The Thaw of the Cold War Jack and Caroline

Objectives 1.Be familiar with the causes and impacts (Political, social, economic) of ‘the thaw’, following Impact on satellite conflicts and the third world 3.Individual influence on ‘the thaw’ (eg. Eisenhower, Stalin, Khrushchev) 4.Awareness of the causes for escalation and the end of ‘the thaw’ 5.Awareness of negotiation (eg. Geneva Summit, 1955)

Individuals Eisenhower became President of the United States, 1953 Strong military background, he commanded Allied armies in Normandy and served as a Chief of Staff and Commander in Chief of NATO Anti-Communist, but saw value of negotiation Churchill He wanted to stop the threatening confrontation with Soviet Russia and wanted to negotiate a settlement to the Cold War After Stalin’s death, wanted to arrange a summit meeting

Individuals (Cont.) Khrushchev Became leader of the Soviet Union, following Malenkov (Who succeeded Stalin) Adopted policy of ‘Peaceful co-existence’ modeled after Malenkov’s policies. Wanted to find a solution to Germany Felt that capitalism would collapse on its own, without hostile efforts on the part of the USSR, moves away from Leninist doctrine

Policies Roll Back: [Western] Proposed liberation of countries currently held by the Soviets, however, this never happened Policy of Containment: [Western] “New Look” which prevented the extension of Soviet Communism through the establishment of alliances surrounding communist states, and the encouragement/support of forces combating communist influence Brinkmanship: [West and USSR] Threatening nuclear war to intimidate the other to back down, born from nuclear deterrence

Improved Relations 1954, Korean War ends 1/3 of USSR GNP spent on military, 12% of US GNP spent on military: Both countries see negotiations as means to alleviate economic pressure , summits held between the Western powers (Primarily Britain and the US) and the USSR

Austria and Geneva April 1955, cooperation results in Austrian State Treaty ending 4 power occupation of Austria, created independent neutral state. July 1955, Geneva Summit, first meeting of major powers since Little accomplished. Soviet's propose disbandment of NATO and Warsaw Pact, withdrawal of foreign troops, German reelections US proposes Open Skies, transparency in regards to military Both denied. Still led to better relations in trade, exchanges in science, culture. Spirit of Geneva

End of the ‘Thaw’ Feb. 1956, Khrushchev gives de-Stalinization speech, creates conflict in Eastern bloc West involved in Suez Crisis Spirit of Geneva dissipates Fear of Soviet power in Middle East, Eisenhower Doctrine in Jan US agrees to assist Middle East countries fighting Communism

End of the ‘Thaw’ (Cont.) Tech race. Soviet's launch Sputnik on Oct Congress and Gaither Report promote "missile gap" idea, and recommend increased in missile development for defense, conventional military growth, mass construction of fallout shelters U-2 flights disproved missile gap, but not associated anxiety to combat public unrest, Eisenhower establishes NASA, promotes science funding in schools

End of the ‘Thaw’ (Cont.) 1958, US confidence in nuclear superiority led Eisenhower to ban atmospheric testing in October, followed by USSR. Test ban treaty expected, does not occur. Khrushchev issues ultimatum to west to leave Berlin in 6 months. Khrushchev forced to back down 1959, 2nd Berlin crisis subsides, another summit planned Sept Khrushchev visits U.S., May 1960, agrees to meeting in Paris Little concrete results, improved relations Spirit of Camp David

End of the ‘Thaw’ (Cont.) May 1, 1960, U-2 pilot captured before Paris meeting Eisenhower takes responsibility, but claims recon flights a necessity Khrushchev cancels Eisenhower's visit to USSR, no progress on test-ban or Berlin settlement 1962, "thaw" has ended with beginning of conflict in Cuba.

Exam tips Be familiar trends that led to peace and those that caused the collapse of negotiations. Both of these characteristics of the time period were defined to be prevailing attitudes that can be attributed to concrete events in politics, individuals and conflicts. Look at psychological impact of negotiations, whilst being aware of the limitations of their concrete results All parties involved wanted a peaceful solution. Consider the elements that interfered with this: competition in spheres of influence, technological development, failure of fallible policy. Consider that these policies may have made conflict inevitable.