Dueling Document 4
Natalie Haaga
The Kitchen Debate
The kitchen debate is defined as the impromptu exchanges between
President Richard Nixon and soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev. This debate
started on July 24, 1959 at the opening of the America Nation Exhibition in
Moscow. This exhibition was the building of a house that Americans claimed
everyone in America could afford. It was filled with devices that represented
the fruits of the capitalistic American market. This debate was recorded in
color and was broadcasted in both countries.
This debate started because in 1959 the Soviets and Americans agreed
to hold exhibits in each other’s countries to promote understanding between
the two countries. The soviets had the first exhibit in New York in 1958. The
next year, Nixon opened the American exhibit in Moscow. Then Nixon took
Khrushchev on a tour, while on the tour; the debate took place primarily in
the kitchen of the model house, thus, the kitchen debate.
What was the debate about? Basically it was a debate about capitalism
and communism. Khrushchev brought up to Nixon the recent “resolution”
that the US congress has passed. It was about the Soviet Union condemning
control over the captives of Eastern Europe. After the protesting, Nixon
dismissed the new technology of the US and declared that the Soviets should
have the same things the US has in a year’s time. Khrushchev brings up the
point that the Soviets’ like to focus on things that matter whether than luxury.
He also asked Nixon if there was a machine for Americans that can feed them.
Nixon responded that he would rather have a competition that is
technological, rather than war. This debate was translated for both countries.
American reaction was mixed. Some people feel that Nixon was respectful and
represented our country in a peaceful and honorable way.
This was an interesting debate to me. You expect from our history that this
wouldn’t turn out good. The early 60’s were a major technology breakthrough for
the US. I can only imagine that it would put a bit of pressure on other countries to
try to compete. This debate got a bit heated even though there was translators
helping the languages get translated for Broadcast. I like Khrushchev’s comment
when he mentions that the Soviets aren’t so focused on making money and getting
new advanced technology. They are focused more on the matters. The people. I feel
like that was an honorable thing to mention. Even though we are a capitalistic
country, we do tend to be a bit flashy with our technology and country. Even if that
is the case, Nixon responded honorable as well. He stated that he feels having a
technological competition is much better than starting a war off of competition.
Both men I wouldn’t point a bad finger towards.
If this event might not have happened, I truly believe a dangerous war could
of started between the US and Soviets. What if Nixon had got defensive and started
saying negative things back? I have to say Nixo was the more honorable man
because he didn’t say anything negative at all. I find it a bit interesting that this I
would say small debate, became such a big deal that they wanted to ensure that this
debate was broadcasted on TV in both countries.