The world since 1945 – I
Short Questions
1. What marked the end of Europe’s primacy after World War II?
Answer: The defeat of major European powers and the rise of the USA and USSR.
2. What was the main objective of the United Nations established in 1945?
Answer: To maintain international peace and security.
3. Which ideology was adopted by East European countries post-World War II?
Answer: Socialism.
4. What was the Iron Curtain described by Winston Churchill?
Answer: The division between East and West Europe during the Cold War.
5. Which conference in 1947 promoted Asian regionalism?
Answer: Asian Relations Conference.
6. What was the purpose of NATO formed in 1949?
Answer: To defend West European countries from Soviet threats.
7. Which war began in 1950 involving North and South Korea?
Answer: Korean War.
8. Who proposed the policy of peaceful co-existence in the Soviet Union?
Answer: Nikita Khrushchev.
9. What was the Bandung Conference of 1955 about?
Answer: Promoting cooperation among Asian and African nations.
10. Which organization was created in 1951 to foster economic cooperation in Europe?
Answer: European Coal and Steel Community.
Long Questions
1. Explain the division of Europe after World War II.
Answer: After World War II, Europe split into East and West. East Europe, under Soviet control, adopted socialism, while West Europe, influenced by the USA, followed capitalism, creating ideological and political divides.
2. What was the significance of the United Nations’ formation in 1945?
Answer: The UN was formed to replace the League of Nations, aiming to prevent conflicts, promote peace, and foster global cooperation on humanitarian and development issues.
3. How did the Cold War impact Asia during 1949-1959?
Answer: The Cold War spread to Asia with China’s communist shift in 1949 and the Korean War (1950-53), leading to military alliances like SEATO and heightened regional tensions.
4. Describe the role of ideology in the Cold War.
Answer: Ideology fueled the Cold War, with East Europe embracing socialism under Soviet influence and West Europe adopting capitalism under US leadership, shaping political and economic systems.
5. What were the outcomes of the Asian Relations Conference of 1947?
Answer: Held in Delhi, it united Asian leaders to discuss common issues, fostering regionalism and mutual understanding, laying the groundwork for future Afro-Asian cooperation.
6. Why was the Warsaw Pact created in 1955?
Answer: The Warsaw Pact was formed by the Soviet Union to counter NATO, ensuring military defense for East European socialist countries against Western threats.
7. How did the rise of Asia influence global politics post-1945?
Answer: Asia’s rise through anti-colonial struggles, like India’s independence in 1947, shifted global focus, empowering nations to contribute to international peace and politics.
8. What was the importance of the Camp David Summit in 1959?
Answer: The summit marked a dialogue between the USA and USSR leaders, easing Cold War tensions and signaling a move toward peaceful co-existence.
9. How did military alliances shape the Cold War in Europe?
Answer: NATO and the Warsaw Pact solidified the East-West divide, with each alliance protecting its ideological bloc, heightening tensions without direct conflict.
10. What was the role of the Bandung Conference in promoting regionalism?
Answer: The 1955 Bandung Conference united Asian and African nations to promote cooperation, address common issues, and assert their global role, expanding regionalism.
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