France did not end its commitment to NATO, nor did it categorically state that NATO could not use French soil in the event of war.
- France's withdrawal caused administrative inconvenience, leading to NATO headquarters being moved from Paris to Brussels.
European Economic Community (EEC)
- 1963: De Gaulle vetoed British candidacy to the EEC, fearing British membership would lead to American influence in the EEC.
- 1965: De Gaulle boycotted EEC meetings to prevent further centralization of the EEC.
- 1967: De Gaulle vetoed British membership to the EEC again; the UK would only accede to the EEC in 1973.
De Gaulle's Foreign Policy
- De Gaulle was critical of US domination and sought to maximize French independence.
- He developed links with communist countries and pursued a policy of independence from the US.
Post-De Gaulle Era
- 1969: De Gaulle resigned after losing a national referendum on constitutional reform.
- Georges Pompidou was elected President after De Gaulle's resignation.
- Pompidou died in 1974, and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing became President.
- François Mitterrand became President in 1981 and served for two terms until 1995.
- Jacques Chirac succeeded Mitterrand as President from 1995 to 2007.
Triangular Diplomacy
- Nixon Presidency: improved relations with the USSR and exploited the Sino-Soviet split.
- "We simply cannot afford to leave China forever outside the family of nations" - Nixon, 1967.
- Third-party diplomacy (1969), ping-pong diplomacy (1971), and Kissinger's visit to Beijing (1971) led to Nixon's visit to China (1972).
- One China policy and recognition of Beijing China (switch from Taipei) in 1979.
China's Nuclear Capability
- 1967: China exploded its first hydrogen bomb, refusing to contemplate non-proliferation and developing long-range rockets to carry nuclear warheads.
- Both the US and USSR reacted with concern to China's growing nuclear capacity.
SALT I Agreements
- The Interim Agreement on Offensive Missiles limited the number of missiles for each country to unequal ceilings.
- The Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty restricted the number of ABM installations to two each with a maximum capacity of 100 ABMs.
- The SALT I Agreements aimed to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Communist Bloc and Soviet Dominance
- Albania and Romania's independence from Soviet dominance
- Albania's Stalinist dictator Enver Hoxha criticized Khrushchev and relied on Chinese aid
- Romania feared integration via COMECON would leave it as an agricultural state
- Prague Spring (1968)
- Harsh regime under Antonin Novotny (1953-1968)
- Replaced by Alexander Dubček, introducing market elements and free discussion
- Brezhnev's warnings and military intervention (Operation Danube) led to Dubček's replacement by Husak (April 1969)
France and European Politics
- De Gaulle's independence from US domination
- Developed links with communist countries
- Criticized US domination, maximizing French independence
- France's withdrawal from NATO's integrated military command structure (1966)
- France's role in the EEC
- Vetoed British candidacy (1963 and 1967)
- Boycotted to prevent further centralization (1965)
Brezhnev Doctrine and Sino-Soviet Split
- Brezhnev Doctrine (1968)
- Justification for invasion of Czechoslovakia and later Afghanistan
- Solidarity between nations trumps national sovereignty
- Sino-Soviet Split
- Communist bloc not monolithic
- Detente vs. international proletarian revolution
- Mao posed as 'true' anti-imperialist
- Personal animosity between Mao and Khrushchev
Geopolitics and International Relations
- SALT I Agreements (1972)
- Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty and Interim Agreement on Offensive Missiles
- Vietnam War
- Americans installed a pro-western dictator in the south
- Insurgents did not need to win battles, just stay in the war
- Ho Chi Minh and de Gaulle confident in communist victory
- Cambodian Civil War and Khmer Rouge Regime
- Overthrow of Prince Sihanouk and rise of Pol Pot's regime (1975)
- Border attacks on Vietnam
Crack in the Eastern Bloc
- Enver Hoxha, the Stalinist dictator of Albania, asserted independence in 1960, openly criticizing Khrushchev and relying on Chinese aid to compensate for the economic embargo imposed by the Soviets.
- In 1961, Moscow severed relations with Albania, though it remained a nominal member of the Warsaw Pact until 1968.
- Romania, under Gheorghieu-Dej, feared that economic integration via COMECON would leave Romania as an agricultural state, while industrial production was concentrated in East Germany and Czechoslovakia.
The Prague Spring
- Harsh regime under Antonin Novotny (1953-68)
- Strong calls for reforms led to Novotny's replacement by Alexander Dubček in 1968
- Introduction of market elements in the economy, free discussion of reforms, and Dubček's emphasis on loyalty to the Warsaw Pact
- Multiple warnings from Brezhnev, military maneuvers as intimidation, and Operation Danube (August 1968) led to Dubček's replacement by Husak in April 1969
Peaceful Coexistence and the Rise of Multipolarity (1963-71)
- The Cuban missile crisis made both sides aware of the dangers of direct confrontation, leading to:
- The opening of a hot line between the USSR and the US
- First disarmament negotiations (PTBT in 1963, NPT in 1968)
- Nuclear technology and parity between the US and USSR
- Real détente after Nixon's election in 1969
Détente
- Easing of tensions between the two superpowers through mutual recognition and non-interference in each other's affairs
- Objectives:
- Avoid nuclear war
- Limit the nuclear arms race
- Hope for economic benefits
- Major achievements:
- Arms negotiations (SALT I & II)
- Ostpolitik and Détente as a European project
- Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Helsinki (1975)
NATO's Dual-Track Policy
- Twin purpose of the alliance: political and military
- Goal: counter Moscow and the Warsaw Pact militarily if necessary, while easing tensions between both camps and providing stability in Europe
- Dual-track policy: deterrence and détente
This quiz is about France's withdrawal from NATO's military command in 1966. It explores the reasons behind this decision, including America's dominance and the special relationship between the US and the UK.
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