Question 1: Explain the main reasons why the Cold War began between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II.

Answer: The Cold War began due to ideological differences between capitalism and communism, mistrust developed during WWII, disagreements over post-war Europe, and competition for global influence between the US and USSR.

Question 2: Describe the Berlin Blockade and how it influenced Cold War tensions.

Answer: The Berlin Blockade was when the Soviet Union blocked all land access to West Berlin in 1948-1949, attempting to force the Allies out. The Western Allies responded with the Berlin Airlift, increasing Cold War tensions.

Question 3: Identify three key features of the NATO alliance established in 1949.

Answer: NATO was a military alliance formed to counter Soviet expansion, it involved collective defense where an attack on one member was an attack on all, and included countries from North America and Western Europe.

Question 4: Compare the aims of the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Answer: The US aimed to prevent nuclear weapons in Cuba and maintain global dominance, while the USSR aimed to strengthen its strategic position and support Cuba as a communist ally. Both sought to avoid nuclear war.

Question 5: What was the significance of the Vietnam War in the context of the Cold War?

Answer: The Vietnam War was significant as it represented a proxy conflict between the US and USSR, illustrating the global struggle for influence and the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

Question 6: Describe the purpose and outcome of the Helsinki Accords of 1975.

Answer: The Helsinki Accords aimed to improve East-West relations, promote human rights, and territorial boundaries. They helped reduce Cold War tensions but did not resolve underlying conflicts.

Question 7: Sketch a simple diagram of the division of Germany after World War II, indicating the West and East zones.

Answer: A rough sketch should show Germany divided into four occupation zones, with the Western zones (American and British) on one side, and the Soviet zone on the other. Berlin is also divided into sectors.

Question 8: Explain the concept of détente and identify two key events that exemplified this period.

Answer: Détente was a period of easing Cold War tensions during the 1970s. Key events include the signing of arms reduction treaties like SALT I and the Apollo-Soyuz space mission.

Question 9: Describe the causes and consequences of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Answer: Causes included economic problems in East Germany, increased emigration, and political reforms in Eastern Europe. Its fall symbolized the end of Cold War divisions and led to German reunification.

Question 10: What role did nuclear weapons play in the Cold War, and how did both superpowers attempt to control their proliferation?

Answer: Nuclear weapons acted as a deterrent, creating a balance of power. Both superpowers signed treaties like SALT to limit proliferation, and engaged in arms reduction negotiations to prevent nuclear war.

Question 11: Draw a timeline marking the key events of the Cold War from 1945 to 1991. Label at least five major events.

Answer: A correct timeline should include: end of WWII (1945), Berlin Blockade (1948-1949), Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), Vietnam War escalation (1960s), Helsinki Accords (1975), fall of the Berlin Wall (1989), and the dissolution of the USSR (1991).