The Cold War

• What was the main alliance formed by the USA during World War Two?

  The Grand Alliance of the USA, Britain, and the USSR
• What ultimately caused the breakdown of the Grand Alliance?

  The differing political ideologies of the USA and the USSR
• What economic system is based on privately owned businesses?

  Capitalism
• What is communism characterized by?

  A classless society where all property is owned publicly
• When did the USSR ally itself with Britain?

  In 1941
• What event brought the USA into World War Two?

  The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan
• What are the key differences between capitalism and communism?

  • Capitalism: Multiple political parties, democratic elections, private businesses, individual rights, freedom of speech.
  • Communism: One-party state, no democratic elections, state-owned businesses, less emphasis on individual rights, censorship.
• What is the common name for the period of history in Germany between 1933 to 1945?

  Nazi Germany
• Why is it important to summarize the differences between capitalism and communism in an exam?

  To avoid spending too long on this topic and to focus on their relationship and events
• What year did the Tehran Conference take place?

  1943
• What were the two main political ideologies that divided the USA and USSR?

  Capitalism and communism
• What was the impact of Nazi Germany's actions during World War Two on the USA and USSR?

  It drove the two political enemies together into an alliance
• How did the political ideologies of the USA and USSR contribute to the Cold War?

  Their opposing ideologies created tension and distrust between the two nations
• What was the significance of the Berlin Blockade and Airlift?

  It was a major event that intensified the Cold War
• What was the role of the USSR in the Grand Alliance during World War Two?

  The USSR allied with Britain and the USA against Nazi Germany
• What was the primary reason for the USA entering World War Two?

  The attack on Pearl Harbor
• How did the ideological differences between the USA and USSR manifest during the Cold War?

  Through conflicts and competition in various global events
• What was the effect of the differing ideologies on the relationship between the USA and USSR?

  It led to a prolonged period of tension and conflict known as the Cold War
• What significant event occurred on 6 August 1945 in Japan?

  The USA dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
• What was the impact of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima?

  It devastated an area of five square miles and killed around 140,000 people.
• How many days after the Hiroshima bombing was the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki?

  Three days later.
• What was the estimated death toll from the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki?

  About 74,000 people were killed.
• What was the official US justification for dropping the atomic bombs on Japan?

  To force the Japanese government to surrender.
• What speculation do some historians have regarding the purpose of the atomic bombs beyond forcing Japan to surrender?

  They suggest it was to send a warning to the Soviet Union about American strength.
• What did Stalin remark about future wars after the atomic bombings?

  He remarked that future wars were inevitable.
• What term describes the situation in 1945 when only the USA had nuclear weapons?

  Nuclear hegemony.
• What was the Manhattan Project?

  The USA's secret project to develop the atomic bomb.
• When did the Manhattan Project begin?

  In 1939.
• Who warned the USA about the potential for German atomic bomb development?

  Albert Einstein.
• What was the level of secrecy surrounding the Manhattan Project?

  It was top-secret, even within the US government.
• What did Truman learn about the Manhattan Project when he became President?

  He learned that the US was the only nation capable of producing such a destructive weapon.
• When was the atomic bomb tested in Alamagordo, New Mexico?

  On 16 July 1945.
• What did Truman reportedly say about having a nuclear bomb against the Russians?

  He said, "I’ll certainly have a hammer on those [Russians]."
• How did the USA inform Stalin about the atomic bomb after it was used on Japan?

  Stalin was informed only after the bombs had dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• Who were the two spies for the USSR that worked on the Manhattan Project?

  Klaus Fuchs and Rudolf Peierls.
• What was the effect of espionage on the East-West relationship during the Cold War?

  It contributed to the worsening relationship between the superpowers.
• What were the key events surrounding the use of atomic bombs in Japan?

  • Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945
  • Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki on 9 August 1945
  • Official justification: force Japan to surrender
  • Speculated purpose: warn the Soviet Union
• What were the implications of the Manhattan Project for the Cold War?

  • Developed the atomic bomb for the USA
  • Created a nuclear arms race with the USSR
  • Espionage contributed to distrust between superpowers
  • Established nuclear hegemony for the USA initially
• What was the critical phase of the Cold War that began in the early 1960s?

  The Cold War entered its most critical phase.
• What did Stalin promise at the Yalta Conference regarding Eastern Europe?

  He promised to allow free elections.