Ap Euro Events

AP European History THE COLD WAR in EUROPE (1945-1990) Watershed Events

4th Quarter

1. Berlin Blockade and Airlift • Who - Soviet and Western Allies • What - The soviets chose to seal the city off by closing all railroads and highways that led from Berlin to West Germany in order to drive the Western powers out of Berlin. Soviet wanted to get the Allies to give up Berlin. The Allies chose to drop off supplies via planes to support West Berlin. When - 1948/49 Where - Berlin Why - Rising tension over control of Berlin caused by the western power’s decision to declare a separate constitution for the western sectors of Germany and the western power’s decision to issue a new currency in their zone. Plus, because Soviet could not come to a conclusion with the Allies in the Four Power Commission, they got out of the four power commission. The Soviet is trying drive Western out of West Berlin through the Berlin Blockade. Significance - Makes Germany central point of the cold war. Increased tensions between Soviet and the Western Allies. It provoked genuine fears of war in the west. The increased tension over the blockade led to the creation of two independent German States, divided city of Berlin. Plus, this event hastened the creation of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an American-Western European military Alliance.

• • •

•

2. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) • Who - Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Britain, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Iceland, Canada, United States, Western Germany, Turkey, Greece • What - The nations who signed the treaty of Brussels were joined by Italy, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Iceland, Canada, and the United States to form the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is the military alliance established between the countries in order to counterweight Soviet armies stationed in Central and Eastern Europe after World War II. It was later joined by Western Germany, Turkey and Greece. Members of NATO agreed to mutual assistance if any of them was attacked. NATO is the first time in history that the United States was committed to defend Allies outside the Western Hemisphere. 1

AP European History

4th Quarter

• • •

When - 1949 Where - Signed in Brussels Why - To provide collective security, which means If you fight one of us, you will fight all of us. Mutual assistant among Wester Europe power and the United States against the threat from communism in the eastern Europe Significance - Pushed the democracies of the liberal countries together, which showed that they were united and it forced the communist countries to respond with the Warsaw Pact. This military alliance would bring another gigantic war If one country was attacked since the NATO says that if any of them was attacked, members would assist them. This increased tensions and hostility between the Western and Eastern Europe.

•

3. The Warsaw Pact • Who - Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania and the Soviet Union • What - Soviet, Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania formed an alliance in response to NATO, which divided Europe into two hostile blocs. When - 1955 Where - Eastern Europe Why - By establishing The Warsaw Pact, Soviet Union is able to have control over Eastern Europe and have a buffer zone in the future war. Soviet is upsessed in central Europe because they wants war fought in Central Europe, which they want the area as a buffer-zone. Significance - By the establishment of the Warsaw Pact, the world is divided into two opposing alliances, which were The Warsaw Pact against NATO. This continues for about 40 years starting from the establishment of the Warsaw Pact. Soviet uses the satellite countries as their Buffer-zone.

• • •

•

4. The Hungarian Revolt • Who - Imre Magy 2

AP European History •

4th Quarter

What - Imre Magy tried to relax communism, introduce liberal reforms. When Stalin died, the new hungarian leader Khrushchev, who supported an independent communist state for Hungary, made an attack on Stalin’s policies and forced Rakosi, who was the hungarian leader put by Stalin, to resign. Because Hungary was experiencing bad harvest, fuel shortages and a cold and wet autumn, students and workers took over the street of Budapest and issued their Sixteen Points, which included removal of Russian control, personal freedom, more food and etc. The Hungarian communists installed a new ministry headed by former premier Imre Magy who sought greater autonomy from Moscow. The Soviet Troops invaded Hungary, removed Nagy from office who was later executed. Janos Kadar was newly imposed as a prime minister. When - 1956 Where - Hungary, Budapest Why - Magy wants to help the economy and also make the life more enjoyable for his people. Soviet Union crushed the revolt because Soviet Union can not allow the absence of Hungary in the Warsaw Pact. People in Hungary rose up because Hungary was experiencing bad harvest, fuel shortages and a cold and wet autumn. Plus, the Hungarian communists wanted to remove the russian control of Hungary. Significance - Brutal repression of the attempt to relax communism. Showed that anybody who challenged Soviet’s control paid their price. Hungary was exemplified by the Soviet crushing the revolt.

• • •

•

5. The Suez Crisis • Who - President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Britain, France, Israel, patially United States and the Soviet Union. • What - Egypt wants to build Aswan Dam, which would have powered electricity for Egypt and the most of north africa. They needed money to build the Aswan Dam. However, the United States backed out of funding the project when Egypt tried to buy weapons from the Soviet Union. President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal which threatened British and French, who were organizing the construction and maintenance of the canal, shipping interest in the Persian Gulf. Plus, they forbid any israelian from ever going through the Suez Canal. Britain, France, Israel came up with the plans called Operation Musqitier, which planed to attack the egyptians to secure control of the canal and protect it to keep it open. In october of 1956, war broke out between Israel and Egypt. Without the support of the United States, the British and French intervened militarily on the side of Egypt but were forced out of the conflict when the Soviet Union protested their involvement. 3

AP European History

4th Quarter

• • •

When - 1956 Where - Egypt Why - Allies, particularly Britain and France feared the lost of Suez Canal because the lost of Suez Canal would result in the shortage of oil supplies. Significance - Proved that without the United States, the nations of Western Europe could no longer impose their will on the rest of the world. UK recognizes the fact that they aren’t a super-power.

•

6. The Berlin Wall • Who - East Berlin, West Berlin, Soviet • What - One afternoon, the entire mathmatic departsment at the University of Lipzig went home, got their familes, packed their stuff and walked over to West Berlin. Throughout 1961, thousands of refugees from East Berlin crossed the border into West Berlin, which hurt east’s economy and embarrassed the east. East Germany was suffering from brain drain, losing talents, etc. In August of 1961, the East Germans, with Soviet support, erected a concrete wall along the border between East and West Berlin, separating the two parts of the city. The propaganda was “To Keep these imperalist people from West Germany out”. When - 1961-1989 Where - Berlin Why - The Berlin Wall was the wall that was built to surround the Wester Berlin. It was built because economy was very bad in East Germany and therefore, people were trying to escape to Wester Berlin. The Berlin Wall was built to prevent the escaping of citizens of East Germany Significance - The Berlin wall becomes the symbol of the cold war. The wall stopped people in East Germany from escaping. Plus, this Increased tensions between U.S and Soviet Union

• • •

•

4

AP European History 7. The Cuban Missile Crisis • Who - Soviet Union, United States, Cuba •

4th Quarter

What - In Cuba of 1957, Fidel Castro launched an insurgency in Cuba which toppled the dictatorship of Flugencio Batista on New Year’s Day of 1959. Castro formed a communist government and Cuba became an ally of the Soviet Union. The United States satellite picks up Nuclear Missile bases build in Cuba. This would have been able to hit any major city from Chicago, east. United States go to the United Nations, proves with a satellite photo that they are building Nuclear Missile in Cuba. At that point, United States put a naval blockade around the Island of Cuba, which halted the shipment of new missiles. After a tense week, when nuclear war seemed a real possibility, the Soviet Union’s leader Khrushchev decided to backed down, and the crisis ended. When - 1962 Where - Cuba Why - For Soviets, they wanted to put nuclear missiles in Cuba. Plus, they were responding to the fact that we had a lot of nuclear missiles that could hit major soviet cities. Significance - The absolute closest moment Soviet Union and United States came into a Nuclear War. Direct phone line(red line) between the white house and the Crimlin were created. This event convinced Soviet military leaders that they needed to strengthen their military so they would be stronger than the United States. Plus, Khrushchev’s decision to back down to the US made many Soviet question his commitment to their security and survival.

• • •

•

8. The Prague Spring • Who - The Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia • What - Czechoslovakia’s leader Alexander Dubcek wanted to create a socialism with a human phase. He made more liberal communism by expanding intellectual rights and freedom of discussion at a time when Soviet Union was suppressing them. People in Czechoslovakia loved him, supported him completely. Based on the rights that was provided to the Soviets from the Brezhnev Doctrine, Brezhnev sent tanks in from the Warsaw Pact countries claiming that Czechoslovakia is trying to leave the war saw pact and replaced Dubcek with communist leaders as a response. When - 1968 Where - Prague of Czechoslovakia 5

• •

AP European History

4th Quarter

•

Why - Wanted to keep Czechoslovakia in line. In other words, they wanted to hold Czechoslovakia as a communist country). Significance - Brezhnev Doctrine - If any communist country makes the poor decision in the Warsaw Pact, we will convince them otherwise. Showed that any attempt of liberalization will be suppressed by Soviet Union.

•

9. The Soviet-Afghan War • Who - Soviet, Afghanistan, Muhajadin, United States • What - The Soviet Union’s Vietnam. United States supported Muhajadin with money, weapons to help them fight the Soviet Union because the more Muhajadin bleed Soviet Union and keep them occupied, the less the Soviet Union can spread communism. The Soviet Union was experiencing Islamic Extremism, where people were fighting Jihad against the Soviet Union in hopes of toppling the local government and having freedom. The Brezhnev government determined to send in troops to ensure its influence in central Asia and to install a puppet government in Afghanistan. US responded by embargoing grain shipments to the Soviet Union and sending aids to Afghan rebels. Soviet forces were bogged down in Afghanistan and they could not defeat their guerrilla enemies. As a result, morale and prestige of Soviet army plummeted. When - 1979-1989 Where - Afghanistan Why - For United States, Muhajadin was the enemy of the Soviet Union - Enermy of the enemy is my friend. Plus, it would undermine the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was experiencing Islamic Extremism, where people were fighting Jihad against the Soviet Union in hopes of toppling the local government and having freedom. Brezhnev government sent troops to Afghanistan to ensure Soviet’s domination in Central Asia. Significance - Cold War Victory, but the United States created a post cold war enemy. This war showed the lack of red army’s will to fight, brought down the prestige to red army because Red Army failed to suppress the War. This event also jeopardized soviet’s economy because they spent a lot of money in Afghanistan.

• • •

•

10. The Polish Solidarity Movement • Who - Polish Workers, Lech Walesa, Government • What - The polish government raised meat prices, leading to the Gdansk strikes. Strikes were led by Lech Walesa and the strikers refused to negotiate with any of 6

AP European History

4th Quarter

the government controlled unions. The strikes ended when the government agreed to allow the workers the right to organize an independent union called Solidarity.

• • •

When - 1980 Where - Poland, on the baltic coasts. Why - Raise of meat prices, shortages of food, consumer goods plagued in Poland after 1956 when the polish communist party came to be dominated by the Soviet Union. Election of Karol Wojtyla, as John Paul II proved important for Polish resistance to communist control and soviet domination. (Check if its right) Significance - Defiance in communist rule in Poland, which weakened the Soviet government’s authority in Poland.

•

11. The Fall of the Berlin Wall • Who - East and West Germany, • What - Hungary was the vacation sport for East Berliner. East Berliner started to go down to Hungary then go to West Berlin consulate. Therefore, East Germany forbid traveling to Hungary. One night, there was a news conference. The reporter asked the mayor of East Berlin, “When will the wall be open and let people travel freely?” The guy misunderstood the question and he said tonight. Because this was televised, thousand of East Germans were at the Gate. East Germans teared down the war and the border guards did nothing. In autumn of 1989, popular demonstrations erupted in East German cities. Gorbachev told the East German Communist Party that the Soviet Union would not use force to squash the demonstrations. Consequently, the East German government resigned and was succeeded by younger party members who remained in office for only a few weeks. In November of 1989, the government of East Germany ordered the opening of the Berlin Wall and Germany moved toward reunification. When - 1989 Where - West Berlin Why - There was a popular strike going on. Plus, Eastern German government officers were resigning. Significance - Symbolic end of the cold war. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, germans were allowed to travel freely to West Germany, Plus, this helped to fasten the speed of the fall of the Eastern Germany. 7

•

• • •

•

AP European History

4th Quarter

12. German Reunification • Who - East and West Germany • GDR - East Germany • WG - FDR • What - Through Ostpolitik, West Germany created economic ties with East Europe. Plus, 1989, popular demonstrations were erupting in East German cities. Communism was failing and communist leaders in East German was ousted. Gorbachev told the East German Communist Party that the Soviet Union would not use force to squash the demonstrations. Consequently, the East German government resigned and was succeeded by younger party members who remained in office for only a few weeks. In November of 1989, the government of East Germany ordered the opening of the Berlin Wall and Germany moved toward reunification. In 1990, German voters approved reunification. Helmut Kohl, the chancellor of West Germany, became the leading force in moving toward full unification. When - 1990 Where - Germany Why - As the Berlin Wall fell, the movement to German Reunification could not be stopped. Significance - The Germany was reunited in fifty years. This event marked the period of reformation in Eastern Europe.

• • •

•

13. Mikhail Gorbachev and Reform of the USSR • Who - Gorbachev • What - Glasnost was Gorbachev’s policy on exposing Soviet history to criticism. Through Glasnost, Workers were permitted to criticize party officials and economic policies. Plus, Censorship was relaxed and free expression encouraged. Gorbachev proposed to the Central Committee of the Soviet Communist Party that the party abandon its monopoly on power. After intense debate, the committee abandoned the Leninist position that only a single elite party could act as the vanguard of the revolution and forge a new Soviet society. In a clear abandonment of Marxist principles Gorbachev began to advocate Perestroika. Through Perestroika, even though land and factories were still properties of the state, Perestroika allowed managers of factories to make decisions, farmers to have more profit and moved toward free market mechanisms. 8

AP European History • • • • •

4th Quarter

Domestic Policies: Glasnost (openness), Perestroika (economic restructuring) Foreign Policies: Sinatra Doctrine When - 1986-1991 Where - Soviet Union Why - High corruption in the government. Economic issues were needed to be solved immediately. Significance - The failure of Gorbachev’s policy led to the downfall of the Soviet Union

•

14. Boris Yeltsin and the Dissolution of the USSR • Who - Yeltsin - President of the CIS, Soviet Union • What - Defended Soviet Union from the Communist backlash. Yeltsin faced extreme economic and political troubles. Yeltsin approved his policy of Privatization of state-run industries and farms. Not only were there high unemployment and prices, but most of the Russian parliament—which consisted of mostly communists, opposed Yeltsin personally. As a result, Yeltsin suspended Parliament who responded by deposing his. Parliament leaders tried to incite popular uprisings against Yeltsin in Moscow. After Parliament aroused riots in Moscow, Yeltsin ordered the tanks to attack the Parliament building, crushing the opposition. Yeltsin’s power was consolidated and the Western powers supported him. In December 1993, Russians voted for a new Parliament and approved a new constitution. When - 1991- 1999 Where - Soviet Union Why - Troubles finally lead to coup against Gorbachev and his reform. Significance - End of cold war

• • • •

Key Policies

1. Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) • Who - Soviet Union, United States 9

AP European History

4th Quarter

•

What - Before the Soviet Union reached the nuclear parity with the United States, Americans were able to enjoy unchallenged economy, strong alliances, superior nuclear force. However, when the Soviet achieved nuclear equality with the United States, the Cold war had walked into a new phase. It then became dangerous and unmanageable. This event began the rise of the Kennedy administration. MAD reflects the idea which “whoever shoots first, dies second” When - 1949 Where - Among the nuclear-armed states that own the nuclear weapons Why - Prevented both United States and Soviet Union from using nuclear weapons. Significance - Kept the cold war cold. Guaranteed that Nuclear War wouldn’t happen. Nuclear super powers are balanced.

• • •

•

2. The Domino Theory • Who - United States • What - United State’s theory to how communism spreads. Foreign Policy theory in which it states that if one land is taken over by communism, then the countries that are surround the country would have a domino effect. Domino effect indicates that small changes will cause similar changes in surround countries until the fall of dominoes standing on end. The domino theory was advocated during the Cold War by U.S President Dwight D. Eisenhower in order to clarify the necessity for american intervention around the world. When - 1954 Where - Countries that had any potential to be converted to communism

• •

•

Why - US is afraid of the spread of communism so they start to intervene in world politic. Significance - Late foundation of the containment policy

•

3. Containment Policy • Who - United States 10

AP European History •

4th Quarter

What - Its goal was to resist the extension of Soviet expansion and influence in the expectation that eventually the Soviet Union would collapse from pressure. Containment led the United States to form overseas alliances, to make formal and informal commitments to regimes across the world, and to dedicate resources to massive military spending. Through The Truman Doctrine, President Truman advocated a policy of support for “free people who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures” anywhere in the world. Through the Marshall Plan, which was named after George C. Marshall who was the secretary of state who introduced it, The United States provided broad economic support to European states on the sole condition that they work together for their mutual benefit. Soviet Union and their satellites were invited to participate but Soviet Union forbade them from participating. When the Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin by withdrawing from Kommandatura for their desire to dominate Berlin by only themselves, thinking that the citizen of Berlin would drive Britain, France and U.S out of the city in order for the blockade to stop. However, through The Berlin Airlift, the Allies delivered food, fuel and other goods to the people who lived in the Western Part of the city through “Operation VITTLES”. On May 12 of 1949, the Soviet withdrew from the blockade, reopened roads, railways, canals, railway routes into the Western half of the city. When - 1947 - 1989 Where - United States Why - This policy had a goal of insuring capitalism to thrive and insuring the United States to be superior than the rival, which is the Soviet Union. Significance - US policy in the second part of 20th century. They used this policy to enter the Korean War and Vietnam War.

• • •

•

4. Brezhnev Doctrine • Who -Soviet Union, Brezhnev • What - We will use military to prevent countries in the Warsaw Pact from leaving communism. Declared the right of the Soviet Union to interfere in the domestic politics of other communist nations When - 1968 Where - Soviet Union Why - want to prevent its allies from leaving The WarSaw Pact. Their goal was to prevent capitalism 11

• • •

AP European History •

4th Quarter

Significance - Any attempt to liberalization will be suppressed through soviet military.

5. Glasnost • •

Who - Gorbachev, Soviet Union What - Gorbachev’s policy on exposing Soviet history to criticism, where Workers were permitted to criticize party officials and economic policies, censorship was relaxed and free expression encouraged and Dissidents were released from prison. When - 1985 Where - Soviet Union Why - Gorbachev wants to reform Soviet Union. Glasnost was the policy of openness Significance - It was the first time in Soviet Union to open the window to the public criticism to the gov. This effected the people to see the corruption of the government ,which fastened the downfall of Soviet Union.

• • •

•

6. Perestroika • Who - Gorbachev, Soviet Union • What - Gorbachev’s policy for restructuring the government and economy of Soviet Union. Gorbachev’s primary goal was to revive the Russian economy to raise the country’s standard of living. During this process, Gorbachev reduced the size and importance of the centralized economic ministries, reduced size of bureaucracy and backed free marked reform. By 1990, Gorbachev began to advocate private ownership of property and liberalization of the economy toward free market mechanisms. Despite these efforts, the Soviet economy remained stagnated and Gorbachev’s policies failed. When - 1985 Where - Soviet Union Why - Gorbachev wants to reform Soviet Union because Gorbachev sees the corruption in the government. Perestroika included his solution to deal with corruption. 12

• • •

AP European History •

4th Quarter

Significance - The policy brought more internal conflict to the Soviet Union, such as nationalism problems in eastern Europe, which speeds the downfall of the Soviet Union.

13