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Explain two of the following: - The importance of the formation of NATO (1949) for the development of the Cold War - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 3
Explain two of the following: - The importance of the formation of NATO (1949) for the development of the Cold War. - The importance of the summit meetings of 1959... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: - The importance of the formation of NATO (1949) for the development of the Cold War - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
The importance of the formation of NATO (1949) for the development of the Cold War.
Answer
The formation of NATO in 1949 was pivotal in the development of the Cold War as it was a direct response to the perceived threat from the Soviet Union. NATO, which stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, created a military alliance among Western nations, which solidified their collective defense posture.
The establishment of NATO signaled a clear division between the Western bloc and the Eastern bloc led by the USSR. This military alliance not only deterred Soviet aggression in Europe but also laid the foundation for military strategies that included mutual defense commitments, leading to a significant arms race. NATO members pledged to defend one another in the event of an attack, which was a significant undertaking that increased tensions and fear of conflict during the Cold War.
Moreover, NATO expanded its membership over the years, further isolating the Eastern bloc and reinforcing its military capabilities. This dynamic contributed to the Cold War's escalation, leading to conflicts such as the Korean War and influencing various geopolitical strategies around the globe.
Step 2
The importance of the summit meetings of 1959-61 for relations between East and West.
Answer
The summit meetings between East and West during 1959-61 played a crucial role in shaping Cold War diplomacy. Notably, the 1959 Geneva Summit brought together leaders like US President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to discuss critical issues and seek avenues for de-escalation. While no significant agreements were reached, the meeting set a precedent for dialogue and laid a foundation for future discussions.
In 1960, the Paris Summit was another key event, which was derailed by the U-2 incident when an American spy plane was shot down over Soviet territory. This incident marked a significant roadblock in East-West relations and demonstrated the fragility of the diplomatic efforts. It led to heightened mistrust and contributed to the deterioration of negotiations.
However, the interplay of these summit meetings highlighted the importance of communication between superpowers. They provided a platform for leaders to express concerns and attempt to manage escalating tensions, showing that despite ideological differences, dialogue remained essential in preventing direct military confrontation.