Topic 1: Cold War Class Flashcard

Front

What was the Cold War primarily a conflict between?

Back

Communism and Capitalism

Answer explanation

The Cold War was primarily a conflict between Communism, led by the Soviet Union, and Capitalism, represented by the United States. This ideological struggle defined global politics for decades.

Front

Outcome of the Yalta Conference in 1945?

Back

Division of Germany into occupation zones

Answer explanation

The Yalta Conference in 1945 resulted in the division of Germany into occupation zones among the Allies, which was a key decision for post-war Europe. The other options did not occur as a direct outcome of this conference.

Front

What was the primary aim of the Truman Doctrine?

Back

To contain the spread of communism

Answer explanation

The primary aim of the Truman Doctrine was to contain the spread of communism, particularly in Europe, by providing political, military, and economic assistance to countries resisting Soviet influence.

Front

What policy did the Marshall Plan support?

Back

Economic assistance for Western Europe

Answer explanation

The Marshall Plan was a U.S. initiative to provide economic assistance for Western Europe after World War II, aimed at rebuilding economies and preventing the spread of communism, making 'Economic assistance for Western Europe' the correct choice.

Front

Which term describes the area where the USSR extended its influence after WWII? Options: Eastern Bloc, Western Alliance, NATO territories, Allied Command

Back

Eastern Bloc

Answer explanation

The term "Eastern Bloc" refers to the group of socialist states in Eastern Europe that were under the influence of the USSR after WWII, distinguishing them from the Western Alliance and NATO territories.

Front

What was the main purpose of COMECON?

Back

To compete with the Marshall Plan

Answer explanation

The main purpose of COMECON was to compete with the Marshall Plan by providing economic assistance and cooperation among Eastern Bloc countries, countering the influence of Western aid.

Front

What led to the Berlin Blockade in 1948?

Back

Dispute over Berlin's access routes

Answer explanation

The Berlin Blockade in 1948 was primarily caused by a dispute over access routes to Berlin. The Western Allies' decision to introduce a new currency in West Germany heightened tensions, leading the Soviet Union to block all ground access to the city.

Front

Which event marked the start of the Berlin Wall construction? Options: Soviet Union's refusal to allow trade in Berlin, East German exodus to West Berlin, Launch of the Marshall Plan, Truman Doctrine's enforcement

Back

East German exodus to West Berlin

Answer explanation

The construction of the Berlin Wall began in response to the East German exodus to West Berlin, as many citizens were fleeing to the West. This mass migration prompted the East German government to build the wall to stop the flow.

Front

NATO was established to:

Back

Provide collective defense against the USSR

Answer explanation

NATO was established in 1949 primarily to provide collective defense against the USSR, ensuring that member countries would support each other in the event of an attack, particularly during the Cold War.

Front

What was brinkmanship in the context of the Cold War?

Back

Pushing tensions to the edge of war without engaging in it

Answer explanation

Brinkmanship during the Cold War involved escalating tensions to the brink of conflict, using threats to achieve political goals without actual warfare. This strategy aimed to intimidate opponents while avoiding direct engagement.