Define the Arms Race.
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Define the Arms Race.
The Arms Race was a period of time when the USA and the Soviet Union competed against each other to create and stockpile the most advanced weapons.
Why did Stalin instructed Soviet scientists to develop an atomic bomb after the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima?
Stalin instructed Soviet scientists to develop an atomic bomb because he did not want the USA to retain a nuclear monopoly and these weapons would defend the Soviet Union from US aggression.
When did the Soviet Union develop their first atomic bomb?
In 1949, the Soviet Union successfully developed their first atomic bomb.
What was the name of the first hydrogen bomb tested?
The first hydrogen bomb tested was called 'Ivy Mike'.
When did Russia develop the technology to create a hydrogen bomb?
In 1953, Russia developed the technology to create a hydrogen bomb.
Define nuclear fission.
Nuclear fission is the process used in atomic bombs, where atoms split to release energy.
Define nuclear fusion.
Nuclear fusion is when two radioactive atoms come together to form a third atom.
Did a hydrogen bomb use nuclear fission or nuclear fusion?
Nuclear fusion.
This process made a hydrogen bomb 1,000 times more powerful than an atomic bomb.
The Soviet Union tested 'Tsar Bomba' in 1961. It was the largest man-made explosion recorded in history, at 50,000 kilotons (or 50 megatons).
The Soviet Union tested ' ' in 1961. It was the largest man-made explosion recorded in history, at 50,000 kilotons (or 50 megatons).
Define an ICBM.
An ICBM stands for Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile. It is a missile that can carry a nuclear warhead over long distances.
When did the USA develop ICBMs?
In 1957, the USA created the ICBM.
Did the Soviet Union develop ICBMS a few months or a few years after the USA?
A few months.
This shows the significant development the Soviet Union made in its nuclear capabilities since 1949.
What was the intended consequence of the Arms Race?
The intended consequence of the Arms Race was to make each country 'feel' safer.
Did the Arms Race increase or decrease Cold War tensions?
Increase.
The Arms Race caused more fear and tension between the USA and the Soviet Union. Both countries increased military spending.
Who became the US president after Harry S. Truman?
Dwight Eisenhower was the US president after Harry S. Truman.
Was Eisenhower pro-communist or anti-communist?
Anti-communist.
Eisenhower's presidential campaign centred on attacking communism in the USA and worldwide.
To avoid , Eisenhower wanted to work on improving the USA's relationship with the Soviet Union.
To avoid nuclear warfare, Eisenhower wanted to work on improving the USA's relationship with the Soviet Union.
True or False?
When Joseph Stalin died, Nikita Khrushchev took power straight away?
False.
Stalin's death triggered a three-year power struggle. Khrushchev formally took power in 1956.
At the 20th Party Congress in 1956, Khrushchev denounced Stalin's leadership. This began a process called ' '.
At the 20th Party Congress in 1956, Khrushchev denounced Stalin's leadership. This began a process called 'De-Stalinisation'.
Did the Soviet Union want to improve relations with the USA in 1955?
Yes.
The two powers met in 1955. No agreements were made but the atmosphere was positive and collaborative.
What was the economic motivation to improve US-Soviet relations in the 1950s?
The economic motivation to improve US-Soviet relations was to reduce the amount of money both countries spent on their defence budget.
Did the collaboration between the USA and the Soviet Union in the 1950s work to improve their relationship?
No.
The leaders of the USA and the Soviet Union did not take the necessary steps to improve their relationship.
Events in Europe during the 1950s tensions between both the USA and the Soviet Union.
Events in Europe during the 1950s increased tensions between both the USA and the Soviet Union.
What group caused political unrest in Hungary in October 1956?
The group that caused political unrest in Hungary in October 1956 were students. They led a peaceful demonstration asking for more political and personal freedom.
Khrushchev decided to change the leadership of Hungary. He replaced Rákosi with .
Khrushchev decided to change the leadership of Hungary. He replaced Rákosi with Imre Nagy.
Was Khrushchev open to limited reforms in Hungary?
Yes.
Khrushchev believed that limited reforms would stop Hungarians from protesting.
Define a one-party state.
A one party-state is a country where a single political party controls the government, either by law or in practice.
How did Nagy's reforms challenge the one-party state in Hungary?
Nagy challenged the one-party state by allowing non-communist politicians to become members of the government.
What one of Nagy's reforms did Khrushchev disagree with?
Khrushchev could not accept Nagy's reform which wanted to withdraw Hungary from the Warsaw Pact.
In 1956, Khrushchev did not want other satellite states like Hungary to form alliances with , who had broke away from the Soviet Union's influence in 1948.
In 1956, Khrushchev did not want other satellite states like Hungary to form alliances with Yugoslavia, who had broke away from the Soviet Union's influence in 1948.
What did Khrushchev do on 4th November 1956?
On 4th November 1956, Khrushchev sent an invasion force of 1,000 tanks to Hungary.
How many Hungarians died as a result of the invasion force sent by Khrushchev?
20,000 Hungarians died as a result of the invasion force sent by Khrushchev.
Ultimately, Eisenhower decided military support to Nagy during the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956.
Ultimately, Eisenhower decided not to give military support to Nagy during the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956.
Did the Hungarian Uprising increase or decrease Cold War tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union?
Increase.
Khrushchev's suppression of Hungary had shocked and appalled the West. Khrushchev's actions tightened the Warsaw Pact.