The U2 Spy Plane Incident: Cold War Tensions and International Fallout

In 1960, a U2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union, escalating Cold War tensions. Initially, the US denied the espionage mission, but evidence forced them to admit it. The incident led to the cancellation of the Paris Summit and strained US-Soviet relations. Powers was captured, tried, and later exchanged for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. The event highlighted the risks of espionage and impacted US foreign policy.

What was the main consequence of the U2 incident for US-Soviet relations?

• It increased Cold War tensions.

• It improved diplomatic ties.

• It had no impact.

• It led to a peace treaty.

What was the primary purpose of the U2 spy planes?

• To carry passengers.

• To gather intelligence through high-resolution photography.

• To conduct weather research.

• To transport goods.

How did the US initially respond to the downing of the U2 plane?

• They ignored the incident.

• They declared war on the Soviet Union.

• They claimed it was a weather research mission.

• They admitted to espionage immediately.

What was the outcome of the Paris Summit after the U2 incident?

• It led to a new agreement.

• It was successfully held.

• It was cancelled.

• It was postponed.

What was the sentence given to Francis Gary Powers by the Soviet Union?

• 5 years probation.

• 10 years imprisonment with hard labor.

• Death penalty.

• Life imprisonment.

Who was exchanged for Francis Gary Powers in 1962?

• Nikita Khrushchev.

• John F. Kennedy.

• Leonid Brezhnev.

• Rudolf Abel.

What was one of the political costs of the U2 incident for the United States?

• Strengthened Eisenhower's administration.

• Diminished Eisenhower's standing.

• Improved relations with the Soviet Union.

• Led to economic prosperity.