Collapse of the USSR

• What were the two superpowers involved in the Cold War?

  The USA and the Soviet Union
• What was the main cause of the Cold War?

  Ideological differences between the USA and the Soviet Union
• Who were the leaders of the USA and the Soviet Union during the Cold War?

  Harry Truman (USA) and Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union)
• What is the definition of a cold war?

  A war waged against an enemy by every means short of physical fighting
• When did the Cold War start and how long did it last?

  It started in 1945-46 and lasted for over 40 years
• Where was the Cold War initially confined to?

  Europe
• What were the two rival armed camps during the Cold War?

  NATO and the Warsaw Pact
• How did the Cold War resemble a hot war?

  It had causes, consequences, two sides, and rival armed camps
• What was the purpose of spying during the Cold War?

  To find out military developments of the opposing side
• What was an example of a spy plane used during the Cold War?

  The American U2 spy plane
• How did propaganda play a role in the Cold War?

  It created a negative image of the opposing side to gain public support
• What was the arms race during the Cold War?


  A competition to develop more and newer weapons, including nuclear arms
• What does 'Mutually Assured Destruction' (MAD) refer to?


  The concept that both sides had enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other
• What was the space race during the Cold War?


  A competition to achieve significant milestones in space exploration
• Why did both superpowers provide loans and aid to newly independent states?

  To win their support in the Cold War
• What were the ideological differences between communism and capitalism?

  Communism promotes a single-party system, while capitalism allows multiple parties
• What was the Bolshevik Revolution?

  A revolution in 1917 that established a communist government in Russia
• What was the Grand Alliance?

  An alliance between the Soviet Union, Britain, and the USA during WWII
• Where did the first meeting of the 'Big Three' take place?

  Tehran, Iran
• What was one of the main agreements made at the Tehran Conference?

  To open a second front by invading France in May 1944
• What was the outcome of the Yalta Conference regarding Germany?


  Germany was to be divided into four zones of occupation
• What was a significant change that occurred before the Potsdam Conference?

  Roosevelt died and was replaced by Harry Truman
• What were the main disagreements at the Potsdam Conference?

  Disagreements over reparations and the Polish government
• What were the main features of the Cold War?

  • Causes and consequences
  • Two sides: East vs. West
  • Rival armed camps: NATO vs. Warsaw Pact
  • Global competition for influence
  • Assistance in civil wars (e.g., Korea, Vietnam)
• What were the main agreements made at the Yalta Conference?

  • Germany and Berlin to be divided into four zones
  • Free elections in liberated countries
  • Establishment of the United Nations
  • Soviet control of eastern Poland
• What were the agreements made at the Potsdam Conference?

  • Germany and Berlin to be divided as previously agreed
  • Occupation and administration by the four powers
  • Hunt down and try Nazi war criminals
  • Free elections for liberated countries
• What happened to the armed forces of Germany after the war?

  Germany's armed forces were demilitarised.
• How did the Soviet Union's military actions differ from those of the West after the war?

  The Soviet Union continued to expand its armed forces while the West demilitarised.
• Who replaced Roosevelt as President of the USA in April 1945?

  Harry Truman replaced Roosevelt.
• What was Truman's view of Stalin and the Soviet Union?

  Truman distrusted Stalin and believed the Soviet Union aimed to take over Europe.
• What significant event occurred on 16 July 1945, and how did it affect relations at the Potsdam Conference?

  The successful testing of an atomic bomb by the USA led to Stalin's anger for not being consulted.
• What happened to Churchill during the Potsdam Conference?

  Churchill was defeated in the British general election and replaced by Clement Attlee.
• What were the main agreements made at the Potsdam Conference?

  • Germany and Berlin to be divided into four zones.
  • Germany to be demilitarised.
  • Democracy to be re-established in Germany.
  • Germany to pay reparations to the Allies.
  • The Nazi Party was banned.
  • Full participation in the United Nations Organization.
  • Poland's frontier to be moved westwards.
• Why did Truman refuse Stalin's demands for massive compensation for Germany?

  Truman saw a revived Germany as a barrier to Soviet expansion.
• What was the Treaty of Versailles, and how did it relate to the situation in Germany after WWII?

  The Treaty of Versailles was a peace settlement that punished Germany after WWI.
• What was Truman's stance on free elections in Eastern Europe?

  Truman wanted free elections in Eastern Europe, but Stalin refused.
• How did the Soviet Union's actions in Eastern Europe after WWII affect US-Soviet relations?

  Stalin's actions alarmed the USA and Britain, worsening relations.
• What were the reasons for Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe after WWII?

  • Memory of hostility from Eastern European countries.
  • Strategic importance of Poland for Soviet security.
  • Desire for a buffer zone against future invasions.
• What was the percentages deal between Stalin and Churchill?


  The percentages deal was an understanding about Soviet influence in Eastern Europe.
• Why did Stalin want a friendly Polish government?

  Stalin believed it was crucial for the Soviet Union's future security.