Chapter 7 Self-test questions

. What was Khrushchev's ultimate goal in the Berlin crisis of 1958?

Creating divisions within NATO.

Reducing the numbers of Germans escaping from East Germany.

To get formal recognition of the GDR and the division of Germany.

East German sovereignty over Berlin.

. What were the recommendations of Solarium Task Force A?

The destruction of the Soviet Union.

Winning the Cold War by bringing democracy to Eastern Europe.

The commitment to roll back in Eastern Europe with some acceptance of peaceful co-existence.

A greater commitment to disarmament.

. What conclusions did the US Joint Chiefs of Staff draw from NSC 5440 in December 1954?

That US security was best obtained through a modus vivendi with the USSR negotiated from a position of strength

The development of greater US nuclear capability

Priority should be given to protecting neutralising communist influence in the free world

The rejection of negotiations with the Soviets to resolve problems

. What effect did the US Secretary of Defence believe the missiles in Cuba had on the Soviet-American strategic balance?

They enabled the Soviets to threaten East Coast US cities.

No real effect.

For the first time intermediate range weapons could threaten one of the superpowers.

It was no clear that the Soviets were ahead in numbers of missiles.

. What action did the Kennedy administration take to exert pressure on the Soviets to remove their missiles from Cuba?

Announce the removal of US nuclear missiles in Turkey.

Get Robert Kennedy to hold secret talks with the Soviet Foreign Minister.

Impose a naval quarantine zone around Cuba.

Get European support for a threatened air strike on Cuba if the missiles were not removed.

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