History- The Cold War

• What was the Cold War?

  The Cold War was a struggle between the USA and the USSR that lasted for 45 years.

  
• When was the term "Cold War" first used?

  The term "Cold War" was first used in 1947.

  
• What type of conflict did the Cold War represent?

  The Cold War was a war of words, propaganda, and threats without direct confrontation.
• What are proxy wars in the context of the Cold War?

  Proxy wars are conflicts where superpowers support their allies against each other without direct involvement.
• What were the differing ideologies of the USA and USSR?

  The USA was democratic and capitalist, while the USSR was a one-party communist state.
• Why did both the USA and USSR fear each other?

  Both sides feared the other was out to destroy their system of governance.
• What was Stalin's suspicion of the West based on?

  Stalin's suspicion was based on past invasions of Russia and the West's appeasement of Hitler.
• What was The Grand Alliance?

  The Grand Alliance was formed by the USSR, USA, and Britain to defeat the Axis powers.
• What were the main agreements made at the Yalta Conference?

  Agreements included the division of Germany into four zones and Stalin's commitment to join the war against Japan.
• What was the main disagreement at the Yalta Conference?

  The main disagreement was over the establishment of a friendly government in Poland versus free elections.
• Who were the leaders present at the Potsdam Conference?

  The leaders were Stalin (USSR), Truman (USA), and Attlee (Britain).
• What was a significant personality clash at the Potsdam Conference?

  Truman was fiercely anti-communist and unwilling to negotiate with Stalin, which angered him.
• What were the agreements made at the Potsdam Conference?

  Agreements included the settlement of the German border and the banning of the Nazi Party.
• What was the main disagreement at the Potsdam Conference?

  The main disagreement was over Stalin's demand for harsh reparations from Germany.
• What significant event occurred on August 16, 1949?

  The USA successfully tested their first atomic bomb.
• How did the testing of the atomic bomb affect US-Soviet relations?

  It increased suspicion and led to an arms race between the USA and USSR.
• Who was George Kennan?


  George Kennan was the American ambassador in Moscow who sent the Long Telegram.
• What did the Long Telegram report about Stalin's intentions?

  The Long Telegram reported that Stalin called for the destruction of capitalism and was building military power.
• What did the Novikov Telegram report about the USA?

  The Novikov Telegram reported that the USA desired world domination and was preparing the public for war with the USSR.
• What was the USSR's justification for creating satellite states?

  The USSR justified creating satellite states as a means to create a buffer zone against the West.
• Which countries came under Soviet control by 1947?

  Countries included Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.

  
• How did the USA view the USSR's actions in Eastern Europe?

  The USA viewed the USSR's actions as aggressive and a threat to the West.

  
• What were the main components of the Truman Doctrine?

  • Aimed to contain the spread of communism
  • First implemented in Greece
  • Provided financial support to allies resisting communism
• What were the key events leading to the Cold War's origins?

  1. Differing ideologies between the USA and USSR
  2. Stalin's suspicion of the West
  3. The Grand Alliance's breakdown
  4. The Yalta and Potsdam Conferences
  5. The development of the atomic bomb
  6. The creation of satellite states in Eastern Europe

  
• What were the significant outcomes of the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences?

  Yalta Conference:

  • Agreements on the division of Germany
  • Stalin's commitment to join the war against Japan
  • Disagreement over Poland's government

  
  

  Potsdam Conference:

  • Agreements on reparations and the ban of the Nazi Party
  • Disagreement over reparations and Poland's government
• What were the implications of the Long and Novikov telegrams?

  • Long Telegram: Warned of Stalin's intentions to destroy capitalism and build military power.
  • Novikov Telegram: Indicated the USA's desire for world domination and preparation for war against the USSR.
• What were the consequences of the creation of satellite states by the USSR?

  • Strengthened Soviet control over Eastern Europe
  • No free elections held as agreed at Yalta
  • Justified as a buffer zone against the West

  
• What were the key aspects of the Truman Doctrine?

  • Aimed to contain communism
  • First applied in Greece
  • Financial support for allies resisting communism
• What were the main events that escalated the Cold War?

  1. The development of the atomic bomb
  2. The arms race
  3. The establishment of NATO and the Warsaw Pact
  4. The Cuban Missile Crisis
  5. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
• What were the key ideological differences between the USA and USSR?

  • USA: Democratic, capitalist, free elections, private ownership
  • USSR: One-party state, communist, state ownership, no free elections
• What were the main factors that led to the Cold War's intensification?

  1. The arms race
  2. Proxy wars
  3. The establishment of military alliances (NATO and Warsaw Pact)
  4. The Cuban Missile Crisis
  5. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
• What was the primary goal of the USA between 1945 and 1949 regarding communism?

  To contain the spread of communism

  
• Why did the USA believe it was necessary to stop the USSR's expansion?

  Because they believed the USSR was determined to expand its influence
• Which country was the first to benefit from the Truman Doctrine?

  Greece
• What was the situation in Greece that led to the USA's involvement?

  British troops were under attack from communists after helping restore the monarchy
• What financial support did the USA provide to Greece?

  Money to keep British troops in Greece
• What is the Truman Doctrine?


  A policy designed to stop the spread of communism
• What theory drove the policy of containment?

  The 'Domino Theory'
• What was believed to be America's duty regarding democracies?

  To protect them from the threat of communism
• How did the USA demonstrate its containment policy in Turkey?

  By installing ballistic missiles there