U10 Study Guide

Front

What was a key difference between the foreign policies of détente and containment during the Cold War?

Back

Détente emphasized negotiation, while containment emphasized stopping communism.

Answer explanation

The key difference is that détente emphasized negotiation and diplomacy to ease tensions, while containment focused on stopping the spread of communism through various means, including military and economic strategies.

Front

What was the significance of the Watergate scandal in terms of presidential power?

Back

It showed the limits of executive power and led to Nixon's resignation.

Answer explanation

The Watergate scandal revealed the limitations of presidential power, culminating in President Nixon's resignation. It underscored the principle that no one is above the law, reinforcing checks on executive authority.

Front

Which action did Nixon take to open relations with a major communist nation?

Back

Visited China and met with Mao Zedong.

Answer explanation

Nixon opened relations with China by visiting in 1972 and meeting Mao Zedong, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards communist nations. This action helped ease tensions and foster diplomatic relations.

Front

What treaty did the Nixon administration achieve to reduce arms tensions with the Soviet Union?

Back

SALT I agreement

Answer explanation

The Nixon administration achieved the SALT I agreement to reduce arms tensions with the Soviet Union, marking a significant step in arms control during the Cold War.

Front

How did Ronald Reagan aim to pressure the Soviet Union during the Cold War?

Back

By initiating the Strategic Defense Initiative.

Answer explanation

Ronald Reagan aimed to pressure the Soviet Union by initiating the Strategic Defense Initiative, a missile defense system intended to protect the U.S. from nuclear attacks, thereby increasing military competition and economic strain on the USSR.

Front

Who challenged Gorbachev with the words, 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall'?

Back

Ronald Reagan

Answer explanation

The phrase 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall' was famously spoken by Ronald Reagan in 1987, urging the Soviet leader to dismantle the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the division between East and West during the Cold War.

Front

What internal issues weakened the Soviet Union in the 1980s?

Back

Rising nationalism and economic inefficiency

Answer explanation

In the 1980s, the Soviet Union faced rising nationalism among its republics and significant economic inefficiency, which undermined central authority and contributed to its eventual collapse.

Front

Why did some Soviets oppose Gorbachev’s glasnost and perestroika reforms?

Back

The transition to a market economy was too drastic.

Answer explanation

Some Soviets opposed Gorbachev's glasnost and perestroika reforms because the transition to a market economy was too drastic, leading to economic instability and uncertainty, which many found difficult to accept.

Front

What Cold War event directly led to the development of the Strategic Defense Initiative? Options: Reagan’s increased military spending, Nixon’s détente policy, Bush’s Gulf War campaign, Kennedy’s Moon speech

Back

Reagan’s increased military spending

Answer explanation

Reagan’s increased military spending during the Cold War aimed to counter the Soviet threat, leading to the proposal of the Strategic Defense Initiative as a defensive measure against nuclear missile attacks.

Front

What was a key belief of Reagan-era economic conservatives?

Back

The federal government should reduce welfare spending.

Answer explanation

A key belief of Reagan-era economic conservatives was that the federal government should reduce welfare spending, as they viewed it as a way to promote individual responsibility and reduce government intervention in the economy.