The world since 1945 – II
Short Questions
1. What was the significance of the Camp David Summit in 1959?
Answer: It began a new era in the Cold War by seeking to create goodwill between the US and the Soviet Union.
2. Why was the Berlin Wall erected in 1961?
Answer: To cut off West Berlin from East Berlin, preventing movement and separating families.
3. What triggered the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962?
Answer: The Soviet Union placed missiles in Cuba, threatening the United States.
4. What is a naval blockade?
Answer: It prohibits ships from entering a port or country using naval forces.
5. Who were the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement?
Answer: Nehru (India), Nasser (Egypt), Nkrumah (Ghana), Sukarno (Indonesia), and Tito (Yugoslavia).
6. What does détente mean in the context of the Cold War?
Answer: It refers to the reduction of tensions between the US and the Soviet Union.
7. What was the purpose of the Hotline established between the US and the Soviet Union?
Answer: To enable direct telephonic communication between leaders during a crisis.
8. What was the New International Economic Order (NIEO) demanded by non-aligned countries?
Answer: It aimed for poor countries to participate in global economic decision-making.
9. What is the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)?
Answer: A regional organization established in 1985 to promote economic and social cooperation in South Asia.
10. What was Perestroika in the context of Soviet reforms?
Answer: It referred to the reconstruction of the Soviet political and economic system.
Long Questions
1. Explain the impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis on the Cold War.
Answer: The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) was a critical Cold War event where Soviet missiles in Cuba led to a US naval blockade. It heightened fears of nuclear war, prompting both superpowers to de-escalate tensions and negotiate missile withdrawal.
2. Describe the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement as established in 1961.
Answer: The Non-Aligned Movement, formalized at Belgrade in 1961, emphasized independent foreign policies, support for national independence, and avoidance of Cold War alliances. It promoted peace and active participation in global affairs.
3. What were the key outcomes of the 1972 Moscow Summit between Nixon and Brezhnev?
Answer: The 1972 Moscow Summit marked the start of détente, with the US and Soviet Union signing agreements to limit nuclear missiles. It initiated efforts to reduce bilateral tensions and improve communication.
4. How did the Apollo-Soyuz joint flight contribute to détente?
Answer: The 1975 Apollo-Soyuz joint flight symbolized US-Soviet cooperation in space, reducing Cold War tensions. It showcased mutual goodwill and was a significant step in the détente process.
5. What was the significance of the Helsinki Conference on Security in Europe (1975)?
Answer: The Helsinki Conference (1975) involved 35 European nations, including the US and Soviet Union, to reduce tensions between Eastern and Western Europe. It fostered dialogue and promoted security cooperation.
6. Discuss the role of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in the 1973 Arab-Israel war.
Answer: During the 1973 Arab-Israel war, OPEC reduced oil production to pressure Israel, causing a global oil price surge. This highlighted the economic influence of Third World countries in international relations.
7. What were the objectives of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)?
Answer: SAARC, established in 1985, aimed to promote welfare, economic growth, and cultural development in South Asia. It fostered mutual trust and collaboration in economic, social, and technical fields.
8. How did Gorbachev’s policies of Perestroika and Glasnost impact the Soviet Union?
Answer: Perestroika restructured the Soviet political and economic system, introducing democracy and decentralization. Glasnost allowed freedom of expression, enabling criticism of government policies and ending Communist Party monopoly.
9. What changes occurred in East Europe following the disintegration of the Soviet Union?
Answer: The 1989 East European revolution ended communist rule in countries like Poland, Hungary, and East Germany. These nations adopted democratic governments, and Germany unified in 1990.
10. Explain the formation and purpose of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 1991.
Answer: The CIS was formed in 1991 after the Soviet Union’s disintegration, comprising former Soviet states like Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. It provided a framework for military, foreign policy, and economic cooperation.
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