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Explain two of the following: - The importance of the Berlin Crisis (1948–49) for the development of the Cold War - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 3
Explain two of the following: - The importance of the Berlin Crisis (1948–49) for the development of the Cold War. - The importance of the Prague Spring for relati... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: - The importance of the Berlin Crisis (1948–49) for the development of the Cold War - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
The importance of the Berlin Crisis (1948–49) for the development of the Cold War.
Answer
The Berlin Crisis marked a crucial turning point in the development of the Cold War. It highlighted the stark division between East and West and solidified ideological and political tensions.
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Introduction of a Single Currency: In June 1948, western powers introduced a single currency in their sectors of Berlin, which was met with the Soviet blockade of West Berlin. This event underscored the extent of the rift between capitalism and communism.
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Stalin's Blockade and Western Response: Stalin's blockade was an attempt to force the Allies out of Berlin by restricting access. In response, the United States and its allies launched the Berlin Airlift, a massive operation to supply West Berlin with food and fuel, demonstrating the West’s commitment to defend its sectors.
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Military Alliances Formed: The crisis led to the formation of NATO in 1949, a significant military alliance among western nations, solidifying the military dimensions of the Cold War.
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Impact on East-West Relations: The failure of the blockade reinforced existing tensions and further divided Germany, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
Step 2
The importance of détente for relations between the superpowers in the 1970s.
Answer
Détente refers to the easing of tensions between the superpowers during the 1970s. It was characterized by a series of negotiations and treaties aimed at preventing nuclear war and fostering cooperation.
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Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT): SALT resulted in agreements to limit the number of nuclear weapons, a significant step towards reducing the risk of nuclear confrontation and promoting stability. The first agreement, SALT I, was signed in 1972, which demonstrated a mutual recognition of the dangers posed by nuclear arsenals.
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Cultural and Scientific Exchanges: The period of détente saw increased cultural exchanges, such as the Apollo-Soyuz mission of 1975, which symbolized cooperation in space travel and served as a public demonstration of détente efforts.
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Political Implications: The thawing of relations allowed for more open dialogues and instances of collaboration on global issues, showcasing a strategic move by both powers to avoid direct military confrontations. Détente highlighted the complexities of East-West relations, indicating a preference for negotiation over escalation in diplomatic conflicts.