11 mark
What event marked the beginning of the Second Cold War?
The Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Berlin Wall's construction.
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
The collapse of the satellite states in Eastern Europe.
Did this page help you?
The 'Second Cold War' (Edexcel GCSE History)
Exam Questions
22 mins22 questions21 mark
Who became the President of the USA in 1981, beginning a more aggressive stance against the USSR?
Ronald Reagan.
Jimmy Carter.
Richard Nixon
George Bush Senior.
Did this page help you?
31 mark
What was the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) popularly nicknamed?
Glasnost.
Rollback.
Star Wars.
The Iron Curtain
Did this page help you?
41 mark
In which year did Ronald Reagan announce the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)?
1981
1983
1985
1987
Did this page help you?
51 mark
Which country hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics?
The USA.
Canada.
Japan.
The USSR.
Did this page help you?
61 mark
What percentage of the USA's GDP was spent on defence under Reagan in 1982?
3%
5%
7%
10%
Did this page help you?
71 mark
Which treaty did the SDI violate according to the Soviet Union?
Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
Outer Space Treaty.
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) Agreement.
Did this page help you?
81 mark
What year did Reagan make his famous "Evil Empire" speech?
1980
1981
1982
1983
Did this page help you?
91 mark
What was the Reagan Doctrine’s approach towards communist governments?
He supported them.
He ignored them.
He gave support to anti-communist movements to overthrow them.
He gave money and weapons to strengthen them against anti-communist groups.
Did this page help you?
101 mark
How did the USSR respond to the USA's boycott of the 1980 Olympics?
They began diplomatic talks with the USA.
They retaliated by boycotting the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
They hosted another Olympics in 1982.
They withdrew from Afghanistan.
Did this page help you?
111 mark
What was the purpose of the Carter Doctrine announced in January 1980?
To increase trade with the Soviet Union.
To support the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
To withdraw US troops from Europe.
To protect the Persian Gulf from Soviet influence.
Did this page help you?
11 mark
Why did historians refer to the period starting in 1981 as the 'Second Cold War'?
The USSR collapsed and Russia restarted Cold War tensions.
It was a period of heightened tensions between the USA and the USSR after détente.
The USA began hostilities with China, rather than the USSR.
It was a period of heightened tensions between the USA and the USSR after the building of the Berlin Wall.
Did this page help you?
21 mark
What was one reason why the USSR could not compete with the SDI?
A widening technology gap between the USA and the USSR.
A lack of interest in space.
The USSR knew that the SDI did not exist.
The USSR was developing new nuclear technology rather than focusing on space technology.
Did this page help you?
31 mark
What was the main aim of the Reagan Doctrine?
To contain communism.
To promote nuclear disarmament.
To rollback and eliminate communism.
To establish peaceful relations with the USSR.
Did this page help you?
41 mark
What was the reason for the US boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics?
To protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
To showcase US athletic superiority.
To improve diplomatic relations with the USSR.
To highlight the Olympic values.
Did this page help you?
51 mark
What was one of the main consequences of the US boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics?
It strengthened US-Soviet relations.
It weakened the international coverage and impact of the Olympics.
It enhanced the USA's global image as the Olympics were televised.
It destroyed the USA’s reputation internationally.
Did this page help you?
61 mark
What caused the Soviet Union to invade Afghanistan in 1979?
To use Afghanistan as a base to spread communism in China.
To protect US interests in the region.
To give support to the Mujahideen.
To prevent the spread of Islamic Fundamentalism.
Did this page help you?
71 mark
What was a consequence of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979?
The invasion strengthened the détente between the USA and the USSR.
The USA withdrew their troops from Afghanistan.
The invasion ended the SALT 2 agreement.
A formal alliance between the USA and the USSR was created.
Did this page help you?
11 mark
What was a key aim of the Reagan Doctrine in Central America?
To support communist governments.
To overthrow anti-communist regimes.
To support anti-communist groups.
To establish nuclear arms bases in Central America.
Did this page help you?
21 mark
What economic factor played a significant role in the USA's ability to outspend the USSR during the Cold War?
The USA had higher oil reserves.
The USA has advanced consumer technology, especially in computing.
The USSR earned a significant amount of money in agriculture.
The USSR had a more efficient economy due to communism.
Did this page help you?
31 mark
What was the impact of the SDI on Cold War relations?
The SDI had a significant impact on Cold War relations. Reagan knew that the SDI would become a reality. The USSR would have to cooperate with the USA to remain protected.
The SDI had an impact on Cold War relations. The USA was seen as the aggressive country in the Second Cold War which impacted their international reputation.
The SDI weakened US-Soviet relations. It forced the USSR to expand its defence budget to combat the threat of the USA.
The SDI strengthened US-Soviet relations. It forced the USSR to reform and be more open to diplomatic relations with the USA.
Did this page help you?
41 mark
What was a significant consequence of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan for US-Soviet relations?
It led to improved relations between the two superpowers.
It resulted in the collapse of the USSR.
It ended the détente between the two superpowers, increasing tensions.
It resulted in US military intervention in the USSR.
Did this page help you?