Question 1: Describe what the term 'Cold War' means, including why it was called 'cold' and what two superpowers were involved.

Answer: The Cold War was a period of tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union after 1945, without direct military conflict between them, hence 'cold'. It involved political, military, and ideological competition.

Question 2: Explain the significance of the Iron Curtain in the context of the Cold War. What did it symbolize?

Answer: The Iron Curtain was a symbolic and physical barrier that separated Eastern Europe, controlled by the USSR, from Western Europe. It represented the division of Europe into communist and capitalist spheres.

Question 3: Identify and briefly describe two key events that marked the escalation of Cold War tensions during the 1950s.

Answer: The Korean War (1950-1953), which was a conflict between North and South Korea with US and Chinese involvement, and the Hungarian Uprising of 1956, where Hungary attempted to break free from Soviet control but was suppressed.

Question 4: Discuss how the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 demonstrated the dangers of Cold War escalation. What was the outcome?

Answer: The Cuban Missile Crisis was a tense confrontation when the US discovered Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. It brought the superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. The crisis ended with a secret agreement: the Soviets removed missiles from Cuba, and the US promised not to invade Cuba.

Question 5: Explain the purpose of the Berlin Wall and how it became a symbol of Cold War divisions.

Answer: The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 by East Germany to stop people fleeing to West Berlin. It symbolized the physical and ideological divide between East (communist) and West (capitalist) Europe.

Question 6: Describe the main differences between the political systems of the USA and the USSR during the Cold War.

Answer: The USA had a democratic system with free elections and capitalism, while the USSR had a communist one-party system with state-controlled economy.

Question 7: Draw a simple timeline illustrating three major Cold War events: the Berlin Airlift, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Label each event and its date.

Answer: A timeline with three points: Berlin Airlift (1948-1949), Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), Fall of Berlin Wall (1989). Each point labeled with the event name and date.

Question 8: Identify two ways in which the Cold War affected ordinary people living in Europe.

Answer: Many people faced restrictions on travel and communication, and some experienced shortages or fear of nuclear war due to political tensions.

Question 9: Explain what detente was and why it was important during the 1970s in Cold War history.

Answer: Detente was a period of improved relations and reduced tensions between the US and USSR, marked by treaties like SALT. It was important because it helped prevent nuclear conflict and fostered diplomacy.

Question 10: Sketch a simple diagram showing how nuclear missiles could be launched from the USSR to the USA. Label the key parts of the missile and the direction of travel.

Answer: