Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
This is the first of nine revision topics.
America and the Cold War
America in the 1950s: Affluent Society
Black Americans in the 1950s
Kennedy and the New Frontier
Civil Rights to Black Power
Defeat in Vietnam
Cold War to Détente
Nixon and Watergate
How to use this Revision Presentation.
The Presentation is divided into six sections.
Spend about 10 minutes revising each section.
Write Revision Notes, label them clearly and keep them all in one place.
Return to this Presentation often to help embed your learning.
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Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
There are six sections to this topic.
Causes of the Cold War
The Iron Curtain
The Berlin Airlift
Korean War
“Red Scare”
Arms Race
Spend about 10 minutes revising each section.
Write Revision Notes, title them clearly and keep them all in one place.
Broadwater School
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Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the section headings
When you have finished, move on to the next page to check.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
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Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
There are six sections to this topic
Causes of the Cold War
The Iron Curtain
The Berlin Airlift
Korean War
“Red Scare”
Arms Race
When you have finished, move on to the Causes of the Cold War.
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Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Copy these Revision Notes
Causes of the Cold War
Political difference. Fear and suspicion.
USA capitalist, USSR communist.
Both feared the other was going to destroy their way of life.
Soviet Union had twice been attacked by Germany and wanted security.
USSR feared US atomic bomb (Hiroshima).
Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin placed communist governments in E. Europe.
USA feared Stalin would try to take western Europe.
When you have finished, move on to the Causes of the Cold War.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
5
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes
Causes of the Cold War
Political difference. Fear and suspicion.
USA capitalist, USSR communist.
Both feared the other was going to destroy their way of life.
Soviet Union had twice been attacked by Germany and wanted security.
USSR feared US atomic bomb (Hiroshima).
Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin placed communist governments in E. Europe.
USA feared Stalin would try to take western Europe.
When you have finished, move on to the Causes of the Cold War.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
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Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Read the full Revision Notes
Causes of the Cold War
Political difference. Fear and suspicion.
USA capitalist, USSR communist.
Both feared the other was going to destroy their way of life.
Soviet Union had twice been attacked by Germany and wanted security.
USSR feared US atomic bomb (Hiroshima).
Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin placed communist governments in E. Europe.
USA feared Stalin would try to take western Europe.
When you have finished, move on to the Causes of the Cold War.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
7
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes again
Causes of the Cold War
Political difference. Fear and suspicion.
USA capitalist, USSR communist.
Both feared the other was going to destroy their way of life.
Soviet Union had twice been attacked by Germany and wanted security.
USSR feared US atomic bomb (Hiroshima).
Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin placed communist governments in E. Europe.
USA feared Stalin would try to take western Europe.
Pause Now!
When you have finished, move on to the section on the Iron Curtain.
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Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Copy these Revision Notes
The Iron Curtain
Iron Curtain
Phrase used by Churchill to describe how Europe was divided into a
communist east and free market west. This happened as Stalin installed
communist governments in the countries of eastern Europe.
Truman Doctrine
US President states that the USA will prevent the spread of communism.
Marshall Plan
Financial aid from the USA to help rebuild Europe after WW2 and to
prevent the spread of communism.
When you have finished, move on to the next page.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
9
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes
The Iron Curtain
Iron Curtain
Phrase used by Churchill to describe how Europe was divided into a
communist east and free market west. This happened as Stalin installed
communist governments in the countries of eastern Europe.
Truman Doctrine
US President states that the USA will prevent the spread of communism.
Marshall Plan
Financial aid from the USA to help rebuild Europe after WW2 and to
prevent the spread of communism.
When you have finished, move on to the next page.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
10
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Read the full Revision Notes
The Iron Curtain
Iron Curtain
Phrase used by Churchill to describe how Europe was divided into a
communist east and free market west. This happened as Stalin installed
communist governments in the countries of eastern Europe.
Truman Doctrine
US President states that the USA will prevent the spread of communism.
Marshall Plan
Financial aid from the USA to help rebuild Europe after WW2 and to
prevent the spread of communism..
When you have finished, move on to the next page.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
11
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes again
The Iron Curtain
Iron Curtain
Phrase used by Churchill to describe how Europe was divided into a
communist east and free market west. This happened as Stalin installed
communist governments in the countries of eastern Europe.
Truman Doctrine
US President states that the USA will prevent the spread of communism.
Marshall Plan
Financial aid from the USA to help rebuild Europe after WW2 and to
prevent the spread of communism.
When you have finished, move on to the next page.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
12
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Copy these Revision Notes
The Berlin Airlift
1948/9 Stalin cuts road, rail and canal links
between the western sectors of Berlin and West Germany.
USA and UK fly in all the supplies needed by the western sectors.
After 6 months Stalin opens links, having failed to get control of Berlin.
Results
First confrontation of the Cold War, USA and USSR are no longer Allies.
NATO set up as a defensive alliance for Western Europe.
When you have finished, move on to the next page.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
13
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes
The Berlin Airlift
1948/9 Stalin cuts road, rail and canal links
between the western sectors of Berlin and West Germany.
USA and UK fly in all the supplies needed by the western sectors.
After 6 months Stalin opens links, having failed to get control of Berlin.
Results
First confrontation of the Cold War, USA and USSR are no longer Allies.
NATO set up as a defensive alliance for Western Europe.
When you have finished, move on to the next page.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
14
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Read the full Revision Notes
The Berlin Airlift
1948/9 Stalin cuts road, rail and canal links
between the western sectors of Berlin and West Germany.
USA and UK fly in all the supplies needed by the western sectors.
After 6 months Stalin opens links, having failed to get control of Berlin.
Results
First confrontation of the Cold War, USA and USSR are no longer Allies.
NATO set up as a defensive alliance for Western Europe.
When you have finished, move on to the next page.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
15
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes again
The Berlin Airlift
1948/9 Stalin cuts road, rail and canal links
between the western sectors of Berlin and West Germany.
USA and UK fly in all the supplies needed by the western sectors.
After 6 months Stalin opens links, having failed to get control of Berlin.
Results
First confrontation of the Cold War, USA and USSR are no longer Allies.
NATO set up as a defensive alliance for Western Europe.
When you have finished, move on to the next page on the Korean War.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
16
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Copy these Revision Notes
The Korean War
1950 Communist North Korea attacks South Korea.
United Nations force, 48% US troops led by Douglas MacArthur.
USSR and China (communist since 1949) send aid to North Korea.
1953 Stalin dies. Negotiated peace treaty. Korea remains divided.
Importance: first “hot” fighting of the Cold War.
When you have finished, move on to the next page.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
17
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes
The Korean War
1950 Communist North Korea attacks South Korea.
United Nations force, 48% US troops led by Douglas MacArthur.
USSR and China (communist since 1949) send aid to North Korea.
1953 Stalin dies. Negotiated peace treaty. Korea remains divided.
Importance: first “hot” fighting of the Cold War.
When you have finished, move on to the next page.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
18
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Read the full Revision Notes
The Korean War
1950 Communist North Korea attacks South Korea.
United Nations force, 48% US troops led by Douglas MacArthur.
USSR and China (communist since 1949) send aid to North Korea.
1953 Stalin dies. Negotiated peace treaty. Korea remains divided.
Importance: first “hot” fighting of the Cold War.
When you have finished, move on to the next page.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
19
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes
The Korean War
1950 Communist North Korea attacks South Korea.
United Nations force, 48% US troops led by Douglas MacArthur.
USSR and China (communist since 1949) send aid to North Korea.
1953 Stalin dies. Negotiated peace treaty. Korea remains divided.
Importance: first “hot” fighting of the Cold War.
When you have finished, move on to the next page on the red scare.
Pause Now!
Broadwater School
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20
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Copy these Revision Notes
McCarthy and the “Red Scare”
McCarthyism is the name me given to an intense period of anti-communist
hysteria in the USA. It is named after US Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Causes:
McC. claimed to have a list of communists working in the US State Department.
McC cashed in on fears in the USA about the spread of communism.
Post-war communist expansion – Eastern Europe, Berlin Airlift, China and Korea.
1949 Soviet Union has the atomic bomb.
Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs convicted of spying for USSR.
Results:
Fear of communism gripped the USA – “Reds under the bed”.
(HUAC) House Committee on Un-American Activities investigate.
Hollywood Ten.
Accusation or investigation enough to wreck careers in public service.
Great period of intolerance – reduction in civil liberties, held back civil rights.
.
When you have finished, move on to the next page. Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
21
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes
McCarthy and the “Red Scare”
McCarthyism is the name me given to an intense period of anti-communist
hysteria in the USA. It is named after US Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Causes:
McC. claimed to have a list of communists working in the US State Department.
McC cashed in on fears in the USA about the spread of communism.
Post-war communist expansion – Eastern Europe, Berlin Airlift, China and Korea.
1949 Soviet Union has the atomic bomb.
Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs convicted of spying for USSR.
Results:
Fear of communism gripped the USA – “Reds under the bed”.
(HUAC) House Committee on Un-American Activities investigate.
Hollywood Ten.
Accusation or investigation enough to wreck careers in public service.
Great period of intolerance – reduction in civil liberties, held back civil rights.
.
When you have finished, move on to the next page. Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
22
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Read the full Revision Notes
McCarthy and the “Red Scare”
McCarthyism is the name me given to an intense period of anti-communist
hysteria in the USA. It is named after US Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Causes:
McC. claimed to have a list of communists working in the US State Department.
McC cashed in on fears in the USA about the spread of communism.
Post-war communist expansion – Eastern Europe, Berlin Airlift, China and Korea.
1949 Soviet Union has the atomic bomb.
Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs convicted of spying for USSR.
Results:
Fear of communism gripped the USA – “Reds under the bed”.
(HUAC) House Committee on Un-American Activities investigate.
Hollywood Ten.
Accusation or investigation enough to wreck careers in public service.
Great period of intolerance – reduction in civil liberties, held back civil rights.
.
When you have finished, move on to the next page. Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
23
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes
McCarthy and the “Red Scare”
McCarthyism is the name me given to an intense period of anti-communist
hysteria in the USA. It is named after US Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Causes:
McC. claimed to have a list of communists working in the US State Department.
McC cashed in on fears in the USA about the spread of communism.
Post-war communist expansion – Eastern Europe, Berlin Airlift, China and Korea.
1949 Soviet Union has the atomic bomb.
Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs convicted of spying for USSR.
Results:
Fear of communism gripped the USA – “Reds under the bed”.
(HUAC) House Committee on Un-American Activities investigate.
Hollywood Ten.
Accusation or investigation enough to wreck careers in public service.
Great period of intolerance – reduction in civil liberties, held back civil rights.
.
When you have finished, move on to the next page on the Arms Race. Pause Now!
Broadwater School
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24
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Copy these Revision Notes
The Arms Race
Nuclear Arms Race
Competition to build more and better weapons to deter attack.
1949 USA sets up NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) as defensive alliance.
1949 USSR has atomic bomb
1952 Hydrogen Bomb developed by both sides
1957 ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile – to deliver nuclear warheads
Huge amounts spent by both sides, military gains much political influence.
The “Space Race”
1957 USSR uses an ICBM (Inter Continental Ballistic Missile) to put Sputnik into orbit.
USSR now has the ability to use ICBMs to deliver nuclear warheads.
1961, Soviet Cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin is the first man in space.
US pride hurt. JFK pledges the USA will place a man on the Moon.
Total cost of Moon landing was $25,000 million. Happened in 1969.
Criticism because there was great poverty on Earth.
.
When you have finished, move on to the next page. Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
25
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes
The Arms Race
Nuclear Arms Race
Competition to build more and better weapons to deter attack.
1949 USA sets up NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) as defensive alliance.
1949 USSR has atomic bomb
1952 Hydrogen Bomb developed by both sides
1957 ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile – to deliver nuclear warheads
Huge amounts spent by both sides, military gains much political influence.
The “Space Race”
1957 USSR uses an ICBM (Inter Continental Ballistic Missile) to put Sputnik into orbit.
USSR now has the ability to use ICBMs to deliver nuclear warheads.
1961, Soviet Cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin is the first man in space.
US pride hurt. JFK pledges the USA will place a man on the Moon.
Total cost of Moon landing was $25,000 million. Happened in 1969.
Criticism because there was great poverty on Earth.
.
When you have finished, move on to the next page. Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
26
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
Read the full Revision Notes
The Arms Race
Nuclear Arms Race
Competition to build more and better weapons to deter attack.
1949 USA sets up NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) as defensive alliance.
1949 USSR has atomic bomb
1952 Hydrogen Bomb developed by both sides
1957 ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile – to deliver nuclear warheads
Huge amounts spent by both sides, military gains much political influence.
The “Space Race”
1957 USSR uses an ICBM (Inter Continental Ballistic Missile) to put Sputnik into orbit.
USSR now has the ability to use ICBMs to deliver nuclear warheads.
1961, Soviet Cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin is the first man in space.
US pride hurt. JFK pledges the USA will place a man on the Moon.
Total cost of Moon landing was $25,000 million. Happened in 1969.
Criticism because there was great poverty on Earth.
.
When you have finished, move on to the next page. Pause Now!
Broadwater School
History Department
27
Revise for GCSE Humanities: America and the Cold War
From memory, write out the Revision Notes again
The Arms Race
Nuclear Arms Race
Competition to build more and better weapons to deter attack.
1949 USA sets up NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) as defensive alliance.
1949 USSR has atomic bomb
1952 Hydrogen Bomb developed by both sides
1957 ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile – to deliver nuclear warheads
Huge amounts spent by both sides, military gains much political influence.
The “Space Race”
1957 USSR uses an ICBM (Inter Continental Ballistic Missile) to put Sputnik into orbit.
USSR now has the ability to use ICBMs to deliver nuclear warheads.
1961, Soviet Cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin is the first man in space.
US pride hurt. JFK pledges the USA will place a man on the Moon.
Total cost of Moon landing was $25,000 million. Happened in 1969.
Criticism because there was great poverty on Earth.
Pause Now!
You have finished this unit. Keep your notes safe and come back soon.
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History Department
28