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Questions and Answers
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when South Korea invaded North Korea.
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when South Korea invaded North Korea.
False
General Douglas MacArthur commanded the UN troops that defended South Korea.
General Douglas MacArthur commanded the UN troops that defended South Korea.
True
The Berlin Wall was established in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Berlin Wall was established in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
False
The United Nations was successful in preventing all aggression during the Korean War.
The United Nations was successful in preventing all aggression during the Korean War.
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The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred in October 1962 and involved missiles only a short distance from the USA.
The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred in October 1962 and involved missiles only a short distance from the USA.
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The UN forces in Korea were able to push the communists back beyond the 38th Parallel.
The UN forces in Korea were able to push the communists back beyond the 38th Parallel.
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The Berlin Wall was a direct result of a 'brain drain' from West Germany.
The Berlin Wall was a direct result of a 'brain drain' from West Germany.
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The Cuban Missile Crisis represented a period of low tension between the USA and the USSR.
The Cuban Missile Crisis represented a period of low tension between the USA and the USSR.
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The United States lost the Vietnam War and subsequently, Vietnam became a communist state.
The United States lost the Vietnam War and subsequently, Vietnam became a communist state.
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The Marshall Plan aimed to strengthen European industries and prevent the spread of communism through economic support.
The Marshall Plan aimed to strengthen European industries and prevent the spread of communism through economic support.
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NATO was established in 1950 to protect Eastern Europe from Soviet influence.
NATO was established in 1950 to protect Eastern Europe from Soviet influence.
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The US supported both North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
The US supported both North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
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The Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 was planned by John F. Kennedy without any prior government involvement.
The Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 was planned by John F. Kennedy without any prior government involvement.
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The Truman Doctrine was designed to contain communism worldwide through military support and economic assistance.
The Truman Doctrine was designed to contain communism worldwide through military support and economic assistance.
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NORAD was created to defend North America against nuclear threats.
NORAD was created to defend North America against nuclear threats.
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After the Bay of Pigs invasion, Castro became a less popular figure in Cuba.
After the Bay of Pigs invasion, Castro became a less popular figure in Cuba.
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Ho Chi Minh led the forces in South Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh led the forces in South Vietnam.
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The US applied the policy of containment primarily in regions like Greece and Turkey to limit communism's spread.
The US applied the policy of containment primarily in regions like Greece and Turkey to limit communism's spread.
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JFK agreed to dispatch bombers to destroy missile sites in Cuba.
JFK agreed to dispatch bombers to destroy missile sites in Cuba.
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Fidel Castro called for a nuclear strike on the USA during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Fidel Castro called for a nuclear strike on the USA during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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The Soviet Union had more troops in Cuba than the CIA initially reported.
The Soviet Union had more troops in Cuba than the CIA initially reported.
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Lester B. Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the Suez Crisis.
Lester B. Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the Suez Crisis.
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John Diefenbaker was known for promoting the Canadian Bill of Rights.
John Diefenbaker was known for promoting the Canadian Bill of Rights.
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Joe Clark became Canada's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 45.
Joe Clark became Canada's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 45.
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Pierre Trudeau's speeches were often likened to 'rock concerts' due to their energetic style.
Pierre Trudeau's speeches were often likened to 'rock concerts' due to their energetic style.
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The 'red hotline' was established between Moscow and Washington D.C. after the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The 'red hotline' was established between Moscow and Washington D.C. after the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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Jean Lesage was the leader of the Union Nationale political party in Quebec.
Jean Lesage was the leader of the Union Nationale political party in Quebec.
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Khrushchev was relieved of his duties in 1964 due to his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Khrushchev was relieved of his duties in 1964 due to his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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Rene Levesque proposed Canadian sovereignty for Quebec in the early 1970s.
Rene Levesque proposed Canadian sovereignty for Quebec in the early 1970s.
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The Canadian economy improved significantly during John Diefenbaker's term, leading to a strong balance of trade.
The Canadian economy improved significantly during John Diefenbaker's term, leading to a strong balance of trade.
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The 1984 federal election saw John Turner winning a majority over Brian Mulroney.
The 1984 federal election saw John Turner winning a majority over Brian Mulroney.
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Study Notes
The Korean War (1950-1953)
- North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, a divided peninsula with North Korea supported by the Soviet Union and South Korea by the USA.
- The UN Security Council, with the Soviets absent, condemned the invasion and called on North Korea to withdraw.
- The UN authorized military aid to South Korea, with troops from 16 countries, including 26,000 Canadians, under US General Douglas MacArthur.
- MacArthur pushed the communists back to the 38th parallel.
- Chinese "volunteers" intervened, forcing a retreat back to the 38th parallel.
- Peace talks commenced at Panmunjom.
- The war became a "limited war" with aerial bombardments, napalm use, and battles between US and Soviet aircraft.
- An armistice was signed on July 17, 1953.
- The war demonstrated the UN's willingness to intervene in aggression, highlighting the escalating tension between the USSR and the USA during this period.
Superpower Attributes and Power
- Superpowers (USA and USSR) possessed large populations, wealth, natural resources, and military power.
- Power involved influencing weaker states.
- The "brain drain" of skilled workers from East Germany to West Germany highlighted Cold War tensions and economic disparities.
The Berlin Wall (1961)
- Many skilled workers fled from East Germany to West Germany through Berlin.
- Soviet Premier Khrushchev erected the Berlin Wall.
- The wall was fortified with towering barriers, barbed wire, and armed guards.
- The Berlin Wall profoundly impacted US-Soviet relations and symbolizes the Cold War's division.
- It further illustrated the shortcomings of JFK's foreign policy approach.
The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
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US U-2 spy planes discovered Soviet nuclear missile installations in Cuba, significantly impacting US national security.
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Missiles placed in Cuba posed a far greater threat in terms of response times, compared to previously considered distances.
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American and Soviet forces were on the verge of nuclear war.
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To appease Kennedy, advisors initially suggested bombing the missiles, but this was rejected.
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Kennedy considered an invasion, but rejected that as well.
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Soviet involvement in Cuba was far higher than the CIA initially reported, with tens of thousands of Soviet troops and a substantial Cuban military.
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Robert Kennedy proposed a naval blockade and publicly revealing the missiles.
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Castro ultimately threatened nuclear attack, causing fear over an impending nuclear war.
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The Soviets agreed to remove the missiles in exchange for US promises not to invade Cuba and remove missiles from Turkey.
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This crisis enhanced US prestige, created the "hotline" communication channel, and banned nuclear testing.
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Khrushchev was removed from power.
Canadian Politicians (Post-WWII)
- Louis St. Laurent (1948-1957): Focused on national prosperity, encouraged Newfoundland joining Canada, and developed infrastructure.
- John Diefenbaker (1957-1963): Conservative, focused on prosperity for all Canadians. His policies heavily promoted infrastructure development and focused on containing American influence. Balance of trade issues arose. Policies devalued the Canadian dollar to boost exports to other nations.
- Lester B. Pearson (1963-1968): Excellent diplomat, won the Nobel Peace Prize. Focused on improving French-English relations (Bi & Bi Commission), and introduced policies like Medicare and a Canadian pension plan.
- Maurice Duplessis (Quebec): Conservative Premier of Quebec, focused on preserving traditional Quebec culture and resisted federal intrusions in Quebec, while maintaining a corrupt government.
- Jean Lesage (Quebec): Led a "modernizing" movement for greater economic and social improvement in Quebec and promoting recognition of French Canadians. Steps taken to improve standards and win recognition.
- René Lévesque and sovereignty: Pushed for Quebec's independence within Canada.
- Pierre Trudeau (1968-1980): Young, charismatic, and controversial. Strong foreign policies. Significant relationships that displeased the United States.
- Joe Clark (1979-1980): Younger, inexperienced Prime Minister, lost the 1980 election.
- John Turner (1984): Briefly led the Liberal party, and lost.
- Kim Campbell (1993): First female Prime Minister of Canada
The Vietnam War (1954-1975)
- The US supported South Vietnam against North Vietnam, fearing the domino effect of communism.
- American difficulties in maintaining the war effort and protests back home contributed to the eventual US withdrawal in 1973.
- South Vietnam fell to North Vietnam in 1975, resulting in a communist victory in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
US Policies and Programs
- The Marshall Plan: A massive US economic aid program to rebuild post-war Europe to prevent falling into Communist hands
- Canadian Foreign Policy (1945-1959): Focused on UN support, US cooperation, NATO, and Commonwealth ties.
NATO and Cold War Defence
- Formation of NATO (1949) & NORAD. NATO developed to protect Western Europe, leaving North America vulnerable to attack.
- The development of long-range bombers and ICBMs caused a great fear of a catastrophic nuclear war.
- The Soviets and US developed long range bombers and ICBMs that could reach the US in half an hour.
The Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961)
- A failed US-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro in Cuba. It resulted in decreased American standing and solidified Cuban ties with the Soviets.
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Description
This quiz covers the key events and details of the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. It discusses the invasion of South Korea, the role of the UN, military strategies, and the impact of superpowers during this significant conflict. Test your knowledge of this important chapter in Cold War history.
