Cold War: USSR Gains Control

The Soviet Union gained control of Eastern Europe by 1948 through:

• Military force and political pressure

• Economic aid and development

• Cultural exchange programs

• Diplomatic negotiations

Answer explanation

The Soviet Union established control over Eastern Europe by 1948 primarily through military force and political pressure, using tactics such as intimidation and the establishment of communist governments in the region.

The Iron Curtain can be described as:

• a physical barrier separating East and West Germany

• a metaphorical division between Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War

• a type of medieval armor

• a famous speech by Winston Churchill

Answer explanation

The Iron Curtain refers to the metaphorical division between Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War, symbolizing the ideological conflict and physical boundary separating the two regions.

Who are the countries in the Eastern bloc, what kind of government do they have and how is their economy different from the USA?

• The Eastern bloc countries are primarily in Eastern Europe, have communist governments, and their economies are centrally planned, unlike the market economy of the USA.

• The Eastern bloc countries are primarily in Western Europe, have democratic governments, and their economies are market-driven, similar to the USA.

• The Eastern bloc countries are primarily in Asia, have monarchies, and their economies are based on agriculture, unlike the industrial economy of the USA.

• The Eastern bloc countries are primarily in Africa, have tribal governments, and their economies are based on trade, unlike the technological economy of the USA.

Answer explanation

The correct choice identifies Eastern bloc countries as primarily in Eastern Europe with communist governments and centrally planned economies, contrasting with the USA's market economy.

What would be different between a Communist Yuma vs. a Capitalist Yuma?

• Economic structure

• Geographical location

• Climate

• Language

Answer explanation

The primary difference between a Communist Yuma and a Capitalist Yuma lies in their economic structure. Communism emphasizes state control and equal distribution of resources, while capitalism focuses on private ownership and market-driven economies.

What is an example of what a capitalistic society looks like?

• People can choose their profession freely.

• Government controls all businesses.

• People cannot express their opinions.

• Everyone earns the same salary.

Answer explanation

In a capitalistic society, individuals have the freedom to choose their profession, reflecting personal choice and market demand. This contrasts with government control, censorship, or enforced salary equality, which are not characteristics of capitalism.

Which of the following is an example of what it means to live in Communist USSR (Russia)?

• The Press should never criticize a communist government.

• Citizens have unrestricted freedom of speech.

• Private ownership of businesses is encouraged.

• Elections are held with multiple political parties.

Answer explanation

In Communist USSR, the press was heavily controlled, and criticism of the government was not tolerated. This aligns with the correct choice, as citizens could not freely express dissent against the communist regime.

Stalin used a 'Sphere of Influence' to:

• Expand Soviet control over Eastern Europe

• Promote global peace and cooperation

• Encourage free trade among nations

• Support democratic governments worldwide

Answer explanation

Stalin's 'Sphere of Influence' aimed to expand Soviet control over Eastern Europe by establishing communist regimes, ensuring loyalty to the USSR, and countering Western influence, rather than promoting peace or democracy.

The purpose of the Communist Information Bureau set up by Stalin in 1947 was to:

• coordinate actions between Communist parties under Soviet direction

• promote capitalism in Eastern Europe

• establish a military alliance against the West

• support democratic governments in Europe

Answer explanation

The Communist Information Bureau, established by Stalin in 1947, aimed to coordinate actions among Communist parties under Soviet direction, reinforcing Soviet influence in Eastern Europe and ensuring a unified approach to communism.

What is Cominform?

• A type of computer software

• A Soviet-led information bureau

• A historical novel

• A scientific theory

Answer explanation

Cominform, short for Communist Information Bureau, was established in 1947 as a Soviet-led organization to coordinate communist parties and promote Soviet policies, making it the correct choice.

Stalin broke the Yalta agreement on Eastern Europe with Cominform by:

• Establishing communist governments in Eastern Europe

• Allowing free elections in Eastern Europe

• Withdrawing Soviet troops from Eastern Europe

• Supporting democratic movements in Eastern Europe

Answer explanation

Stalin violated the Yalta agreement by establishing communist governments in Eastern Europe, contrary to the promise of free elections and democratic governance, as outlined in the agreement.