key topic 1

• When did the Cold War begin?

  1945-46
• What caused the Cold War to begin?

  Ideological differences between superpowers
• What event intensified the Cold War in 1956?

  Soviet invasion of Hungary
• What did the USA fear during the Cold War?

  The spread of communism
• What was the Soviet Union's aim regarding Eastern Europe?

  To create communist satellite states
• What were the main ideological differences between the USA and the Soviet Union?

  • USA: Capitalism, multiple political parties, private ownership
  • Soviet Union: Communism, single-party rule, state ownership
• What was the Grand Alliance?

  Alliance of the Soviet Union, USA, and Britain
• What was agreed at the Tehran Conference in 1943?

  Open a second front in France
• What was the purpose of the United Nations Organisation?

  To promote peace and international cooperation
• What did Stalin want regarding German reparations at the Yalta Conference?

  A higher figure than Roosevelt or Churchill
• How did Truman's attitude towards Stalin change after Roosevelt's death?

  He became distrustful of Stalin
• What was agreed at the Potsdam Conference regarding Germany?

  To divide Germany into four zones
• What was the main disagreement at the Potsdam Conference?

  Stalin wanted massive reparations from Germany
• What did Stalin create in Eastern Europe after WWII?

  Soviet satellite states
• Why did the Soviet Union expand its influence in Eastern Europe?

  To create a buffer against invasions
• What were the consequences of the creation of Soviet satellite states?

  • Security for the Soviet Union
  • Increased rivalry with the USA and allies
  • Confirmation of divisions in Europe
• What did Churchill's 'Iron Curtain' speech describe?

  The division between East and West Europe
• What did the Long Telegram recommend?

  Action against Soviet expansion
• Who wrote the Novikov telegram?


  Nikolai Novikov
• What was the purpose of the Truman Doctrine?

  To prevent the spread of communism
• What was the Marshall Plan designed to do?

  Provide economic aid to Europe
• How much aid did the USA provide by 1953 through the Marshall Plan?

  $17 billion
• What was Cominform's purpose?

  To coordinate Communist parties in Europe
• What does Comecon stand for?

  Council for Mutual Assistance
• How did Comecon function in relation to Eastern Europe?

  To control the economies of Eastern states
• What was the first major crisis of the Cold War?

  The Berlin Crisis, 1948-49
• What was the division of Germany into zones after WWII?

  • Germany and Berlin divided into four zones
  • Controlled by Britain, France, the USA, and the Soviet Union
  • Western Allies had access by road, rail, canal, and air
• Why did Stalin not want the Allies inside Berlin?

  He aimed to maintain Soviet control
• What financial aid did the US provide to Britain in 1947?

  Massive financial aid to improve economies
• What did the Western powers announce in June 1948?

  Plans to create a West Germany state
• What currency was introduced by the Western powers in June 1948?

  The Deutsche Mark
• What action did Stalin take on 24 June 1948?

  He cut off supplies to West Berlin
• How did Truman respond to Stalin's blockade?

  He initiated an airlift to supply West Berlin
• When did the Berlin airlift begin?

  28 June 1948
• How long did the Berlin airlift last?

  Ten months
• What was the peak of the Berlin airlift?

  16-17 April 1949
• How many flights landed supplies during the peak of the airlift?

  1,298 flights
• How much supplies were delivered in 24 hours during the peak?

  Nearly 13,000 tonnes
• When did Stalin lift the blockade?

  May 1949
• What was the impact of the blockade on Stalin's reputation?

  It greatly increased his humiliation