Question 1: Explain what is meant by the term 'Cold War'. Why was it called a 'cold' war?

Answer: The Cold War was a period of political and military tension between the USA and USSR from 1945 to 1991. It was called 'cold' because there was no direct fighting between the two superpowers, only indirect conflicts and competition.

Question 2: Identify two reasons why the Cold War began after World War II.

Answer: One reason was the differing political ideologies: capitalism in the USA and communism in the USSR. Another reason was mutual distrust and the desire for global influence by both superpowers.

Question 3: Describe the main goal of the Marshall Plan and how it related to the Cold War.

Answer: The Marshall Plan was an American initiative to provide economic aid to rebuild Western Europe after WWII. It aimed to prevent the spread of communism by stabilizing economies and gaining allies.

Question 4: Explain what the term 'Iron Curtain' refers to in the context of the Cold War.

Answer: The 'Iron Curtain' was a metaphor for the division between Western Europe, allied with the USA, and Eastern Europe, controlled by the USSR. It represented the physical and ideological boundary.

Question 5: Describe the significance of the Berlin Airlift in 1948-1949.

Answer: The Berlin Airlift was when the USSR blocked access to West Berlin. The USA and its allies responded by flying supplies into the city for almost a year, showing their commitment to oppose Soviet actions and support West Berliners.

Question 6: List three countries that became divided into East and West during the Cold War and explain how this division affected their people.

Answer: Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. The division led to separate governments and economies, often resulting in conflict, hardship, and families separated by borders.

Question 7: Draw a simple map showing the division of Germany after WWII, indicating East and West Germany. Label the countries and include the Berlin city in your map.

Answer: A correct sketch would show Germany divided into East and West, with East controlled by the USSR and West by the USA, UK, and France. Berlin should be in the middle, with clear labels for each part.

Question 8: What was the Cuban Missile Crisis, and why was it a dangerous moment in the Cold War?

Answer: The Cuban Missile Crisis was in 1962 when the USSR placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the USA. It was dangerous because it brought the superpowers close to nuclear war, but it was resolved peacefully.

Question 9: Explain how the Cold War eventually ended. Mention at least two factors that contributed to its conclusion.

Answer: The Cold War ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Factors included economic problems in the USSR and reforms like Glasnost and Perestroika that promoted openness and change.

Question 10: Describe the role of nuclear weapons during the Cold War and how they influenced the policies of both superpowers.

Answer: Nuclear weapons created a threat of mutual destruction, leading to policies like Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). Both superpowers built large arsenals to deter each other from attacking.

Question 11: Reflect on how the Cold War might have affected ordinary people living in countries involved. Write a brief paragraph (3-4 sentences).

Answer: The Cold War often caused fear and uncertainty among ordinary people. Many experienced restrictions, propaganda, or even conflict, and families could be divided by borders or political differences.