Topic 1

• What was the main conflict during the Cold War?

  Fight over ideas between USA & USSR
• Why did the USA and USSR want to influence other countries?

  To gain allies and expand their ideologies
• What significant event happened in Russia in 1917?

  The Tsar was killed during a revolution
• Who did the USA, UK, and France support in the Russian Civil War?

  The Whites against the communist Reds
• Who became the leader of the communists after their victory?

  Stalin
• What did Stalin do during the purges in the 1930s?

  Killed millions he deemed against him
• What was the relationship between the USA and USSR during World War II?

  They were allies
• What was the purpose of the Nazi-Soviet Pact?

  To agree not to fight each other
• What happened in 1941 regarding Hitler and Russia?

  Hitler invaded Russia
• What was the outcome of the fighting between Russia and Germany?

  Russia lost millions of soldiers
• What happened after World War II ended in 1945?

  USA and USSR became rivals
• What was the level of trust between the USA and USSR during and after the war?

  Both countries did not trust each other
• What are the key ideological differences between Capitalism and Communism?

  • Capitalism:
  • Democracy
  • Free market
  • Individual ownership
  • Limited government intervention
  • Communism:
  • Dictatorship
  • State-controlled economy
  • Collective ownership
  • Government controls freedoms
• What is a key feature of Capitalism regarding wealth?

  Gap between rich & poor exists
• How does the government function in a Capitalist society?

  Provides basics; people use own money
• What is a key feature of Communism regarding work?

  People work for the good of everyone
• What type of elections occur in a Communist system?

  Only communist candidates are allowed
• What was used by both sides during the Cold War?

  Propaganda to promote themselves
• What was discussed at the Tehran Conference?

  Military issues and Poland's borders
• What did Stalin want to do with German officers after WWII?

  Kill them to prevent future wars
• What was the outcome of the Potsdam Conference regarding Germany?

  Germany was split into four zones
• What did the Allies outline to Japan at the Potsdam Conference?

  Utter destruction if they refused to surrender
• What was the Manhattan Project?

  Secret development of the atomic bomb
• What was the name of the atomic bomb dropped on Japan?

  Little Boy
• What was the significance of the atomic bomb testing in New Mexico?

  It confirmed the bomb's readiness for use
• How long had the USA been fighting Japan before the atomic bomb was ready?

  Four years of difficult fighting
• What was the 509th Composite Group formed for?

  To train to drop the atomic bomb
• What did Truman not mention at the Potsdam Conference?

  The atomic bomb
• What were the main agreements and tensions discussed at the Yalta Conference?

  Agreements:

  • Free elections in Poland
  • USSR to help fight Japan
  • Germany to be divided

  Tensions:

  • Control of Poland's borders
  • USSR's influence in Eastern Europe
• What were the main outcomes of the Potsdam Conference?

  • Germany split into four zones
  • Nazi party banned
  • Reparations to be paid by Germany
  • Polish borders agreed
• What were the key differences in ideology between the USA and USSR?

  • USA: Capitalism, democracy, individual freedoms
  • USSR: Communism, dictatorship, state control
• What were the main reasons for the Cold War?

  • Ideological differences
  • Mistrust between superpowers
  • Competition for global influence
• What was the secret development of the atomic bomb called?

  Manhattan Project
• Which countries were involved in the Manhattan Project?

  USA, UK, and Canada
• What group was formed in 1944 to train for dropping the atomic bomb?

  509th Composite Group
• What was the purpose of the Potsdam Conference regarding Japan?

  To explain terms of surrender
• What did Japan do in response to the surrender terms at the Potsdam Conference?

  Refused to surrender
• What threat did the Allies make if Japan did not surrender?

  Utter destruction upon Japan
• Did Truman mention the atomic bomb at the Potsdam Conference?

  No, he did not mention it
• Where was the atomic bomb tested successfully?

  New Mexico