Cold War

• What were the main conflicting ideologies during the 1940s?

  Capitalism and communism
• Why did the USA and the Soviet Union form an alliance during the Second World War?

  To defeat Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan
• What happened to the alliance between the USA and the Soviet Union after the defeat of Germany in May 1945?


  There was no longer a need to work together
• How did the USA view the 'American Dream' in contrast to the Soviet Union's beliefs?

  The USA emphasized individual rights, while the Soviet Union focused on wealth distribution
• What is capitalism?


  An ideology where everyone is free to own property and businesses to make money
• By 1941, which countries were the main capitalist nations?

  The USA and Britain
• How does fascism differ from capitalism?


  Fascism is less concerned with individual rights and more focused on national interests
• What is communism?


  An ideology where all property is owned by the state to ensure fair distribution
• By 1941, which country was the main communist nation?

  The Soviet Union
• How does socialism differ from communism?


  Socialism has established classes and allows private property and religion
• Who was the President of the USA in 1941?

  Franklin D. Roosevelt
• What event prompted the USA to join the Second World War?

  The bombing of Pearl Harbour in December 1941
• How did Roosevelt view Stalin and the Soviet Union despite ideological differences?


  He was tolerant of Stalin and the Soviet Union
• Who was the leader of the Soviet Union in 1941?

  Joseph Stalin
• Why did the Soviet Union join the Second World War in 1941?

  Because four million German soldiers invaded in violation of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact
• What were the criticisms of Stalin's policies in the 1930s by the USA and Britain?

  They were very critical of collectivisation and industrialisation, which caused millions of deaths
• What was the Grand Alliance during World War Two?

  An alliance formed between the USA, the Soviet Union, and Britain
• What was the main goal of the Grand Alliance?

  To defeat the Axis powers of Germany and Japan
• Why was the alliance known as a 'marriage of convenience'?

  Because they were only allies to defeat the Axis powers
• What was the impact of the Grand Alliance on the old powers like Britain and France?

  They were replaced by the new superpowers of the USA and the Soviet Union
• How many times did the Grand Alliance meet between 1943 and 1945?

  Three times
• What was the focus of the Tehran Conference?

  How to defeat the Axis powers and win the Second World War
• What was the significance of Roosevelt and Stalin agreeing on points discussed at Tehran?

  It strengthened the relationship between the USA and the Soviet Union
• What was the main topic of discussion at the Yalta Conference?


  Post-war Europe and the future of Germany
• What was the state of European countries after 1945?


  Many European countries were poor and struggling to rebuild.
• Why were European countries vulnerable to communism after WWII?

  People wanted wealth to be redistributed and given to those in need.
• What did the UK announce in 1947 regarding Greece and Turkey?

  The UK could no longer support Greece and Turkey in their fight against communist rebels.
• What was President Truman's concern regarding Greece and Turkey?

  He did not want them to become satellite states of the Soviet Union.
• What are the two alternatives President Truman believed countries could choose?

  Become communist or become democracies with free elections.
• What is the Truman Doctrine?

  It is the idea that countries could either become communist or democracies.
• Why was the Marshall Plan created?

  To provide economic aid to countries across Europe to resist communism.
• How did the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan affect the Soviet Union?

  They angered the Soviet Union and were seen as a threat to communism.
• What did Stalin believe about the USA's actions in Europe?

  He believed the USA was trying to spread its capitalist beliefs.
• What was the USA's new policy after abandoning isolationism?


  A desire to contain communism in Eastern Europe.
• What event marked the start of 'The Arms Race'?

  The USA dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
• Why did world leaders believe nuclear technology would prevent either the USA or the Soviet Union from becoming too powerful?


  They believed it would create a balance of power through mutual deterrence.
• What significant developments in nuclear technology occurred from 1950 to 1958?

  The creation of hydrogen bombs and Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).
• How did the Arms Race contribute to Cold War tensions?


  It intensified mutual distrust and fear between the USA and the Soviet Union.
• By 1958, what capability did both the USA and the Soviet Union possess?


  Weaponry that could destroy the world.
• What was the significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis in relation to the Arms Race?


  It demonstrated how distrust over nuclear weapons could lead to conflict.