The Cold War and the UN
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Questions and Answers

What was one of the twin rewards promised by the American Century?

  • Freedom and Independence
  • Peace and Prosperity
  • Education and Innovation
  • God and Money (correct)

    • Which of the following best describes 'Americanisation' as mentioned in the content?

  • The military expansion of the US across the world
  • The spread of American culture and ideals globally (correct)
  • The economic domination of American corporations over others
  • The process of political colonization of US territories

    • What was a significant consequence of adopting America's economic policies in post-war years?

  • Increased political independence
  • Stabilization of local currencies
  • Enhanced agricultural production
  • Severe impact of unfettered capitalism (correct)

    • What key role did the US play in the formation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1944?

    <p>Led the planning and funding of the organization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What assumption about the American Century was widely held among its proponents?

    <p>Everybody wants to be like the United States</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was George Kennan's view about the Soviet Union's participation in the UN?

    <p>The SU only participated to extend its own power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant challenge did the UN Security Council face during the Cold War?

    <p>Unanimous agreement was often difficult to achieve.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of the Korean conflict, what hindered the UN from sending peacekeepers?

    <p>The Soviets' abstention from resolutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the UN peacekeeping force (UNOGIL) in Lebanon in 1958?

    <p>To prevent illegal infiltration of personnel and arms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the objective of the Yemen Observer Mission (UNYOM) in 1963?

    <p>To end the civil war in Yemen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What marked the beginning of the UN's peacekeeping efforts in the Middle East?

    <p>The 1948 Arab-Israeli War ceasefire observation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mission was authorized to supervise the withdrawal of troops between Iraq and Iran?

    <p>UNIIMOG</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many countries were part of NATO at its inception in 1949?

    <p>12 countries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prompted Saddam's forces to occupy Kuwait?

    <p>Unhappiness with repayment terms and territorial claims</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one consequence of the Oslo Accords?

    <p>Transfer of control of major Arab cities to Palestinians</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event significantly undermined belief in the possibility of peace in Israel?

    <p>The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did the coalition forces stop short of invading Iraq during the Gulf War?

    <p>To allow Saddam Hussein to remain in power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant action taken by Ariel Sharon during his tenure as Prime Minister?

    <p>Ordering the construction of a security fence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one way nationalism was encouraged during Putin's administration?

    <p>To further political ambitions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which policy negatively impacted minority nationalities in the USSR?

    <p>Russification policies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What resulted from the strategies pursued by the Soviet regime regarding national minorities?

    <p>A stronger sense of nationhood among minority groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a common misconception about the USSR's federal system?

    <p>It was based on voluntary agreements between states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Boris Yeltsin impact Russia after the dissolution of the USSR?

    <p>He implemented reforms for a democratic and capitalist state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized the economic transition in Russia post-USSR dissolution?

    <p>Mass privatization of state assets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might national minorities feel disadvantaged during the economic modernization in the USSR?

    <p>It destabilized their traditional cultures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the policies of 'Russification' entail?

    <p>Imposition of the Russian language and cultural norms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect did Gorbachev's reforms have on the Soviet system?

    <p>They triggered a revolutionary crisis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'indigenisation of leadership' refer to?

    <p>Encouraging minority representation in leadership roles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of the shock therapy plan?

    <p>To stabilize the economy by reducing the deficit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which societal issue increased as a result of hyperinflation in Russia?

    <p>Rise of the black market</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized Boris Yeltsin's approach to economic reform?

    <p>He called them brutal but essential</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant social consequence of the economic changes in Russia by 1998?

    <p>Increase in poverty levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the political outcomes in Russia following the economic turmoil?

    <p>Re-emergence of strong communism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the Polish political movement Solidarity?

    <p>It transitioned into the ruling party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the social climate in Poland change post-communism?

    <p>Rise in living conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the key social characteristic of Czechoslovakia during the transition away from communism?

    <p>Peaceful transition during the Velvet Revolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What economic issue did the democratic agenda in Poland prioritize?

    <p>Solving unemployment and economic destitution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the impact of the Russian flu in 1998?

    <p>Worsening economic conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What trend occurred regarding alcohol consumption in Russia by 1989?

    <p>Doubled</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What resulted from the massive demonstrations across Russia?

    <p>Emergence of young democracies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the demographic shift in poverty in Russia by 1998?

    <p>Increased to 74 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of the increase in drug and alcohol abuse in Russia?

    <p>Rise in suicide rates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    The Cold War and the UN

    • The UN attempted to bring countries together after World War II, but the Soviet Union saw the world in two camps - communism and capitalism.
    • George Kennan argued that the Soviet Union was not serious about participating in the UN, and only did so to extend its own power.

    Peacekeeping Challenges during the Cold War

    • From the outset, the UN Security Council struggled to reach unanimous agreement on sending peacekeepers to countries influenced by either superpower.
    • The US aimed to spread or contain leftist and revolutionary movements, while the USSR supported freedom fighters and national liberation movements.
    • The Security Council failed to send peacekeepers into the Korean conflict due to Soviet abstentions. As a result, Western allies, led by the US, intervened.

    Middle East Conflicts

    • Warring groups in the Middle East were generally not aligned with the superpowers, who were more focused on stability in this oil-rich region.
    • The UN was most visibly active in peacekeeping during the Lebanese Civil War.
    • The UN Observer Group in Lebanon (UNOGIL) was established in 1958 to prevent illegal infiltration of personnel and arms across the Lebanese borders, mainly from the United Arab Republic.
    • The United Nations Yemen Observer Mission (UNYOM) was deployed in 1963 to attempt to end the civil war in Yemen, where opposing sides were supported by regional rivals Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
    • The UN's first peacekeeping mission in the Middle East began in 1948 to observe and maintain a ceasefire during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
    • The UN was present in Suez (UNEF II) in 1973 and in the Golan Heights (UNDOF) in 1974 after the Yom Kippur War, and in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in 1978 after the 1978 South Lebanon conflict.
    • The United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) was deployed in the Middle East in the 1980s to supervise the withdrawal of troops to the internationally recognized border between Iraq and Iran after eight years of war.

    Understanding the American Century

    • The American Century refers to the period of US dominance after World War II.
    • The cultural impact of the US, known as 'Americanization,' is seen in the influence of US music, television, films, art, and fashion, as well as the desire for freedom of speech and other guaranteed rights enjoyed by US citizens.

    Economic Dominance

    • US economic influence was significant during the American Century.
    • Many countries adopted American economic policies based on market forces, despite opposition from populations who experienced the negative effects of unfettered capitalism.
    • The US dollar became (and remains) the world's key currency, trade and investment grew steadily, and currency values were stable.
    • The International Monetary Fund (IMF), established in 1944, saw significant US influence.

    The Dissolution of the USSR

    • The fall of the USSR had significant political, social, and cultural impacts on Russia and Eastern Europe.

    Russia

    • Boris Yeltsin implemented a series of political and economic reforms that transformed Russia into a democratic state with a capitalist economy.
    • Russia underwent mass privatization of assets, industry, infrastructure, oil and gas reserves, banks, and more.
    • This policy, known as 'shock therapy,' involved significant cuts to government spending on defense, industry subsidies, consumer subsidies, public infrastructure, and other areas.
    • The reforms aimed to reduce the government deficit, introduce new taxes, control inflation, and remove price controls.
    • Yeltsin's reforms faced criticism, and he described them as "brutal but necessary."
    • Russia experienced a period of massive price increases, economic instability, and devaluation of the ruble.
    • The Russian financial crisis of 1998 known as "Russian Flu" struck the Russian economy hard.
    • Yeltsin resigned in 1999 due to declining health and alcoholism.
    • The Russian mafia filled the leadership void, and massive demonstrations took place across the country.
    • This period saw the emergence of young democracies and the promotion of liberalism with less governmental control over private lives.
    • The Russian economy was on the verge of collapse, and the ruble was extremely devalued.
    • The Russian people, tired of instability and reforms, led to the reemergence of the Communist Party as a political force, securing 22% of the vote in the 1995 elections.
    • Stalin was voted the third-best Russian in a 2008 international poll.

    Social Impacts in Russia

    • The hyperinflation led to Russians relying on the black market for essentials like clothes and food.
    • Pro-democracy demonstrators worried about losing their democracy and staged massive protests.
    • By 1998, 74 million people lived below the poverty line, in comparison to 2 million in 1989.
    • Alcohol consumption doubled from 1989 to 1998, contributing to an increase in drug and alcohol abuse and suicide rates.
    • The lack of purchasing power due to Russia's poor financial situation and devalued ruble led to a rise in poverty.

    Cultural Impacts in Russia

    • By the end of 1995, the Russian people were tired of instability and reforms, leading to the reemergence of the Communist Party as a political force, securing 22% of the vote in the 1995 elections.
    • In a 2008 international poll, Stalin was voted the third-best Russian.

    Poland

    • Poland experienced a longer period of protests and negotiations than other Eastern Bloc countries, leading to the formation of a democratic parliament.
    • The Polish economy struggled with high unemployment, making it the top priority for the democratic government.
    • Solidarity, a key force in Poland's transition, became the ruling party, leading to a painful but rapid transition to a functioning market economy.

    Social Impacts in Poland

    • Confidence in the Communist Party had collapsed.
    • Poland saw a rise in tourism and an increase in living conditions.

    Cultural Impacts in Poland

    • A rediscovery of national identity was prevalent, as well as the influence of international sports.

    Czechoslovakia

    • Czechoslovakia enjoyed a peaceful transition from Communism during the 'Velvet Revolution'.
    • Political dissidents faced punishment as the repressive regime attempted to maintain control.

    Summary of the Dissolution of the USSR

    • The fall of the Soviet Union brought about a wave of significant changes in Russia and Eastern Europe, influencing political, social, and cultural landscapes.
    • The transition to a capitalist system was marked by economic challenges, social unrest, and the rise of nationalism.
    • Each country had its unique experience, dealing with economic hardship, political instability, and social adjustments, all while grappling with a newfound sense of national identity.

    1991 Gulf War

    • Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait was prompted by dissatisfaction with repayment terms and a desire to revive territorial claims.
    • A coalition of allied and Middle Eastern powers, led by President George H.W. Bush, successfully repelled Iraqi forces.
    • The coalition did not invade Iraq, allowing Saddam Hussein to remain in power for 12 more years.

    The Oslo Accords and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

    • In 1993, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed the Oslo Accords, transferring control of most of the Gaza Strip and major Arab cities in the West Bank to Palestinians.
    • The agreement intended to achieve a final accord within seven years, but this never materialized.
    • The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and bombings in Jerusalem eroded trust in the peace process.
    • Subsequent Israeli leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak, attempted to negotiate peace agreements with Yasser Arafat, but were unsuccessful.
    • Following the failure of peace talks, violence escalated, leading to the Second Intifada, marked by suicide bombings in Israel.
    • Ariel Sharon, as Prime Minister, ordered the construction of a security fence between Israel and the West Bank.
    • Israel withdrew from Gaza, but Hamas seized power and began launching rocket attacks.
    • In 2008, Israel sent ground troops into Gaza.
    • In 2012, during the Second Intifada, Israel deployed the Iron Dome missile-defense system, significantly reducing Hamas' effectiveness.

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    Description

    Explore the dynamics of the Cold War and the role of the United Nations in peacekeeping. Learn about the conflicting interests of the US and USSR and their impact on global stability. Delve into the challenges faced by the UN in addressing conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.

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