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 denied by the US, the mission was exposed when the USSR presented evidence. Powers was captured, tried, and later exchanged for a Soviet spy. The incident strained US-Soviet relations, disrupted a crucial summit, and marked a decline in President Eisenhower's standing.

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

• It had no impact.

• It increased Cold War tensions.

• It led to a peace treaty.

• It improved diplomatic ties.

What was the primary purpose of the U2 spy planes?

• To transport goods.

• To conduct weather research.

• To gather intelligence through high-resolution photography.

• To carry passengers.

How did the US initially respond to the Soviet Union's claim about the U2 plane?

• They ignored the claim.

• They denied the espionage mission.

• They admitted to espionage immediately.

• They apologized to the Soviet Union.

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

• It was postponed.

• It was moved to another location.

• It was successfully held.

• It was cancelled.

What was the sentence given to Francis Gary Powers after his trial in the Soviet Union?

• 5 years imprisonment.

• 10 years imprisonment.

• Life imprisonment.

• No imprisonment.

Who was exchanged for Francis Gary Powers in 1962?

• John F. Kennedy.

• Dwight Eisenhower.

• Rudolf Abel.

• Nikita Khrushchev.

What was one of the political impacts of the U2 incident on the US?

• It led to Eisenhower's re-election.

• It strengthened Eisenhower's administration.

• It diminished Eisenhower's standing.

• It had no political impact.