Cold War - Major Events

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What were the main ideological differences between the US and the USSR during the Cold War?

The US promoted capitalism and democracy, while the USSR advocated for communism and a one-party state.

What was the significance of the Berlin Airlift?

The Berlin Airlift (1948-1949) was significant as it demonstrated Western resolve to counter Soviet blockades by supplying West Berlin with vital goods via air.

What triggered the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The Cuban Missile Crisis was triggered by the discovery of Soviet ballistic missiles in Cuba in October 1962.

How did the Korean War exemplify Cold War conflicts?

The Korean War (1950-1953) exemplified Cold War conflicts as it was a proxy war with North Korea (backed by China and the USSR) fighting South Korea (supported by Western nations).

What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?

The Marshall Plan aimed to rebuild war-torn Europe, strengthen economies, and stop the spread of communism by providing US financial aid.

What was the impact of the Space Race on the Cold War?

The Space Race heightened Cold War tensions by showcasing technological and ideological superiority between the US and the USSR.

How did the Vietnam War relate to Cold War tensions?

The Vietnam War involved Cold War tensions as North Vietnam was supported by communist allies, while the US and other nations backed South Vietnam to prevent the spread of communism.

What role did the policy of containment play in the Cold War?

Containment was a strategic US policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism beyond its existing borders, significantly influencing Cold War strategies.

What was the significance of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 in the context of the Cold War?

The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 highlighted Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe and the limits of Western intervention during the Cold War.

What led to the building of the Berlin Wall?

The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 to stop the mass emigration and defection of East Germans to West Berlin and beyond.

How did the nuclear arms race exacerbate Cold War tensions?

The nuclear arms race intensified Cold War tensions by fostering an atmosphere of constant threat and mutual assured destruction between the superpowers.

What was the role of NATO in the Cold War?

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was formed in 1949 as a military alliance among Western countries to counter Soviet expansion.

Why did the USSR invade Afghanistan in 1979, and what were the consequences?

The USSR invaded Afghanistan to support the communist government against anti-government insurrections, leading to a prolonged conflict and international condemnation.

How did the policy of détente affect Cold War relations in the 1970s?

Détente, a period of improved US-Soviet relations, led to arms control agreements like SALT and temporary de-escalation of Cold War tensions.

What marked the end of the Cold War?

The Cold War ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the shift to democratic governance in Eastern Europe.


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