Question 1

What were the main causes of the Cold War?

Accepted Answer

The main causes include ideological differences between capitalism (USA) and communism (USSR), mutual suspicion dating back to the Russian Revolution, disagreements over the future of Eastern Europe at Yalta and Potsdam, and the US use of atomic bombs which the USSR saw as a threat. Key events like the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan escalated tensions.

Question 2

Why was the Berlin Blockade important?

Accepted Answer

The Berlin Blockade (1948-49) was Stalin's attempt to force the Western Allies out of Berlin by cutting off land access. The Allies responded with the Berlin Airlift, successfully supplying the city by air for nearly a year. This crisis deepened the division of Germany and led to the formation of NATO in 1949, making it a key turning point in the early Cold War.

Question 3

How did the Cuban Missile Crisis nearly cause a nuclear war?

Accepted Answer

In 1962, the USSR placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the US. President Kennedy imposed a naval blockade and demanded their removal. For 13 days, the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war. Eventually, a secret deal was reached: the USSR removed the missiles, and the US promised not to invade Cuba and later removed its missiles from Turkey.

Question 4

What was the policy of containment?

Accepted Answer

Containment was the US strategy to prevent the spread of communism beyond its existing borders. It was first outlined in the Truman Doctrine (1947), which promised aid to countries resisting communism, and the Marshall Plan, which rebuilt Western European economies to make them less susceptible to communist influence. This policy guided US actions in the Korean War and Vietnam War.

Question 5

What was détente and why did it happen?

Accepted Answer

Détente was a period of relaxed tensions between the USA and USSR from the late 1960s to the late 1970s. It happened because both sides realised nuclear war was unwinnable, and economic pressures (e.g., US Vietnam War costs, USSR economic stagnation) made arms control attractive. Key achievements included the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963), SALT I (1972), and the Helsinki Accords (1975).

Question 6

How did the Korean War fit into the Cold War?

Accepted Answer

The Korean War (1950-53) was a proxy war between the USA and USSR. North Korea, backed by the USSR and China, invaded South Korea, which was supported by the US and UN forces. The war ended in a stalemate, but it confirmed the policy of containment and led to a permanent US military presence in South Korea. It also intensified the arms race and led to increased defence spending.

Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945–1972

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