2nd berlin crisis

• What event is referred to as the 2nd Berlin crisis?

  The 2nd Berlin crisis involved tensions over the status of Berlin between the East and West.
• Why was communism becoming unpopular in East Germany?

  Communism was unpopular due to restrictions on citizens' freedoms and the ease of moving to the West.
• How did East Germans typically migrate to the West?

  They moved to West Berlin and then traveled to anywhere in West Germany.
• What was the impact of 4 million East Germans moving to the West by 1958?

  It significantly undermined the credibility of communism.
• What were the reasons skilled workers left East Germany for the West?

  • Engineers sought better pay and opportunities
  • Teachers sought better pay
  • Intelligentsia sought better opportunities
  • Craftsmen sought better pay and opportunities
  • Technicians sought better pay and opportunities
• How did Khrushchev view the presence of Western powers in Berlin?

  He accused them of using Berlin as a base for espionage.
• What was the propaganda disaster for communism regarding East Germans moving West?

  Every person that moved west was seen as a failure of the communist system.
• What did Khrushchev mean when he referred to Berlin as a 'fishbone in his throat'?

  He viewed it as a persistent problem that caused him discomfort in dealing with the West.
• What did Khrushchev demand in his Berlin ultimatum in November 1958?

  He demanded the recognition of East Germany as an independent country.
• What were Khrushchev's specific demands regarding Berlin on 27th November 1958?

  He demanded Berlin be demilitarized and become a free city with an independent government.
• What was the consequence if the West did not comply with Khrushchev's ultimatum within six months?

  Khrushchev would take control of all routes into Berlin.
• How did the West view Khrushchev's demands regarding Berlin?

  • Outraged by the demands
  • Saw it as an attempt to spread communism
  • Did not want it to lead to war
• How did the East view Khrushchev's demands regarding Berlin?

  • Saw it as essential to stop skilled citizens from leaving
  • Did not want it to lead to war