Topic 4

• What incident revealed that the USA was lying about its activities?

  The U2 Incident
• What was the purpose of the 1960 Paris Summit?

  To resolve issues between the USA and USSR
• What issues were discussed at the 1960 Paris Summit?

  • Arms race and nuclear weapons reduction
  • East Germans moving to West Berlin
  • Cuba's communist alignment with the USSR
• What was the immediate effect of the U2 Incident on the Paris Summit?

  Khrushchev walked out, increasing tensions
• Who was the USA's president during the U2 Incident?

  Eisenhower
• What did Khrushchev demand from Eisenhower after the U2 Incident?

  An apology for the U2 incident
• What happened to Gary Powers after the U2 Incident?

  He was imprisoned for 10 years
• What was the USA's response to the U2 Incident?

  Claimed it was not spying, called it a mistake
• What was the significance of the Berlin Wall's construction in 1961?

  It symbolized the division of East and West Berlin
• What were the aims of the USSR and the Allies regarding Berlin?

  USSR Aims:

  • Stop migration from East to West Berlin
  • Maintain control over East Germany
  • Gain recognition for East Germany

  
  

  Allies Aims:

  • Keep West Berlin under control
  • Unite a democratic Germany
  • Reduce USSR influence in Berlin
• What was the height of the Berlin Wall?

  11 - 13 feet high
• How long was the Berlin Wall?

  155 km
• What was the impact of the Berlin Wall on families?

  Families were split and unable to see each other
• What was the consequence of the Berlin Wall for East Germany's economy?

  It ended the black market and improved the economy
• What was the most famous checkpoint on the Berlin Wall?

  Checkpoint Charlie
• How did the USA respond to the construction of the Berlin Wall?

  Increased military presence in Berlin
• What was the significance of JFK's "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech?

  It showed US support for West Berlin
• What were the consequences of the Berlin Wall's construction?

  • Increased tensions between USSR and USA
  • Families split and unable to reunite
  • Constant embarrassment for USSR due to escape attempts
  • Propaganda victory for the West
• Who was the dictator of Cuba before 1959?

  Batista
• What was the USA's response to Castro's rise to power?

  Opposed him and ended trade with Cuba
• What was the outcome of the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  It was a failure and embarrassed JFK
• What did Khrushchev hope to achieve by placing missiles in Cuba?

  To negotiate the removal of US missiles in Turkey
• What did the USA do in response to the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba?

  Warned the USSR not to place missiles there
• How did the Cuban Missile Crisis affect US-Soviet relations?

  It heightened tensions and led to a standoff

  
• What were the key events of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962?

  • August: USA observes Soviet weapons in Cuba
  • September: JFK warns USSR against missiles
  • October 14: U2 spy plane detects missile sites
  • October 16: Tensions escalate with military preparations
• What strategic advantage did US missiles in Turkey provide?

  They gave the US a military advantage
• What did Khrushchev hope to achieve with missiles in Cuba?

  Negotiate removal of Turkish missiles
• What were the key events of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962?

  • August: US spy planes observe Soviet activity in Cuba
  • September: JFK warns USSR against missiles in Cuba
  • October 14: U2 spy plane photographs missile sites
  • October 16: Cubans allow USSR to assemble missile sites
  • October 22: JFK announces naval blockade

  
• Why was JFK concerned about the missiles in Cuba?

  They could be fired before US retaliation
• What was one option JFK considered to deal with the missile sites?

  Attack the missile sites by air
• What was the risk of doing nothing regarding the missiles?

  JFK would appear weak to the Soviets
• What was the purpose of the naval blockade announced by JFK?

  To stop missiles from arriving in Cuba

  
• What does MAD stand for in nuclear deterrence?

  Mutually Assured Destruction
• How could missiles in Cuba change the nuclear war dynamic?

  USSR could strike first before retaliation
• What were the consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis for the USA?

  • Showed need for non-military options
  • Kennedy appeared strong, making Khrushchev back down
  • Kennedy gained global respect for avoiding war
  • Embarrassment of a communist Cuba
  • US missiles removed from Turkey
• What were the consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis for the USSR?

  • Prevented US invasion of Cuba
  • China criticized Soviet backing down
  • Khrushchev seen as weak
  • Khrushchev removed from power two years later
• How did the Cuban Missile Crisis affect superpower relations?

  • Cold War thawed post-crisis
  • 'Hot line' established for direct communication
  • Nuclear Test Ban Treaty signed in 1963
• What did Khrushchev claim about the missiles in Cuba?

  They were for Cuba's defense
• What happened on October 23 during the crisis?

  Soviet ships turned around at blockade
• What did Khrushchev demand in his second letter?

  Removal of US missiles from Turkey