How did the U.S. maintain influence over the course of the Cold War Quizlet

The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan marked the start of renewed hostility as the so-called Second or New Cold War occurred. The invasion led to widespread condemnation of the USSR and was perceived in the West as evidence of the expansionist tendencies of the USSR. It marked the end of any further negotiation between the superpowers. President Carter withdrew the SALT II Treaty from the Senate, cut off trade contacts between the USA and the USSR, boycotted the Moscow Olympics in 1980, and increased arms spending. It was also a key issue of the US presidential election of 1980, won by Ronald Reagan. Under Reagan, the USA embarked on a program of arms expansion in order to meet the threat of the "evil empire". He also developed the Reagan Doctrine, an important Cold War strategy to oppose the influence of the Soviet Union by backing anti-communist guerrillas against Soviet client states. Upon becoming president, Reagan moved quickly to undermine Soviet efforts to subdue the government of Afghanistan. Islamic mujahideen guerrillas were covertly supported and trained, and backed in their jihad against the occupying Soviets by the CIA. The Agency committed billions of dollars in military aid to the guerrillas.

When Gorbachev came to power in 1985, the Soviet experience in Afghanistan (where the war had dragged on without a decisive result, but which had cost the Soviets over 15 000 soldiers and $8 billion per year) led to a re-evaluation of Soviet involvement in developing countries. It led to the withdrawal of the Soviets from Afghanistan; it became part of Gorbachev's "New Political Thinking" and eventually contributed to the end of the Cold war.

Essentially an origins (and early development) of the Cold War question. Candidates could identify the respective leaders and fears of/perceived threats to both sides in this period. Truman and Stalin are likely to be the main leaders identified but some candidates may include Roosevelt and Churchill in responses.No doubt some will argue that the breakdown was simply the resumption of a more long-standing animosity or fear dating back pre-Grand Alliance but the emphasis is on the 1945-53 period and developments which led to the (re)emergence of East-West hostility.

Arguments/suspicion over issues raised and discussed at Yalta, and especially by the time of

Potsdam, should be well known. Coverage of the German Question, Poland, Greece and Turkey, the "liberation"/"occupation" of Eastern Europe, Containment policies (Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan) and Soviet moves (Cominform and Comecon), NATO, and the spread of conflict to Korea (given the 1953 date), are all relevant.The respective "fears" of both need to be addressed - what was the perception of both sides in relation to such events? Were leaders simply reacting to perceived aggression (military, economic) of the other - or were both sides deliberately pursuing aggressive and expansionist policies in their own interests?

The "to what extent" invitation allows for the identification of other factors which initiated a breakdown - e.g. ideology, deliberate pursuit of aims by one side or the other in an attempt to spread their respective values system.

[0 to 7 marks] for unfocused generalizations.

[8 to 10 marks] for narratives of the origins of the Cold War with implicit assessment.

[11 to 13 marks] for more explicit identification of fears and assessment.

[14 to 16 marks] for structured and focused responses with a sound historical knowledge base and awareness of other factors.

[17+ marks] for full analytical and detailed answers which address the issue of fears and also other factors and offer a perceptive judgment of their relative importance.

Candidates could explain the circumstances in which the policy was adopted, the aims of the policy and the methods involved. The adoption of the policy in its European context, and its subsequent expansion to a global policy by 1950, could include reference to: US perceptions of Soviet policy in the post-war era (reference to the Sovietisation of E. Europe, Soviet "involvement" in Greece and Turkey; fears relating to developments in post-Potsdam Conference Germany); Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan as "two halves of the same walnut"; Berlin crisis of 1948/9; NATO; establishment of the PRC 1949; Korea; Indochina; Berlin 1958-61; Cuba.

There is much to choose from. Do not necessarily expect all, but the emphasis should be on

judging the effectiveness of the policy after it was adopted. Did it halt expansion - how, where, why? Examples where it proved less successful - how, where, why? Specific details/examples are needed for substantiation.

[0 to 7 marks] for poorly substantiated or inadequate responses.

[8 to 10 marks] for narrative/descriptive accounts with implicit assessment of effectiveness.

[11 to 13 marks] for adequate detail and explicit focus. Not all implications considered or sufficiently developed.

[14 to 16 marks] for informed, well-focused and explicit assessment of the effectiveness ofthe policy.

[17+ marks] for analytical, knowledgeable responses which reveal insight into the functioning of the policy in the period.

This should present few problems for most candidates, as the origin of the Cold War appearsto be one of their favourite (and most taught) topics. They need to explain briefly and concisely relations and animosity between East and West from the second/Bolshevik revolution in 1917, until 1941, the Grand Alliance of the Second World War.

Candidates could then explain and analyse the ideological differences between the two sides, perhaps also pointing out old diplomatic rivalries. Development into the Cold War covers the period 1945, with the break down of the war time alliance, until about 1950 and should coverthe Yalta and Potsdam conferences, problems with Germany, the growth of the Eastern Bloc, Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine. Specific material mentioned above should provide a base to analyse ideology, fear, aggression, etc.

There can, of course, be no one specific date for the end of the Cold War, but most candidates should be able to point to the period 1989-90. Many may give November 1989 with the opening of the Berlin Wall, or early 1990, with the break up of the Soviet Union. They can also indicate events earlier in 1989, such as the opening of Hungary's borders with the West, and Solidarity's election victory in Poland, as the beginning of the end.

Most of the answer should be devoted to the second part of the question, which requires candidates to assess why Communism collapsed. Candidates can discuss economic weaknesses, the Communist bloc's financial debt to the West, political problems, the

impossibility of keeping the people in ignorance of Western standards, growth of opposition,

(especially in Poland and Czechoslovakia), policies of the Soviet leader Gorbachev,

(from 1985), of Glasnost and Perestroika.

[0 to 7 marks] for inaccurate or inadequate knowledge.

[8 to 10 marks] for narrative accounts with implicit "why".

[11 to 13 marks] for explicit attention to "when and why".

[14 to 16 marks] for structured, focused and analytical answers.

[17+ marks] for perceptive analysis, balance and chronology.

This will probably not be a popular question. By superpowers candidates should understand USA and USSR, but allow China. Candidates must focus on the economy, and how both the country as a whole, and individual citizens were affected; for example in relation to trade, employment, finance and commerce. Social effects could include fear, morale, travel, propaganda, education, etc. Political effects are not relevant, but the cost of the arms race is.

This may prove to be a popular question. Candidates must explain both ways and results in order to reach higher mark bands. The ways in which containment was implemented could be considered under the following thematic headings: military; economic and political/diplomatic. Military: intervention in conflicts or potential conflicts to prevent spread of communism, e.g. Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam; rearming Japan; providing arms to non-communist countries in the region; putting US garrisons in certain countries. Economic: rebuilding economies as a bulwark against communism (Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Taiwan, etc.); aid programs to encourage development of / friendship with countries in the region. Political/diplomatic: treaties to support countries in the region: (SEATO, ANZUS); supporting anti-communist leaders in Asian countries; opposing communists or sympathisers. An analysis of results could include comments on relative successes and failures of US policy. Successes: establishment of strong anti-communist states in the region, e.g. Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, continued independence of Taiwan. Failures: communism spread to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos; the US was humiliated by loss in Vietnam War - internal discussions in US populace; the loss in Indo-china forced US to change China policy; SEATO alliance broke up; US economy weakened by the expense of the containment policy. [0 to 7 marks] for vague, general or irrelevant comments. [8 to 10 marks] for narrative accounts with implicit analysis. [11 to 13 marks] for explicit focus on reasons. [14 to 16 marks] for good structure, clear focus and analysis. [17+ marks] for excellent structure, knowledge and analysis.

Candidates should produce well-structured analytical responses which clearly demonstrate knowledge of the major events and personalities involved. Ideas to consider could include: the Cold War ended because the Soviet economy was too weak to sustain a worldwide confrontation with the US, which was pursuing a more confrontational approach during the 1980s. This involves consideration of the cost of the arms race and new technology that the Soviets could not afford. The invasion of Afghanistan was costly and also damaged Soviet claims to moral superiority and the death of three Soviet leaders in quick succession caused a loss of direction. Eastern Europe was increasingly difficult to control in the 1980s (Polish Solidarity as an example). Gorbachev's central role and his "New Thinking" - Gorbachev realized that to achieve the restructuring of the Soviet economy and society the USSR would have to shed many costly burdens, for example the war in Afghanistan and subsidies to communist states like Cuba. A loosening of military and political control over Eastern Europe was also necessary. A new approach in Soviet society would require a new approach to foreign relations, a more cooperative attitude. Arms limitation, détente and a more cooperative attitude in the 1970s signalled the end of the confrontation of the Cold War. Gorbachev rejected the Brezhnev Doctrine, which led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and liberation of Eastern Europe, thus symbolising the end of the Cold War. The collapse of the USSR, as a result of internal crisis, meant that the Cold War was over. [0 to 7 marks] for vague, general or irrelevant comments. [8 to 10 marks] for descriptive accounts with implicit analysis. [11 to 13 marks] for explicit analysis of reasons. [14 to 16 marks] for good structure, clear focus and analysis. [17

In this context "analyse" means "offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments and factors". Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was a permanent military alliance, established by treaty in 1949. Its purpose was to defend Europe against Soviet aggression. Its institutions included a council, international secretariat, headquarters, bases and committees.

The Warsaw Pact was a delayed Soviet response to NATO. It was formed in 1955 like NATO all members were obliged to come to the aid of any member which was attacked. Unlike NATO it was also used to keep its members under control.

Non-alignment in the early years of the Cold War refers to states which decided not to take sides in the major division in world politics between the USA and the USSR, and formed the Non-aligned Movement which tried to mediate between the superpowers, and thus make a contribution to world peace. It was particularly associated with India and Nehru. Attempts by Mediterranean, African and Asian countries in the 1960s to renew the movement failed to reduce continuing superpower hostility. However conferences of the Non-alignment Movement were still held in the 1980s.

Détente means a reduction of conflict and tension between states. The term is usually applied to improved relations between East and West in the Cold War, especially to arms limitation. In the 1970s détente led to several agreements between the USA and USSR, including SALT I (1972) and SALT II (1979), as well as the Helsinki Conference on economic and technological co-operation 1975. The 1980s saw a challenge to the process of détente until later in the decade.

N.B. if only one of the above is addressed mark out of [12 marks].

Questions on the role of "fear and suspicion" often refer to the origin of the Cold War, but this one begins in the year of the death of Stalin and end of the Korean War, and ends with the final departure of US advisers from Vietnam after the Vietnam War.

Candidates could include the attitudes of US presidents and soviet leaders towards each other, the persistent rivalry, claims and counter claims, the Warsaw Pact, arms race, space race, efforts to influence developing countries or obtain more satellite states, containment - all were grounded in fear and suspicion. The main crises and conflicts were: Hungary and Suez 1956; Berlin; Cuban missile crisis 1962; Vietnam War 1965-73. Détente in the early 1970s might also be mentioned. There is much material that candidates could use, so do not expect all the above.

Social issues could include all aspects of life which were affected by the existence of the Cold War. The split of Germany and the Berlin Wall, the terror felt in USSR and the east European satellite states, fighting in the "hot wars", such as Korea and Vietnam - both in combat areas and states whose soldiers were involved in the fighting, such as the USA. Many people were affected by fear - of nuclear bombing, by propaganda, which engendered hatred, by loss of homes, illness and poverty. Some lost their trust in governments. Gender issues would cover the impact on women, fear for husbands and sons fighting, fighting themselves, nursing the wounded, etc.

Of course not all experienced all of the above. Actual details will depend on the two countries chosen.

N.B. If only one country or one region is considered mark out of [12 marks].

Definitions and importance could be:

Containment was the policy adopted by the USA in 1947in response to Soviet policies of expansion at the end of, and after, the Second World War. It aimed to contain communism. For importance, candidates could refer to the impact of containment on US foreign policy both in Europe and elsewhere.

COMECON - the Council of Mutual Economic Assistance, was established in Moscow by Stalin in January 1949, to improve trade between the USSR and its satellite Eastern European states. It was a reaction to the Marshall Plan and the economic power of the west. It eventually consisted of 10 member states, was dominated by the USSR, but there were often disagreements. It was disbanded in 1991. Its importance would include the way it was used to extend political influence as well as to control the production and distribution of goods within the communist world etc.

Détente was a term used to indicate the lessening of tension between the two sides of the Cold War. The term is usually applied to the improved relations, beginning in November 1969 with the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). There were several agreements between the USA and USSR in the 1970s including SALT I (1972), SALT II (1979) and those made at the Helsinki Conference in 1975 on economic and technological cooperation. In the 1980s détente was interrupted by further arms build-up, but returned with the policies of Gorbachev, from 1989 into the 1990s. Its importance would include the change it signified in relations between Cold War rivals, enabling arms control agreements etc.

The Eastern European satellites were the states "liberated" by Russian forces at the end of the Second World War, and then held under Soviet control. Free elections were not held and force was used to repress dissent and rebellion. It could be argued that events in some of the states during the 1980's contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

For social: lifestyles, employment, education, the arts and entertainment, healthcare, family life, religion, etc.

For economic: impact on trade and industry; money spent on armaments; impact on standard of living, higher or lower; trade partners; foreign aid in order to win support.

Specific details will depend on countries chosen, which must be from different regions. Perhaps the US and USSR will be popular choices, and as two countries are demanded, do not expect all the above suggestions to be covered

Mutual distrust is usually part of a question on the causes of the Cold War, but this question requires its consideration as a factor in the development, from 1953 - the year of Stalin's death and the end of the Korean War - to 1975, the year that US advisers left Vietnam. Candidates could consider some of the following: the mutual distrust between US presidents and USSR leaders; arms, especially nuclear build-up; space race; efforts to score over each other; rivalry between Warsaw Pact and NATO; development and treatment of satellite states or spheres of influence. The main crises and conflict of the period, Hungary and Suez, 1956, Berlin Wall, 1961, Cuban missile crisis, 1962, Vietnam War 1965-1973, all had some impact from mutual distrust. The last few years also witnessed some détente and arms limitation, which some candidates may also discuss.

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How did the US finally end the Cold War quizlet?