Crisis: Berlin Blockade 1948 1949

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: Leader (1) Leader (2) USSR Stalin USA H S Truman Great Britain Clement Attlee France Vincent Auriol Background:  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.

1 of 19

Crisis of Cold War

Results of the Crisis  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  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  ‘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

2 of 19

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: Leader (1) Leader (2) USSR Stalin North Korea Kim Il Sung China Moa Tse Tung USA H S Truman D Eisenhower South Korea Syngman Rhee Formosa Chaing Kia Shek (Taiwan) Background: Events leading up to the Crisis  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  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  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

3 of 19

Crisis of Cold War

 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  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 Aircr % aft % UN 341,828 Forces USA 302,483 85% 93% Forces Chinese 300,000 + Forces

4 Million dead in conflict Millions homeless and starving

4 of 19

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: Leader (1) Leader (2) USSR Khrushchev Egypt Nasser USA D Eisenhower Britain Sir Anthony Eden France René Coty Israel Haim Weizmann

Background: Events leading up to the Crisis  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  Khrushchev pleased with British & French back down but USA initiated an economic policy that recruited support in the Middle East

Significance of the Crisis  The Middle east became a strong hold of influence for the United States

5 of 19

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: Leader (1) Leader (2) USSR Khrushchev USA John F Kennedy Background: Events leading up to the Crisis  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  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  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

6 of 19

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  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  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.

7 of 19

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: Leader (1) Leader (2) USSR Khrushchev Cuba Fidel Castro USA John F Kennedy

Background: Events leading up to the Crisis  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  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

8 of 19

Crisis of Cold War

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  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  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.  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

9 of 19

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: Leader (1) Leader (2) USSR Khrushchev Brezhnev North Vietnam Ho Chi Minh China Moa Tse Tung USA F Kennedy Linden Johnson, Richard Nixon South Korea Ngo Dinh Diem Various Australia R Menzies Holt, McMahon, Whitlam Background: Events leading up to the Crisis  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  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

10 of 19

Crisis of Cold War

 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  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.  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 Deaths Strength United States 543,400 57,702 South Korea 48,869 4,407 Thailand 11,568 350 South Vietnam 1,048,000 185,528 North Vietnam & Viet Cong 300,000 924,048 Australia 7,672 420 New Zealand 550 35

11 of 19

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) USSR Brezhnev, Gorbachev Cuba Castro Angola António Agostinho Neto , José Eduardo dos Santos USA Ford, Carter, Reagan South Africa Vorster, Marais Viljoen, B.J. Viljoen, Botha, Diederichs Background: Events leading up to the Crisis  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  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  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  Failure and misery: Neither side succeed in obtain secure and stable control of the government.

12 of 19

Crisis of Cold War

 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  Should the extent to which foreign governments would covertly interfere with other countries politics and economies to meet a self centred agenda.

13 of 19

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) USSR Khrushchev Brezhnev USA Nixon Ford Carter

Background: Events leading up to Détente  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  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  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

14 of 19

Crisis of Cold War

Key Treaties  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

15 of 19

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) USSR Brezhnev, Gorbachev Soviet Afghanistan Taraki Babrak Kamal USA Carter Reagan 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.

16 of 19

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: Leader (1) Leader (2) USSR Brezhnev, Andropov, Chernenko Gorbachev Sandinista (Nicaragua) Daiel Ortega, + Junta consisting of Hassan, Mercado, Callejas, de Chamorro Cuba Castro USA Reagan Nicaragua Somoza Contras Various El Salvador 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

18 of 19

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

19 of 19