This document contains attachments for a senior history class covering the origins and events of the Cold War over three terms. The first term addresses the origins of the Cold War in Europe up to 1949, examining Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech and agreements and containment at the Potsdam Conference. The second term analyzes Soviet control in Eastern Europe through restrictions in Hungary and opposition in Czechoslovakia in 1956 and 1968. It also details developments leading to Communist takeover in Czechoslovakia in 1948 and the Berlin Blockade. The third term focuses on the Vietnam War, covering US tactics, why they struggled to defeat the Viet Cong, and debate around the impact of the My Lai massacre on US withdrawal.

1. SENIOR 3 – HISTORY
Attachments for December 2017.
1st
Term
The Origins of the Cold War.
(a) What did Churchill mean by the ‘iron curtain’? *4]
(b) Why was it difficult to reach a satisfactory agreement at the Potsdam Conference of July
1945? [6]
(c) How successful was the USA in containing Communism in Europe up to 1949? Explain your
answer. [10]
The Causes of the Cold War.
(a) What was the ‘Cold War’? *4]
(b) Why were Western governments suspicious of the USSR in the period 1945 to February
1948 (the communist takeover of Czechoslovakia)? [6]
(c) ‘Truman and Churchill were responsible for starting the Cold War.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
2nd Term
The Cold War in the East
(a) What restrictions had the Communist leader Rákosi imposed on Hungary? [4]
(b) Why was there opposition to Soviet power over Czechoslovakia in 1968? [6]
(c) How similar were events in Hungary in 1956 and in Cz echoslovakia in 1968? Explain y our
answer. [10]
The Soviet takeover of Europe.
(a) Describe developments in Czechoslovakia between 1945 and 1948 which led to the
Communist takeover. [4]
(b) Why did the Soviet Union blockade Berlin in 1948–9? [6]
(c) ‘The USSR and the USA were both to blame for the Cold War.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

2. 3rd
Term
The Vietnam War
(a) Describe the tactics used by the USA in Vietnam. [4]
(b) Why did the USA find it impossible to defeat the Vietcong? [6]
(c) ‘The My Lai massacre was the main reason for the USA’s withdrawal from Vietnam.’ How
far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]