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Explain two of the following: - The importance of the formation of the Warsaw Pact (1955) for Superpower relations - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 4
Question 3
Explain two of the following: - The importance of the formation of the Warsaw Pact (1955) for Superpower relations. - The importance of Soviet relations with Cuba f... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: - The importance of the formation of the Warsaw Pact (1955) for Superpower relations - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 4
Step 1
The importance of the formation of the Warsaw Pact (1955) for Superpower relations.
Answer
The formation of the Warsaw Pact in 1955 was significant as it formalized and strengthened the military alliance among Eastern Bloc countries led by the Soviet Union. This alliance was established primarily in response to the perceived threat of NATO and increased military tensions during the Cold War. The Warsaw Pact solidified the Soviet Union's influence over its Eastern European satellites, allowing for coordinated military strategies against Western powers.
Furthermore, the Pact heightened superpower rivalry, as it served to counterbalance NATO, intensifying the arms race and divisions within Europe. It also created an atmosphere of distrust; any conflict within the Pact was likely to intensify fears of invasion or aggression, as seen in events like the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, where the USSR intervened to maintain its control.
Step 2
The importance of the USA’s Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) for US-Soviet relations.
Answer
The Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI), announced by President Reagan in 1983, was aimed at developing a missile defense system to protect the United States from nuclear threats. This initiative marked a significant escalation in the Cold War, as it prompted the Soviet Union to view the USA's military advancements as a direct challenge to their security.
The SDI was viewed not only as a defense strategy but also as a means to gain the upper hand in the arms race. The idea that the USA could potentially deploy a defense capable of neutralizing Soviet missile capabilities increased tensions and suspicion, pushing both superpowers further apart in their negotiations. Moreover, it forced the USSR to divert economic resources to counter the technological advancements proposed by the SDI, ultimately contributing to its economic strains during the late 1980s.