Cold War Notes Lesson 1 PDF

A WORLD DIVIDED: SUPERPOER RELATION 1943 -72 Reasons for the Cold War  Meaning of cold war  Long term rivalry between communism and capitalism.  Tension and disagreements during WW2  Key features of conference of Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam  Soviet Union an...

A WORLD DIVIDED: SUPERPOER RELATION 1943 -72 Reasons for the Cold War  Meaning of cold war  Long term rivalry between communism and capitalism.  Tension and disagreements during WW2  Key features of conference of Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam  Soviet Union and Eastern Europe the attitudes of Truman and Stalin. Early development in the cold war.  Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe  Churchill and the Iron Curtain speech  The Truman doctrine and the Marshall plan  Cominform and Comecon  Disagreements over Germany  Causes events and the results of the Berlin crisis (1948 – 49), including the setting up of NATO and creation of two Germany. Cold War in the 1950s.  The impact of the Korean War and the formation of Warsaw Pad.  Khrushchev and the peaceful co-existence. A WORLD DIVIDED SUPERPOWER RELATIONS 1943 – 72 WHAT WAS THE COLD WAR?  Cold War refers to the increasing Tension that developed between the two superpowers which brought a frosty atmosphere.  Cold war started in 1945/46 and lasted for well over 40 years.  At first cold war was confined to Europe but during the 1950s and 60s it spread world wide especially into Asia. Features of cold war.  Cold war had most features of a proper war.  These are:- a). There were 2 rival sides i.e.; east vs west or capitalism vs communism or USA vs USSR East – Communism – USSR / West – Capitalist - USA b). There was spying and propaganda on both sides. c). It encouraged an arm race (creation of arms) NB. Cold War was however not a proper hot was where the two sequences actually fought against each other. THE GRAND ALLIANCE  Britain, the Soviet Union and the USN had fought together against Hitler.  The leaders of these countries, Roosevelt of USA, Churchill of Britain and Starlin of Soviet Union had joined in informal agreement which Winston Churchill later named, The Grand Alliance.  Although the USA and the Soviet Union were aligned, they were very suspicious of each other. THE ORIGIN OF THE COLD WAR.  The war time allies were not out of genuine friendship.  Tensions intensified between the USA and the Soviet Union for 3 major reasons 1). Ideology. 1). Ideology refers to the ideals or principles that govern a society, a people or a state. The two super powers had conflicting systems of government and their societies were organized around very different ideals. Communism Capitalism  Capitalism is a multiparty set  Freedom of speech and movement  Limits on government interference in people lives  Most industry and agriculture are owned by private individuals  It is a class society i.e. the rich, the middle class and the poor.  They employ workers and keep all profit made.  Free and fair elections. Communism  Usually a one party set  Strong censorship with restriction on what could be said or written.  The government controls most aspects of peoples lives.  Industry and agriculture are owned by the state and people are encouraged to work for the common good.  It is a classless society with no individual profit making  There is no individual profit making  There are no free and fair elections. 2. Mutual Mistrust. Western Mistrust of USSR Soviet Mistrust of the West Communism threatened Western values and way Communist believed that the capitalists system of life was evil; once the rich prospered at the expense of the poor. The West disliked Starlin’s dictatorship which In 1918 to 1919 Western States had helped the had led to many deaths and the uprisings of whites fight against communism in the civil war. 1930s Churchill had been the secretary for war and had sent British troops.  Starlin had signed the Nazzi/Soviet pact in 1939 In 1919 the allies gave Russian lands to other and divided Poland. countries including Poland – In 1942 Starlin was angry that Britain and the USA refused to invade Europe quickly to open up a second front against Hitler and take pressure off Russia. NB:- Mitual mistrust had built up since 1918. 3. Conflicting aims in central and Eastern Europe Once Germany had been defeated, the Central and Eastern European state were liberal but the two superpowers had conflicting aims in those state. a). The Western allies supported democracy and wanted to hold free elections in all states, in central and Eastern Europe.  The West wanted keep Poland: Western boundary where it was.  The West wanted to help Germany to produce its own goods and food again and to take part in world trade.  The USSR on the other hand wanted to create a “Buffer Zone” of friendly states between the USSR and Germany.  These states would have to set up soviet style government which would unlikely prove free elections  Stalin wanted to redraw Poland’s Western boundary and keep Germany weak. This would prevent a future German or Western invasion of Russia. NB: These differences really began to appear at the three peace conference. The Tehran conference, The Yalta conference and the Pots dam conference. Revision questions 1. What were the causes of cold war? (4) PE- point & explanation 2. Describe the causes of cold war (6) PEE 3. “Ideology was the most significant cause of cold war” How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10) -PEEL  Ideology was the main cause of cold war. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. You may use the following:  Mutual mistrust.  Conflicting aims in Central and Eastern Europe. THE PEACE CONFERENCES Yalta and Pots dam.  Despite their differences Britain, USSR and USA needed to work together to defeat Germany and Japan.  They also had to agree on how Europe would be governed after war.  SO the leaders of Grand Alliance met three times during the war: At Tehran (1943), Valta February (1945) and Pots dam July (1945) The Tehran conference November (1943) This was their first meeting and they met to plan a winning strategy to end the war. Agreement at Tehran a). Britain and the USA to open a second front by attacking Germany in order to ease pressure from the soviet side which was suffering heavy losses b). Starlin would declare war against Japan and supply is true to help the USA with the war against the Japanese once war was over in Europe c). There was a general agreement that an international body should be set up to settle disputes through discussion and negotiation rather than war. These laid ground for the future creation of the United Nations. The Yalta conference February (1945) The big three (Franklin Roosevelt of USA, Joseph Starlin of the USSR, Winston Churchill of Britain held a second meeting at Yalta in the Soviet Union. Agreements at Yalta. a). Germany had to be defeated and then disarmed. It was to be split into four zones of occupation shared among the big three plus France and Germany would also have to pay reparations (compensation) b). A United organization was to be set up. c). The USSR to join the war against Japan 3 months after the defeat of Germany d). Countries in Eastern Europe to be allowed to hold free elections to choose how they would be governed. e). Free elections to be held in Poland and the Eastern frontier:- boundary: to return to the 321 position. Tensions at Yalta There were already differences between East and West a). The Western allies were concerned because the USSR wanted Western boundary of Poland moved into Germany and the German population removed. b). They disagreed over how much Germans was to pay in reparations. Starlin wanted to fit a sum that the latest thought was too large. This decision was postponed. The Potsdam conference (July 1945) Roosevelt was dead by this time and the USA was represented by president Harry Truman. Agreement at Potsdam. a). Details of zones of occupation in Germany were finalized. The Nazi party was to be banned and its leaders tried as war criminals. b). For compensation (reparations) each power was to collect industrial equipment for its own zone. USSR was to receive additional compensation from the other zones since its zone was mainly agricultural. c). Poland’s Western Boundary was determined it was to be along the liens created by the ODER and NEISSE rivers. d). Germans living in Poland, Hungary and Czech were to return to Germany. Tensions at Potsdam. Divisions between East and West were growing. a). Truman did not tell Stalin that the USA intended to drop an atomic bomb on Japan. b). More Germans were expelled from Eastern Europe than the Western allies had expected. c). The West were suspicious of Soviet intentions in Eastern Europe. Stalin had invited non- communist from Poland to Moscow and then imprisoned them. Communists now held key positions in the Polish government. d). Truman was highly suspicious of Starlin’s motives. Starlin’s Red Army was the biggest in the world and he had refused to cut down his arm forces. The Soviet Union was trying to catch up with the USA in developing its own atomic bomb. The Iron Curtain speech of March 1946 was made by Winston Churchill at Fulton Missouri.  The speech declared that Europe was divided into two separate halves by the Soviet policy.  In the West were free democratic states.  In the East behind an iron curtain were countries under the Soviet domination of communist parties subject to the communist rule. Effects of the “Iron Curtain Speech.” a). This was a clear statement of West Vs East. b). Stalin accused Churchill of trying to stir up a world against the Soviet Union. Exam Question 1. Describe the agreements at Tehran, Yalta, Potsdam (6) 2. What/ Describe were the tensions at Yalta, Potsdam (4 or 6) 3. The Potsdam conference was the most significant conference in the initial stages of the Grand Alliance. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10) 4. Decisions at Yalta played a major role in causing superpower tensions. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10) 5. It was the Yalta conference rather than the Potsdam conference which fueled tensions between the superpowers. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10) Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe.  Having freed much of Eastern Europe from the Nazzis, the red army remained in occupation and the soviet Union established communists government that were closely controlled from Moscow.  This became known as the soviet satellite state.  The same pattern followed in each country. a). Opposition leaders were arrested for or forced to flea b). Collision in which shared power with other political parties c). Supported by starlin the communist took over the civil service, media, security and defence. d). Electrons were held but were fixed to ensure support for the communists. e). People’s democracies were set up. Examples of satellite in states were:- 1. Poland 2. Bulgaria 3. Hungary 4. Romania 5. Yugoslavia 6. Czech The Truman Doctrin 1947  The Truman Doctrin made it clear that the USA would help Europe and the rest of the World to stop the expansion of communism.   Events in Greece led to the Truman Doctrin  The British government had been supporting the Greek government in its civil war against communist  In 1947 the British government said it could no longer afford to support Greece  The Greek government appealed to the USA for money  President Truman agreed to help. The USA believed in the Domino theory. They believed that if one country falls into communism those nearby would be at risk.  The USA would therefore adopt a policy of containment.  This meant supporting nations in danger of communism in danger of communist take over with economy and military aid.  This became known as the Truman Doctrin and it was a basis of American Policy against communism for the next 40 year. Results (effects) of the Truman Doctrin  Greece defeated communism  It increased rivalry between the USA and the USSR  The USA became committed to the policy of containment  Starlin set up the communist information Bareal (COMINFORM) This was to link communist parties in Eastern Europe and World-wide in a common action. THE MARSHALL PLAN  Truman had no intentions of sending troops to Europe to fight communisms, but instead he attacked it from its roots.  Truman believed that communism grew in countries where there was poverty.  Most governments were still struggling to cope with the damage caused by the war there was still rationing and shortages in many countries.  The USA was to use its wealth to help Europe recover and prosper.  The USA realized that this policy would also bring their country economic benefits through encouraging the revival of trade.  The plan was announced by the American secretary of state George Marshall in June 1947. What was the Marshall plan?  The Marshall plan was a program of aid to help war torn Europe to re-equip its factories and revive agriculture and trade.  It was a practical outcome of the Truman Doctrine providing Economic aid to help war torn countries in order to stop communism from taking over in Western Europe.  The USA offered money, equipment and goods to states willing to work together to create economic recovery. This aid included cash, machinery, food and Technological assistant.  In return those countries would agree to buy American goods and allow American companies to ingest capital in their countries.  George Marshall invited states to meet together and decide how to use American aid. What were its results  16 Western Europeans states set up the organization for European co-operation (OEEC) such states included Britain, France, Italy, West Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Sweden, Turkey, Norway, Ireland, Portugal, Iceland and Trieste. To help them rebuild their economies and raise their standards of living.   Europe became firmly divided between East and West Starlin withdrew the USSR from discussions. He did not trust the USA and did not want to show how weak the USSR really was. He prevented Eastern European countries that were interested in becoming involved e.g. Poland, and Czechoslovakia.  Starlin accused the USA for using the plan from their own selfish interest that is to dominate Europe and help the American Economy. The soviets called this Dollar imperialism. NB:- Impacts of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall aid on superpower relations. The Grand Alliance was no more Starlin was highly suspecting the West. There was extreme rivalry for the next 50 years between the two superpower. The Marshall plan successfully tied Western European countries into supporting the USA. Formation of Cominform and Cameroon. COMINFORM (Communist Information Bureau)  The Marshall plan was an economic and political challenge to starlin, who set up two new organization for communists countries of Europe. COMINFORM was a political organization set up in 1947. It was set up under the orders of starlin as an association of communist parties from all over Europe. It gave starlin a way of controlling the government of satellite states.  At its first meeting it rejected the marshall plan.  It spread propaganda and accused America of being no different from the Nazzi Germany.  It was also responsible for ending opposition to Moscow and ensuring loyalty of Eastern European governments.  Through cominform there were a series of strikes amongst communist workers e.g. in France whose aim was to ensure that the countries do not take the marshall aid however this did not stop countries from receiving the marshall aid. COMECON -1949 (The council Mutual Economic Assistance)  This was an economic organization which was set up for communists states to keep their independence from capitalists governments.  Starlin did not want the USA to become powerful in Eastern Europe, so he did not allow the satellite states to accept the marshall aid.  It was established two years after the marshall plan and was in direct competition with the Marshall plan.  COMECON aimed to support economic development in its member states.  It discouraged trade with the USA and Western Europe.  COMECON did not pump in money like the marshall plan but it encouraged member states to specialize in the production of different product so as to trade amongst themselves. Members of COMECON were USSR, Bulgaria, Czech, Hungary, Poland, Romania and East Germany. CRISIS OVER BERLIN 1948 – 1949 The Berlin Blockade 1948 – 49 and its consequences. Germany divided.   At Postdam the Grand Alliance agreed to divide Germany as well its capital, Berlin into 4 separate zones of occupation administered by the soviet union, the USA, Britain and France.  The division was meant to be temporary but it ended up lasting for many years.  The for zones were controlled by the Allied control commission (ACC). There were soldiers on the street and in Berlin and also military checkpoints between the zones.  The occupying powers had disagreements. Britain, France and the USA looked at Germany differently. They wanted to build up Germany’s economy hoping that if Germany became wealthy if would be a better trading partner and would also resist communism.  The soviet on the other hand wanted to take a much material as possible back to help rebuild the soviet union.  With the soviet no longer cooperating the USA, Britain and France decided how to run their parts of Germany. Britain and the USA had already combined their zones into bizoner.  The French added there to create trizoner. This meant that Germany and Berlin were now split into 2 parts, Western Trizoner and Eastern soviet controlled Germany.  The three allies agreed on single currency for their side, the Deutschmark for Economic Unity.  To Starlin this was an example of the West ganging up on the soviet Union. He saw the formation of trizoner as a way of developing the three zones more effectively and deliberately forcing the soviet zone into poverty. He was more determined to protect his interest in Germany and believed that Germany should be one United country following the communist ideology. THE BERLIN BLACKADE  In June 1948 Starlin decided to shut off the land roots across soviet control Germany into Berlin. This became known as the Berlin Blockade.  He wanted to show the three sides that a divided Germany would not work.  His aim was to ensure that trizoner would no longer communicate with the Capital, Berlin and the people of Berlin would soon run short of food and starve into soviet submission.  This would be a big win to starlin if the blockade would be successful. Starlin would win a huge propaganda success.  And the West would give up their zones to be controlled by the soviet Union  Since the West knew that an attempt to force supplies into Berlin along the closed land roots would be seen as a potential act of war and might lead to direct military confrontation, flowing supplies into their zone was the only way out. It Starlin would have shot down their planes that would make him the aggressor. The Result of the Berlin Blockade The Berlin Airlift  The Western Alliance began operation vittles commonly known as Berlin Airlift.  This was around the clock airlift of essential supplies such as food, coal, medicine, etc. In the allied zone. This was an 11 months operations where pilots were taking a huge risk as they weren’t sure the soviets would not shoot them down.  The West. Joined together to create a new airport at Telget so that supplies could be landed in the Western zones.  Ordinary citizens helped to unload planes and hand out the essential supplies to all who needed them.  In May 1949, the soviet gave in and lifted the blockage. The Airlift had worked and West Berlin had survived.  Starlin’s attempt to win a propaganda victory over trizoner had not worked.  The West had responded peacefully to what looked like foolish and attractive act by starlin The Berlin Crisis Results  The Western power saw this as a victory. They had survived and stood up to the soviet union. (This was done by the Berlin Airlift)  The creation of East and West Germany (Germany being permanently) after the blockade it was clear that the division in Germany continue.  The Western ally continues to create a separate West Germany and it was called Federal German Republic (FGR).  Germans in the new country were allowed to elect their own parliament called Bundestag they elected their first chancellor (leader) called Konrad and had their own capital in Bonn.  Starlin responded by creating east Germany called (German Democratic Republic) GDR. This worsen relation between East and West as permanent hostility existed between them.  This lasted for the next 40 years when Germany was reunified.  The Creation of NATO (North Atlantis Treat Organization). The Western allies and other 9 countries joined together in the NATO.  This was a result to starlies treat to Berlin and communist take-over in Czech. They were made to feed that they needed a formal military alliance to protect themselves from the Soviet Union protecting one of their own.  They also wanted starlin to get the message about standing firm against Germany.  NATO operated on the principal that “an attack on one member would be seen as an attack in the alliance and all members of NATO would come in as assistance. Creation of Warsaw pact.  This was in response to NATO it was defensive alliance of the east and it would fight only if attacked and an attack on one member was to be regarded as an attack to all.  It had joined commanded structure of the soviet under the soviets supreme commander.  Revision Questions 1. The main reason for the worsening relation between the soviet union and the USA in the year 1945-49 was the Berlin Crisis in (1948 – 49). How far do you agree. Explain your answer. You may use the following in your answer  The Berlin Crisis 1948 – 49  The Marshall plan  You must also use an information of your own. THE HUNGARIAN UPRISING 1956 – 7 CAUSES  Hungary was the soviet satellite states  The soviet union had invaded and occupied. Hungary at the end of the war, helping to install a communist government, let by Rakosi.  Rakosi built Hungary as a brutal dictator with the help from the AVH (Secret Police)  Rakosi imprisoned 200,000 political opponents (who disagreed with him) and killed over 2000 of them.  He allowed the USSR to control Hungary economy through Camecon. This meant hungary couldn’t trade with the west leading to shortage of food and low standard living. What happened  Massive demonstrations forced Rakosi out and Naggy took over as a Prime Minister.  Naggy was modernizing communist, he held free election, traded with West Germany and withdrew Hungary from Warsaw pact. He even asked UN for help in dealing with the USSR.  Khrusher was frustrated, 200,000 soviet troops and 1000 tanks invaded Hungary to put a stop to the uprising.  The Hungarian rebels asked Britain, France and USA for help but none came.  The USSR crushed the uprising. Consequences  30,000 Hungarians were killed and 200,000 fled Hungary as refugees.  Naggy was replaced as the Prime Minister by the communist.  The Soviet Union had out threats and warnings to other satellite states sent to not break away from the soviet or warsaw pact.  The West were horrified (but not enough to take military action against the soviet Union – it might have led to war) and become more determined to contain communism. The West at that time were distracted by the Suez Crisis.  The West didn’t intervene because they were in peaceful co-existence. Why Hungarian opposed soviet control Censorship  There was no freedom of expression  The government controlled press, theatre art and music Religion  Hungarians were strongly Christian but the Communist government persecuted the catholic leaders.  Because they shaded enlightment and spoke the truth about the cruel ways of the communist government.  Cardinal Minszenty was put in prison. Soviet troops  Hungarians hated the presence of the soviet troops  Even though Hungary was claimed to be free. The soviet troops took control and Hungary lost their freedom. Secret police  They hated state protection group (AVO), the Hungarian secret police used terror and torture against opponents of the government, communisms and USSR.  The soviet Union set up the secret police to spy over Hungary and to make sure communism was completely spread. Patriotism  Hungarians were proud and patriotic  They were fully aware of their culture, traditions and History.  Soviet controlled the education this meant that their children were taught a communist version of History.  This ignored Hungary’s real past and its tradition links with West Europe. Standards of living  The living standards were low under communism.  Food shortages were blamed on the new collective forms.  Industrial workers were paid poorly  Many goods were sent to the USSR. The importance of the Hungarian Uprising  It strengthened the position of the USSR as other satellite states did not dare challenge the authority of the soviet union in the years after the Hungarian uprising.  It showed that peaceful co-existence had its limit.  It marked a statement in the cold war because the West showed that they would not interfere with soviet activities in Eastern Europe. The U2 incident (1960) Background information  The U2 was Lockheed aircraft developed for the USA’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and was firstly used in 1956.   It was able to fly at very high altitudes and were fitted with powerful cameras and radio receivers which enable them to detect soviet long range bombers bases and missile sites. The U2 Crisis  The USA and USSR were due to meet at a summit in Paris in May 1960, to discuss the future of Berlin and nuclear weapons.  The year started of positivity and relation seemed to be improving, the U2 crisis in May 1960 increased tension and threatened their peace.  On 1st May 1960, two week before the Paris summit an American U2 spy plane flew over the soviet Union and shot down over the soviet union.  The Americans pilot Gary powers was captured by the soviet troops and he admitted to spying.  The Americans did not know about the powers confession and tried to cover up by saying that the U2 plane had been studying weather conditions and had got lost.  They did not want to ruin the Paris summit but later they were forced to admit that it was a spy plane when the Russians revealed that much of the plane had survived and that they had captured the pilot alive.  When the summit met, Khurshev demanded an apology from the US president. Else however, refused to apologies and Khurshev went home.  This ended the Paris summit, increased the mistrust between the two superpowers and ended the cooperation between them. Results of the U2 incident  Khurshev showed the communist world that he could be tough with the West.  The Paris summit, which was meant to discuss the future of Germany and how to improve relations between them collapsed and there was no Test B an Treaty.  It led to the creation of the Berlin wall because there was no discussion about the problem of Berlin.  The incident was seen as a defeat to the US and so they elected John F. Kennedy as a president he promised to get tougher with the Russians.  Gary powers were tried in Moscow on charges of spying. He was forced guilty and sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment after serving 12 months of the sentence he was sent back to the USA in return the USA would release of a top soviet spy from a US prison. The Berlin Wall Background  By 1961 there was a great contrast between two parts of Berlin (West and East Berlin)  West Berlin was prosperous with the help from the USA (the marshal plan) it was like an advert of capitalism.  It attracted many visitors from East Berlin because of many cinemas and shops.  Khrushev saw this as a capitalist infection in the heart of East Germany.  West Berlin also provided an easy escape route from East to West Germany because over 250,000 people escaped from East to West. Western Aims.  The West wanted to prevent the USSR from gaining permanent control of East Germany.  It also wanted its allies to sign a peace treaty with a united democratic Germany. Soviet Aims.  The soviet wanted to maintain control of East Germany.  It also wanted to stop the flooding of refugees from East to West Germany.  Refugees were mainly skilled professional people who were badly needed in West Germany.  The soviet also wanted to make the Western power recognize East Germany as an independent state. Soviet demands 19.  Khrushev demanded the 3 Western powers:-  Withdraw their troops from West Berlin.  Hand their access mutes to East Germany government.  Recognize the German Democratic Republic. (GDR) THE BERLIN WALL The Crisis  Khrushev demanded that his demand was to be met within a period of 6 months.  The west refused and on 13th August 1961 Khrushev then decided to make it impossible for East Berlinians to travel to the West by placing a barbed wire between East and West BerlinL this was protected by a machine gun.  The wire was then replaced with a wall. This remained until 1989.  The wall separated friends and family and everyone trying to cross the wall got shot.  More than 40 Germans were shot from trying to cross into the West in the first year.  Khrushev argued that by building the wall he was protecting the security of the soviet Union. Results of the creation of the Berlin wall.  It was a propaganda victory for the USA Kennedy was under pressure to react by taking direct action. He did not want to go to war over Berlin but at the same time he did not want to see as weak.  In 1963, Kennedy visited Berlin and declared Ichbin en Berliner (Promising to defend Berlin against the soviet). This made the soviets angry.  The Berlin wall showed that Khrushev could just be a cruel and brutal as Starlin.  It removed an area of conflict between the two superpowers as the USA no longer feared a repeat of the Berlin blockade and the USSR were no longer committed to removing the West from Berlin. It also reduced the no defectors. The Cuban Missile Crisis USA and Cuba Relations.  Missile is a deadly weapon  The USA had played an important part in Cuban affairs since the beginning of the 20 th century.  They had build a large naval place at Guantanamo and American company invested heavily in Cuba especially in mining and culture.  In 1934 the Americans helped the Cuban military officers Fulgencia Batista to take power.  Batista made himself a dictator but his government was not popular, it was corrupt and harsh. He never believed in the Americans.  In 1959 Batista was thrown over by Fidel Castro. He knew about Capitalists.  The Cuban Missiles Crisis was the main cause of Tension between the USA and USSR in 1060’s. THE SOVIET INVASION OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA 1968 In 1968 there was another uprising where the soviet showed a firm action in Eastern Europe by invading Czech. CZECH OPPOSITION TO THE SOVIET RULE Czech was a satellite state and its government took orders from Moscow. However, many Czech wanted changes just like the Hungarians , some of the changes included:- a). Freedom of expression  The Czechs wanted to be free to discuss ideas openly and to express their opinion in the press and on the radio. b). Political parties  They also wanted freedom to set up political. c). Voting  They wanted to vote freely in elections and choose their leaders d). Secret police  The Czech’s wanted an end to the secret police and their rule of terror. e). An end to soviet control of their economy.  The USSR controlled Czechs economy. It forced Czechs industries to produce those raw materials which the soviet economy needed such as steel.  It stopped factories from producing consumer goods and as a result the Czechs had a low standard of living. THE PROGRAM SPRING 1968  In 1968 the Czechs communist party decided that they need reforms.  It removed the unpopular president Novotny who had ruled for more than 10 years.  Alexander Dubeek became the new party leader and his aims were to improve the standard of living of the Czech people and give them more freedom.  His plans were to maintain communist rule in the Country closely linked to the USSR and remain a member of Warsaw pact.  He brought a series of reforms and these were:- 1). Less state control 2). End of press censorship 3). Provision of basic human right 4). Increase standards of living 5). Freedom to travel abroad 6). Opposition parties allowed 7). Free elections 8). Planes to increase trade in the West 9). Encourage competition 10). Powers of the secret police reduced THE SOVIET RESPONSE The soviet leaders believed that Dabeeks reforms threatened their control of Eastern Europe. They found that:-  There would be further demands for even more freedom in Czech. If granted, people in other Eastern European States would demand them too. These in turn might destroy the rule of communist parties in these countries in soviet control.  The USSR also feared that Czech would make an alliance with Yugoslavia who had refused to join the Warsaw pact and Romania who would no longer attend meeting of the pact. SOVIET ACTIONS 1968 -69  Soviet tanks had remained in Czech after Warsaw pact military exercises  USSR, Hungary, East Germany, Poland and Bulgaria advised Dubcek against his reforms.  On 20th August 1968, the Warsaw Pact countries invaded Czech book control. Dubcek was arrested and taken to Moscow.  In Sept 1968, Dubcek agreed to reverse most of this reforms and to allow soviet troops to be stationed in Czech.  In 1969, the USSR worked with hard line communist in Prague to remove Dubcek and be supporters of power.  A new government was set up under Gustau Husak Results of the Czech Crisis  It temporarily worsened East West relations. The West protested after soviet action. Détente however continued.  Czech returned to strict communist rule. People in Eastern European countries were reminded that the USSR should maintain strict communist rule in the Warsaw pact.  Some communist countries began to move away from Moscow e.g. President Ceausen of Romania refused to send the forces invading the Czech. Albania did likewise and left the Warsaw pact for good.  China criticized the invasion i.e. they disliked the use of force against the Felbow communist nation. They forced that the USSR might do the same on China. THE BREZHNEV DOCTRINE  Brehzhnev and eventually succeeded Khrushev as the soviet leader.  He later enrouraged that if forces “hostile” “socialism” try to turn a communist country towards capitalism it was a duty of communist countries to intervene.  This caused a spoilt in the communist world  Romania, Yugoslavia, China and communist parties opposed to this doctrine. DÉTENTE 1963 – 71  The period between 1963 – 71 experienced another detente in the cold war.  This was a period when relations between the superpowers improved. It particularly applied to the period between 1971. When the first Nixon Brezhnez Summit was planned. SOVIET REASONS FOR DÉTENTE  They had been a breakdown of relation with China and this made it even more important for the soviet to reduce tension with the USA.  The USSR had caught up with the USA in the arms race and they felt more confident.  In 1969, West Germany had agreed with East Germany not to acquire a nuclear weapons. This removed a potential threat.  The USSR wanted to increase trade with the West. US REASONS FOR DÉTENTE  There was pressure from the American public to reduce the risk of war.  The USSR had caught up in the arms race.  America was concerned about a possible alliance between China and the USSR.  After the failure in Vietnam, President Nixon change American policies abroad. He wanted to improve relations with both the USSR and China. REASONS COMMON IN BOTH  Both countries wanted to reduce the risk of nuclear war.  Both countries wanted to reduce the ever growing cost of the arms race. They had economic problems in the 1970s. in the USA for instance there was rising inflation. This together with the cost of war in Vietnam, was damaging the American economy. The soviet union on the other had had no living standards and its industry was inefficient.  Both superpower were worried about conflict in the middle East oil supplies from the East were important to both countries. The Suez Canal was important for the roots.  Communist and non-communist countries had become involved with the conflict in the area between Arabs and Israelis.