Question

The period after the Second World War was marked by tension and cooperation between the Super Powers.

In this context, answer the following question:

Explain any four reasons for the thaw in the Cold War (1953-59).

Answer 1

Nikita Khrushchev followed Joseph Stalin after his death and started destalinization efforts. Throughout the Cold War, multiple events suggested that the thaw was just partial, including the following:

1. He occasionally adopted a strategy of accommodation; other times, it appeared to represent a danger to the Western Community.
2. He did not suggest that he wanted to reduce Russian authority over its satellite nations.
3. In November 1956, Russian tanks ended the Hungarian uprising against the Communist regime in Budapest.
4. Despite signing several reduction agreements under his direction, the USSR kept producing nuclear weapons.