Crisis of Cold War
Crisis: Berlin Blockade 1948–1949
USSR closes all land and sea access to West Berlin, cutting off
food, fuel, power and transport to the French, British and
American sectors of West Berlin.
Country:
USSR
USA
Great Britain
France
Leader (1)
Stalin
H S Truman
Clement Attlee
Vincent Auriol
Leader (2)
Background:
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Churchill's “Iron Curtain Speech: 5th March 1946 at Westminster College in
USA, Churchill spoke of how Europe had been divide by an ‘Iron Curtain’.
A curtain back up by great military might.
Marshall Plan: The Western nations France, Brittain and USA wanted to
rebuild Germany so that it could become an economic stable, capitalistic
country so that no extreme political movements (communists) could take
control. Eastern countries were refused aid under the Marshall plan which
provided $12.5 billion of aid over four years.
Stalin saw this aid as a Trojan horse to infiltrate the US dollar in its sphere of
influence. USSR wanted a weak Germany enuring that no further aggression
would be possible against the USSR. Stalin saw the success in the western
sectors and perceived an economic, political and military threat in these
sectors.
Bankrupt Brittain: By March 1947 due to the hardships of the war they could
no longer provide economic or military aid to countries that required their
assistance. Greece and Turkey
Truman Doctrine 1946: “..Communism must be contained” after events in
Greece and Turkey where Communist tired to change the government forcibly
Truman and his advisors warned of the domino theory i.e. that if not stop
Communism would take over one country at a time, similar to the way that
dominos standing next to each other can be toppled one after the other and that
it was USA responsibility to stop this happening.
Response to the event itself
Truman, Atlee and Auriol are committed not to let Stalin has his way and are
determined to maintain their hold on West Berlin. It would not be the first
Domino to fall that could lead to the fall of the rest of Germany.
USA was the country with most of the resources and it was the USA that
supplied the bulk of the food, fuel and manpower that kept the West Germans
alive.
Description of events
277,728 flights from US and British aircraft.
Over 2 million tons of food, coal and other supplies shipped
Total cost of $244 million dollars
61 aircraft and 41 lives were lost
12 may 1949 the Soviets give up and lift their blockade.
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Crisis of Cold War
Results of the Crisis
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USA and Brittain increase their military forces in West Germany
The western sectors of Germany join to form “Wets Germany’ (DDR) , which
remains divided as East and West.
(NATO) North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is formed which is a unified
group of Western European States, the USA and Canada joining to present a
military deterrent to the USSR and its satellite states.
1955 The Warsaw Pact is a formal joining of the USSR and these satellite
states.
Significance of the Crisis
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The West and the East power blocks are now formally divided into the
western and eastern groups and NATO and Warsaw Pact treaties define the
current members of the two groups.
The West has resisted the USSR and now uses it’s threat of nuclear power as a
legitimate weapon as seen when the USA sent a B29 to Brittain carrying an
atomic bomb.
Statistics and Quotes
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‘containment’, ‘domino theory’, blockade, iron curtain
277,728 flights from US and British aircraft.
Over 2 million tons of food, coal and other supplies shipped
Total cost of $244 million dollars
61 aircraft and 41 lives were lost
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Crisis of Cold War
Crisis: Korean War 1950 – 53
25th June 1950 North Korea attacks South Korea and captures Soul (South
Korean Capital) and takes most of Korea except for a small area in the south
around Pusan. While USSR was absent from their seat on the UN Severity
Council, USA convinces the Security Council to pass a resolution that allows
various western UN members to go to war with North Korea under the UN flag.
Country:
USSR
North Korea
China
USA
South Korea
Formosa
(Taiwan)
Leader (1)
Stalin
Kim Il Sung
Moa Tse Tung
H S Truman
Syngman Rhee
Chaing Kia Shek
Leader (2)
D Eisenhower
Background: Events leading up to the Crisis
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Korea was part of Japan since 1904 and at the end of the European war USSR
troops occupied Korea to the 38th parallel and set up a communist government
and refused to honor the democratic elections
USA sets up South Korean President Syngman Rhee who seen as a USA
puppet by USSR and China
China becomes the 2nd biggest Communist State after Moat Tse Tung defeats
Chain Kia Shek who flees to Formosa to set up the Chinese Republic.
1949 USA trains and arms South Korean Army and believed they were good
enough to ward off and aggression from North Korea
USA moves troops o Korea from it’s bases in Japan and increases military and
economic support of Formosa
Events
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USA moves troops o Korea from it’s bases in Japan and increases military and
economic support of Formosa
Oct 1950 USA 4 months after North Korea’s attack, USA troops recapture
Soul by amphibious assault and push back to the 38th Parallel.
China sees this move as a threat as Mao Tse Tung wants Korea as a buffer
State similar to the buffer zone of States Stalin has formed in Eastern Europe.
China warns the USA that if they progress past the 38th parallel it will be seen
as a threat to China.
USA gains UN support to push on their war past the 38th Parallel and unify
Korean under a democratic government as both China and USSR are not
represented at the United Nations.
November 1950 China’s 300,000 strong ‘volunteer army’ attacks driving UN
forces back past 38th Parallel and retaking Soul.
In January 1951 USA counter attack and drive back Chinese forces back to the
38th Parallel were a stalemate develops.
Significance of the Crisis
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North Korea’s attack was a surprise to USSR as well as USA because if they
had of known they would not of left the security council allowing USA to got
support for a hot war to start
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Crisis of Cold War
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USA’s desire to unify Korea meant China felt threatened and entered the war.
Once China’s massive numbers of troops entered the conflict General
Macarthur wanted to use nuclear weapons and push all the way into China
using these weapons to remove the communists from China. Truman rejects
this request seeing it as dangerous as it would bring the USSR into direct
conflict and possibly result in all out nuclear war against USSR. This split
public opinion in USA resulting in a change of Government.
Own words what happened
USA’s policy of containment was successful due to the lucky coincidence that
USSR was not represented in the UN Security Council allowing USA to have a
legitimate ‘hot war’ against the communist threat. However, America underestimated
China’s political resolve and military power and so were not able to unify Korea
under a democratic state. This allow showed the push in some parts of America to
use nuclear weapons against ‘unfriendly’ nations. This again raised the possibility if
full scale nuclear war with the USSR.
Results of the Crisis
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Stalemate occurs at the 38th Parallel with neither side able to make any
advances
 27th July 1953 a cease fire was agreed and ‘hot war’ ended
 The ‘containment’ policy was achieved but the ‘roll back’ policy was not
achieved
 Significance of the Crisis
 Republican’s gained office in America and were going to use ‘brinkmanship’
to contain the Soviet threat
 USA military was boosted by;
 Defence budget triples
 army’s size doubles
 Airbases set up in Morocco, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and New Zealand
 Japan and Germany are allowed and encouraged to rearm to add to the
countries resisting communism
 SEATO (South East Asian Treaty Organisation) established to mirror NATO
in the Pacific
Any evidence, statistics or quotes relevant to the crisis
Troops #
Ship %
Aircraft %
UN Forces
341,828
USA Forces
302,483
85%
93%
Chinese Forces 300,000 +
4 Million dead in conflict
Millions homeless and starving
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Crisis of Cold War
Crisis: Suez 1956
Britain, France and Israel invade to reclaim the canal but are forced to withdraw
by the United Nations with USA and USSR agreeing with UN Condemnation
Country:
USSR
Egypt
USA
Britain
France
Israel
Leader (1)
Khrushchev
Nasser
D Eisenhower
Sir Anthony Eden
René Coty
Leader (2)
Haim Weizmann
Background: Events leading up to the Crisis
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Signing of the Baghdad pact in November 1955 by Britain, Turkey, Iraq, Iran,
and Pakistan prompted Khrushchev to seek allies in the Islamic world
Soviet arms were sold to General Nasser of Egypt
USA withdraws economic aide from Egypt
Nasser nationalises the Suez Canal owned by Britain and France
Results of the Crisis
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Khrushchev pleased with British & French back down but USA initiated an
economic policy that recruited support in the Middle East
Significance of the Crisis
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The Middle east became a strong hold of influence for the United States
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Crisis of Cold War
Crisis: Berlin Wall 13th August 1961
13th August 1961 ‘shock workers’ closed the Berlin border between East and
West Berlin by building barricades and barbed wire fences. On 16th August
construction 300 watch towers and a wall four meters high and 111 kilometres
long is begun by the ‘shock workers’ cutting a city in two.
Country:
USSR
USA
Leader (1)
Khrushchev
John F Kennedy
Leader (2)
Background: Events leading up to the Crisis
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The Marshall Plan which involved billions in aide to West Germany when
compared to the severe reparations paid by East Germany to the USSR proved
much more effective in developing economic prosperity
Economic miracle in West Berlin allowed due to Marshal Plan rebuilt West
Germany, stimulated the economy and raised the standard of living.
A quarter of East Germany production was being shipped back to USSR as
part of reparations thus slowing the East German economic recovery. Many
Eats Germans took their families and relocated in West Berlin causing a drain
of educated professionals from East Berlin.
In 1952 the border between East German and West Germany and all the way
south and east. Was fortified with barbed wire, guard towers and mines thus
blocking of all access to the west. Winston Churchill named this the Iron
Curtain.
The borders in Berlin remained open allowing Germans to cross through
check points each day
Economic stagnation in the East Germany and East Berlin meant that many
East Berlin workers were traveling to the west where they could get better
paying jobs.
This economic prosperity after years of hardship during WW2 and post war
years meant Germans wanted to live in west.
Events
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West German authorities protested but did not try and take down the walls.
As it happened during one morning 4000 workers with family and friends in
East Berlin could not return their homes in East Berlin.
The East German authorities explained this as a measure to stop western spies
from entering into East Germany and conducting espionage. It was refereed to
as the ‘anti fascist protection barrier.
In truth it was a prison wall which was aimed to keep the East Germans in the
East as 190 people were shot dead trying to escape. Many did succeed in
digging tunnels, swimming canals or daring scaling of the wall.
Significance of the Crisis
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The USSR economic policies proved slow and inefficient and thus created
more hardship for he people in these areas
The flow or educated and skilled workers to the West was not only a political
embarrassment but a drain on the more valuable labour market and had to be
stopped
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Crisis of Cold War
Own words what happened
Stalin’s concerns about the American dollar had proved correct. The dollars
that flowed into West Germany created a standard of living that USSR and the East
German government could not match. This naturally meant that East Berlin people
especially who could easily see the advantages to living standards the west could offer
decide to leave East Germany. Word of these Western advantages were travailing
across the other communist States increasing the number of people seeking asylum in
the west.
Results of the Crisis
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A Four Powers Agreement on 26th August 1961 made it impossible for West
Berliners visit East Berlin until it was reversed in 1971
For next 28 years the Berlin Wall known as the ‘wall of shame by the west and
‘anti fascist’s barrier’ by the east was a famous symbol of the Cold War
dividing east and west...
The flow of asylum seekers stopped until the Hungarian, East Germany border
was opened on 10th September 1989 allowing East Germans to defect through
Hungry.
9th November 1989 the wall was opened and Berliners started unofficially
demolishing the wall.
1st October 1990 East and West Germany officially reunited.
Significance of the Crisis
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The Berlin Wall was a symbol as well as a physical barrier between East and
West. The living standards and freedoms could be seen in direct comparison
in the two Germanys. People voted with their feet as to which system they
preferred.
This mass vote of 2.5 million could not be allowed to continue and so the wall
was the solution and was justified by the USSR as it was to ‘guard the gate of
Socialist paradise….’ Khrushchev 1961
The cold War started with the Berlin blockage and the Wall became its
symbol. It was only fitting that the falling of the wall should also symbolize
the end of the Cold War.
Any evidence, statistics or quotes relevant to the crisis
2.5 million well educated and skilled citizens leave East Germany between
1949 -1961
JF Kennedy asked for a further US$3.24 billion for the defence budget and
pledged that there would be no change to the support of West Berlin.
5000 people succeeded in getting to the West after the wall was erected and
another 5000 were captured, 191 were killed and 120 injured.
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Crisis of Cold War
Crisis: Cuban 1961 – 1962
14th October 1962 U2 spy plane brings back evidence of Missile sites being
constructed placing 64 SS-4 and SS-5 missiles in nine different missile bases
around Cuba. These missiles had the range to hit all the key cities in mainland
America in a much shorter time than the long range missiles.
Country:
USSR
Cuba
USA
Leader (1)
Khrushchev
Fidel Castro
John F Kennedy
Leader (2)
Background: Events leading up to the Crisis
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USA y had more longer range missiles
1959 Fidel Castro had successfully taken control of Cuba after USA withdrew
support from President Batista. Although USA did not appose Castro’s
struggle directly, it soon became evident that Castro did not protect American
interests in Cuba and so relations ions between Castro’s Cuba and USA
quickly deteriorated
Relationships between USA and USSR which were improving with new
leader Khrushchev that again became strained after Gary Powers was shot
down when his U2 spy plane flew over USSR.
Kennedy had one Senate and popular approval after his ‘stand firm against
USSR..’ speech. The military spending was increased.
After trade sanctions and increasing hostility from USA, Castro approached
USSR for support.
Kennedy used CIA to organise an invasion of 1,000 anti Castro Cuban’s at the
Bay of Pigs. This attack failed without USA air support and nearly all were
captured by Castro’s Army.
Castro turned to USSSR for support after the ‘Bay of Pigs’ and so
‘technicians’ were sent to Cuba with economic aid. Between July and October
43,000 Soviet servicemen with 100’s of tanks and anti-aircraft missiles. These
men came of ships dressed as tourists and the equipment was unloaded at
night.
Events
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14th October 1962 U2 spy plane brings back evidence of Missile sites being
constructed
Kennedy summoned members of ExComm (Executive Committee or National
Security Council). They discussed three options;
1. Launch a nuclear strike against the missile sites
2. To invade Cuba
3. Blockade the seas around Cuba to stop any more missiles being
unloaded
A “quarantine’ was set up around Cuba. The US Navy stopped all ships and
plans approaching Cuba. Several USSR ships were turned back.
22nd October 1962 Kennedy announces publicly that ‘ any attack on any
country in the Americas would be construed [seen as] an attack by the USSR.’
This meant if Cuba fired a missile then USA would launch a full nuclear strike
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Crisis of Cold War
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against USSR. It was also announced that the ‘quarantine of Cuba was would
remain until all the missiles were removed.
Defence Condition 2 was activated in the USA with all nuclear capability on
the highest alert before actual attack.
26th October 1962 Khrushchev sent Kennedy a secret message suggesting a
deal. If Kennedy agreed not to invade Cuba then his missiles would be
removed.
Later that day a US U2 spy plan was shot down over Cuba prompting
Khrushchev to ask for the missiles in Turkey to be removed also.
Significance of the Crisis
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Showed that USA would not tolerate nuclear weapons in the America's
Castro was marginalised by both leaders having never been involved in the
crisis negotiations.
The realisation by both powers that it was very easy to start a nuclear war.
Own words what happened
USA’s desire to reject all contact with non democratic governments often
forced these Governments to seek aid and support from Communist powers.
Khrushchev’s desire to earn a bargaining tool and put pressure on USA took
advantage of Cuba’s isolation and hostility with USA by installing the missiles. This
only brought closer the open nuclear conflict between the two sides. While USSR
had tolerated missiles in Turkey, the USA would not tolerate them in Cuba. Speedy
negotiations and the common sense of Kennedy and Khrushchev averted a nuclear
war that cause world wide destruction.
Results of the Crisis
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Publicly Khrushchev backed down and removed the missiles in return for a
guarantee that USA would not invade Cuba. The Chinese saw Khrushchev as
weak
Secretly Kennedy also backed down removing missiles from Turkey but this
was not seen by the American people and so came out looking good.
A ‘Hot Line’ was set up between USA and USSR. This direct communication
link was set up to avoid a nuclear war
The need to avoid open conflict was reinforced as the threat of mutually
assured destruction became more real after this crisis
Significance of the crisis.
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Closest the world has ever come to all out nuclear war
That the threat of nuclear war was real and could come at any time and in any
place if the Super powers were involved in conflict.
The communications and efforts made to minimizing the threat should be
made.
Any evidence, statistics or quotes relevant to the crisis
Biggest Naval deployment in the world.
DefCon 2 was activated
43,000 Soviet military personal in Cuba
Entire USA army, navy and army mobilised
64 SS-4 and SS-5 missiles in 9 missiles bases in Cuba
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Crisis of Cold War
Crisis: Vietnam War 1963 -73
!963 North Vietnam starts more aggressive violent campaign when national
elections are not held. 1964 President Johnson decides more direct USA
involvement is required and bombs North Vietnam after USA Navy boats
attacked in Gulf of Tonkin. 1965 Johnson sent combat forces to Vietnam and
started ‘Rolling Thunder’ the bombing of North Vietnam by B52 Bombers
Country:
USSR
North Vietnam
China
USA
South Korea
Australia
Leader (1)
Khrushchev
Ho Chi Minh
Moa Tse Tung
F Kennedy
Ngo Dinh Diem
R Menzies
Leader (2)
Brezhnev
Linden Johnson, Richard Nixon
Various
Holt, McMahon, Whitlam
Background: Events leading up to the Crisis
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Ho Chi Minh supported by USA in fight against Japanese in World War 2.
French re-establish Vietnam as colony after WW2. Ho Chi Minh defeats
French even though USA had given the French $1.4 billion in aide.
1954 Geneva Agreements signed by all forces giving independence to
Cambodia and Laos while Vietnam would be divided into North and South
with elections to decided the unified Government later.
Domino Theory was stated by Vice President Nixon who believed all the
Asian countries would fall if Vietnam fell
1955 President Ngo Dinh Diem received $3 billion in aide from USA. Diem
imprisoned political opponents, Buddhists and any who criticised his regime.
1960 National Liberation Front (NLF) known as the Viet Cong a communist
guerrilla group with North Vietnam backing. By 1961 60% of South Vietnam
was under their control.
Events
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1963 - USA withdraws support from Diem which lead to his death in a
military coup but no real leader emerged from this coup
Six changes of Government during 1964 with South Vietnamese Army
distracted from fight with Viet Cong gaining more support form people.
North Vietnam uses guerrilla tactics using terrain, sneak attacks, hit and run,
booby traps and underground concealment.
1966 Menzies sends Australian Troops to Support America forces.
Russia and China support North Vietnam with military equipment and aide.
American’s became hated by general [population because of their tactus such
as; search and destroy missions which meant the burning of villages if they
suspect contact with Vietcong, Use of chemical sprays to defoliate the jungle
and the odd massacres of innocent Vietnamese.
1967 Protests begin at home when the horror of the war is shown on television
and the body count of American’s increases to 160 per week
1968 Tet Offensive: Although repulsed showed the war could not be won
Significance of the Crisis
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Crisis of Cold War
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The American support of corrupt and oppressive South Vietnamese
governments led to resentment and resistance by the South Vietnamese
people.
The guerrilla tactics made it very hard for the superior miliary equipment to be
used effectively.
The protests mean support fort he war from American people starts to
evaporate.
Own words what happened
The American policy was so focused at stopping the Communist threat they
ignored the human and social issues created by their version of Government in the
region. These conditions lead to support in areas they controlled. There was never a
war front as there were in previous battles and so the American military power was
made in effective. There efforts to wins the hearts and minds of the people were
ineffective and patronising and in the end only those who were out for personal power
were supportive of the American involvement. The Communist super powers realised
this and so only had to provide limited military, economic and social support which
was carried often by average people down the Ho Chi Minh trail to the fighters.
Results of the Crisis
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Nixon decided to leave the fighting to the South Vietnamese and get the
American boys home
1972 Whitlam pulled out the Australian Forces
1973 The US and North Vietnamese signed a peace settlement
1975 South Vietnamese Army collapses and the North Vietnamese army
march into Saigon
Laos and Cambodia fall later to communist groups but Thailand remains
democratic monarchy
Significance and of the crisis.
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The USA military power was proved to be ineffectual against an army willing
to use guerrilla tactics and two countries have become communist
American people started to challenge their leader’s policy on how to fight
communism.
Any evidence, statistics or quotes relevant to the crisis
 380,000 troops in Vietnam in 1966
 167 American die per week in 1967
Country Forces
Peak Troop Strength
United States
543,400
South Korea
48,869
Thailand
11,568
South Vietnam
1,048,000
North Vietnam & Viet Cong
300,000
Australia
7,672
New Zealand
550
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Deaths
57,702
4,407
350
185,528
924,048
420
35
Crisis of Cold War
Crisis: Angola 1975 – 88
Angola was fighting for independence from Portugal the independence groups
were;
 The communist Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA)
backed by the USSR and Cuba
 FNLA added by Zaire and the CIA
 UNITA led by Jonas Savimbi aided by China and South Africa
Country:
Leader (1)
Leader (2)
Brezhnev,
Gorbachev
USSR
Cuba
Castro
Angola
António Agostinho Neto , José Eduardo dos Santos
Ford,
Carter, Reagan
USA
South Africa
Vorster, Marais Viljoen,
B.J. Viljoen, Botha, Diederichs
Background: Events leading up to the Crisis
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1974 a left wing Coup of the Portuguese Right wing Government by the
communist Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA)
Portugal were not strong enough militarily and economically to resist the coup
and so granted independence to Angola under the MPLA
Kennedy made it clear in his inaugural address that he would support any
country in it’s fight for liberty by supplying economic (money) and military
(guns) aide
Events
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UNITA and FNLA joined forces but could not defeat the MPLA and it’s
Cuban allies which held the capital and most of the central part of the country
For 15 years the South African forces destabilized the MPLA government
helped by the disastrous economic policies of the communist government.
Conflict still occurs today even with UN intervention
Significance of the Crisis
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Kennedy’s aide often found its way into the hands of local warlords and
dictators that apposed communist forces. This aide did little to further the
cause of liberty, rather it create a more unstable social structure providing
pushing people to support the communist groups
The conflict was never resolved and still simmers today. The backers have
changed but the groups are now self funding buying military and economic
aide using diamonds sold on the black market.
Own words what happened
The interfering of the CIA, USSR, Cuba expeditionary forces and others
destabilised the political and social stability of the region. The people suffered and no
government could depend on political security. This disastrous ideological battle
made it nearly impossible for a stable democratic government to be accepted by the
people.
Africa was used by the super powers to fight over principles while ignoring
the real social, political and economic issues of the people in the region.
Results of the Crisis
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Failure and misery: Neither side succeed in obtain secure and stable control of
the government.
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Crisis of Cold War
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People and especially children were conscripted in a war whose real agenda
lied with the ideological differences of West and East.
Millions died and starved due a non stop war in their country
Significance of the Crisis
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Should the extent to which foreign governments would covertly interfere with
other countries politics and economies to meet a self centred agenda.
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Crisis of Cold War
Détente 1969 -1979
USA and USSR start becoming friendlier and open towards each other partly
due the expense of maintaining the hostility.
Country:
Leader (1)
Leader (2)
Khrushchev
Brezhnev
USSR
Nixon
Ford Carter
USA
Background: Events leading up to Détente
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Following Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and the realisation of how ineffective
relations between USSR and USA nearly lead to an all out nuclear war, a
softening of former antagonistic foreign policies occurred.
This was made easier by the fact that the two super powers had achieved
military parity. This economic comparison was still in favour of the west as
the USSR had restricted this development in favour of the military
development.
The Soviets now wanted to develop their internal economy and so were
looking to reduce the global conflict
The USA also wished to reduce global expenditure as the aide bill was
growing and a balance in spending was needed
President Johnson began discussions with Premier Alexsie Kosygin and
Brezhnev.
Multi-polarity means that now countries previously aligned with the USA
started making their own advances with the eastern countries
1966 France leaves NATO and open diplomatic relations with China and
North Vietnam
West Germany starts talking to East Germany (GDR) and USSR agreeing on
non aggression pact, borders, nuclear non proliferation and visiting rights
between East and West Berlin
Talks disrupted due to the August 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia
Treaties leading to Détente
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June 1963: Washington – Moscow Hotline Established
Aug 1963: Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
Jan 1967: 62 countries agree not to use military in space
Events during Détente
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Policy of Linkage: Kissinger, President Nixon’s new Secretary of State
wanted to reduce the cost of fighting the cold war. He linked deals that were
beneficial for the USSR with agenda that were a priority for the USA.
1. Arms limitation treaty benefits the USSR linked to;
2. UUSR encouraging Hanoi to accept a ‘peace with honor’ in Vietnam
Summit Meetings
1. June 1973: agreement to negotiate during situations that threaten
nuclear war
2. August 1975 Helsinki Treat: recognition of European frontiers, human
rights, meeting in space Soyuz and Apollo meet and exchange
passengers
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Crisis of Cold War
Key Treaties
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Nov 1969: Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty
Dec 1970: Fishing pact for mid Atlantic US Coast
Feb 1971: Sea Bed Treaty; Nuclear Subs 20km from coast
Aug 1971: USSR, West Germany (DDR), Non Aggression treaty
Sep 1971: USA-USSR nuclear Accidents agreement
Nov 2971: US sells US$136 mill grain to USSR
Apr 1972: Biological Warfare Treaty
May 1972: SALT Treaty- offensive and defensive missile agreements
Dec 1972: East –West Germany Treaty recognise sovereignty
June 1979: SALT 2 Treaty
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Crisis of Cold War
Crisis: Afghanistan 1979-89
The mujahideen a fundamental Islamic nationalistic group starts to use violent
guerilla tactics to resist Soviet dominated government with the help of the CIA.
This becomes the Soviets Vietnam.
Country:
Leader (1)
Leader (2)
Brezhnev,
Gorbachev
USSR
Soviet Afghanistan Taraki
Babrak Kamal
Carter
Reagan
USA
USA Afghanistan
Hafi Zullah Amin
Background: Events leading up to the Crisis




April 1978 pro-Soviet Communist Government seized power in Afghanistan
and came under threat in 1979 from Islamic fundamentalists.
USSR feared an Islamic Domino Theory as many of its Asian States contained
Muslims.
Losing control of Afghanistan would also weaken USSR position as a
superpower and increase the likelihood of USA having influence in an
adjoining State.
Taking military action would damage the existing détente between east and
west.
Events





Mid 1979 USSR increases the number of military advisors in Afghanistan
Afghan Leader Taraki requests direct military support
Hafi Zullah Amin succeeds Taraki who is not as cooperative with the USSR as
Moscow would like. He is killed by Soviet commandos and Babrak Kamal a
sympathetic replacement takes control
100,000 Soviet troops are involved in fighting the mujahideen
USA condemns the invasion and Carter takes immediate cold war action, such
as;
1. Withdraws from SALT 2 talks
2. Reduces trade with USSSR
3. Boycotts Moscow Olympics
4. Increase US Military spending
5. Promises to protect US interests in the Gulf
6. USA provides arms to mujahadeen crucial “stinger’ missiles which
takes away the air superiority of the Soviets and eventually is the
telling factor in the war
Significance of the Crisis


The assassination of Hafi Zullah Amin angered the USA to the point that
support of the mujahadeen increased even though this group was in some ways
less democratic than the Soviet puppet government
The supply of the Stinger missiles had a dramatic effect on the war. These
missiles took away the Soviet air superiority brining down their attack and
transport helicopters.
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Crisis of Cold War
Own words what happened
In the end Afghanistan mirrored the USA experience in Vietnam. The USSR
did the same mistakes and the lessons the American’s learned in Vietnam allowed
them successfully train and support the mujhadeen. The guerrilla tactics proved to be
just as successfully in rugged mountain conditions as the Vietcong were in the Asian
jungle. The Soviets puppet governments were just as ineffectual at gaining national
support as were the USA’s South Vietnamese governments. Like Vietnam the drain
in men, resources and money became too great for the USSR which was still lagging
behind the west in economic production.
Results of the Crisis


In 1988, the Soviets started withdrawing their troops the last leaving in
February 1989
The American aide to the mujahadeen allowed a key victory for Muslim
fundamentalists creating a dangerous precedent for the future
Significance of the Crisis

The US reaction to the invasion marked the end of Détente and added
momentum the hard line reactionary interventionist approach to American
foreign policy during the Reagan years
Any evidence, statistics or quotes relevant to the crisis


100,000 Soviet troops
10 years of war the same duration as the Vietnam USA war
17 of 19
Crisis of Cold War
Crisis: Nicaragua 1979-1990
In 1979 a revolutionary group called the Sandinistas overthrew President
Somoza a USA back president. Carter and Reagan order the CIA to fund
various groups apposing the Sandinistas called the Contras to fight his
government. The USA Congress tried to stop this action by ordering that the
CIA to not do anything that may lead to the overthrow of the Sandinista
government. This order was ignored and the CIA continued to fight the
Sandinistas.
Country:
USSR
Sandinista (Nicaragua)
Cuba
USA
Nicaragua
Contras
El Salvador
Leader (1)
Brezhnev,
Daiel Ortega,
Leader (2)
Andropov, Chernenko Gorbachev
+ Junta consisting of Hassan,
Mercado, Callejas, de Chamorro
Castro
Reagan
Somoza
Various
Jose Duarte
Background: Events leading up to the Crisis




Somoza had ruled as a dictator with USA support since 1930’s and was
corrupt and oppressive in nature.
With Cuban assistance the Sandinistas gained support from most sectors of the
population
Sandinista went to Cuba for support after obtaining power.
Sandinistas started to aid rebels in nearby El Salvador, another USA
dominated government
Events





Reagan terminates aid programme for Nicaragua
Reagan orders CIA to sponsor anti Sandinistas called Contra’s suppling
training and weapons.
US Congress forbade the CIA from arming counter revolutionaries ‘for the
propose of overthrowing the government’
CIA and white house personal ignore this order and sell arms to USA enemy
Iran to raise funds to buy weapons for the Contras.
Reagan avoids any repercussions on this matter
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Crisis of Cold War
Own words what happened
The Reagan policy of fighting communism using local people sponsored by
the CIA cause great suffering in central America with very little change in political
structure. The American people how ever were not too concerned as can be seen by
the fact that Reagan although alleged to have ignored the USA Congresses order to
stop this aid was still seen as the most popular of USA presidents.
Results of the Crisis


Very few military victories were achieved by the Contra and the Sandinistas
stayed in power but economic hardships occurred for the people during the
fight
Sandinista remained in power until voted out of office in Nicaragua’s second
democratic election in 1990.
Significance of the Crisis

This policy again made true détente difficult but did not change any existing
governments. It may have assisted the USA backed regime in El Salvador
from maintaining power but also was a clear example of Reagan new policy
on how to fight the cold war
Any evidence, statistics or quotes relevant to the crisis

Between 1981 and 1984 CIA invested $70 million in the Contra cause
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