1. Russia’s (1957) & space orbit (1961) gave USSR a psychological edge; Americans feared US in danger.
2. After 5 years of ignored peace offers, Khrushchev decided to force the West to listen. He issued an ultimatum: US, GB & France must leave W. Berlin in 6 months.
3. 1959: Communist
took power in Cuba, next to the US. 1960: Cuba-Russia trade deal.
4. 1959: Khrushchev visited the US; China accused him of being weak → he demanded US leave W. Berlin.
5. Evidence suggests both Khrushchev & Eisenhower wanted to ease tensions.
The Summit Meetings
Khrushchev’s ‘Peaceful Co-existence’ policy → summit meetings w. Western leaders.
1.
(July 1955):
◦ Aimed at reducing int. tensions. Topics: trade, nuclear arms race, German reunification.
◦ Eisenhower proposed ‘’ (mutual aerial surveillance) → USSR refused. No agreement on Germany.
2.
(Sept 1959):
◦ Khrushchev visited the US. He & Eisenhower discussed disarmament.
◦ No specific agreements but a joint statement affirmed better understanding → Eisenhower invited to USSR.
3.
(May 1960):
◦ Planned to discuss nukes & Berlin (USSR wanted Berlin a ‘Free City’ & W. recognition of E. Germany).
◦ But... derailed by the U2 crisis.
4. Vienna (1961 – another disaster)
What happened?
5 May 1960 – 9 days b4 the summit, USSR announced they had shot down a US U-2 spy plane (1 May).
• U-2s flew too high for USSR defences. Pilot Gary Powers had poison (saxitoxin) to kill himself if captured.
• US first claimed it was a lost due to oxygen failure.
• 7 May: USSR exposed the = Powers alive, plane intact, photos of Soviet military bases revealed.
• Khrushchev mocked US: "I deliberately did not say pilot was alive... look at the silly things Americans said!"
• US forced to admit it was an espionage mission →
.
Results:
1. Paris Summit Collapsed; Cold War Tensions Increased
◦ 14 May: Khrushchev demanded US apology & end to spy flights.
◦ Eisenhower refused to apologise, only ‘suspended’ flights → Khrushchev left = Summit failed.
◦ Eisenhower’s planned USSR visit cancelled → major setback for thaw/ disarmament.
2. USSR More Assertive
◦ Focus on Berlin (US spying hub).
◦ USSR expanded own spy satellites & aircraft.
◦ USSR used US ‘threat’ to tighten control over Iron Curtain states, esp. E. Germany.
3. US Shifted Strategy
◦ Stopped U-2 flights over USSR but expanded elsewhere.
◦ NATO intact; US politicians doubled down on anti-Soviet rhetoric, increasing tension.
5. US Domestic Impact
◦ Eisenhower blamed for ‘losing’ Cold War → 1960 Election: JFK won, promising →
on communism.
◦ Khrushchev later claimed he helped JFK win by delaying Powers' release, undermining Nixon.
6. Americans blamed
for not killing himself & destroying the plane.
◦ Sunday Herald: "Why didn’t he use the poison needle or pistol?"
Background
After 1957, US-Russia tension remained high:
1. Russia’s SPUTNIK (1957) & space orbit (1961) gave USSR a psychological edge; Americans feared US in danger.
2. After 5 years of ignored peace offers, Khrushchev decided to force the West to listen. He issued an ultimatum: US, GB & France must leave W. Berlin in 6 months.
3. 1959: Communist FIDEL CASTRO took power in Cuba, next to the US. 1960: Cuba-Russia trade deal.
4. 1959: Khrushchev visited the US; China accused him of being weak → he demanded US leave W. Berlin.
5. Evidence suggests both Khrushchev & Eisenhower wanted to ease tensions.
The Summit Meetings
Khrushchev’s ‘Peaceful Co-existence’ policy → summit meetings w. Western leaders.
1. GENEVA (July 1955):
◦ Aimed at reducing int. tensions. Topics: trade, nuclear arms race, German reunification.
◦ Eisenhower proposed ‘OPEN SKIES’ (mutual aerial surveillance) → USSR refused. No agreement on Germany.
2. CAMP DAVID (Sept 1959):
◦ Khrushchev visited the US. He & Eisenhower discussed disarmament.
◦ No specific agreements but a joint statement affirmed better understanding → Eisenhower invited to USSR.
3. PARIS (May 1960):
◦ Planned to discuss nukes & Berlin (USSR wanted Berlin a ‘Free City’ & W. recognition of E. Germany).
◦ But... derailed by the U2 crisis.
4. Vienna (1961 – another disaster)
What happened?
5 May 1960 – 9 days b4 the summit, USSR announced they had shot down a US U-2 spy plane (1 May).
• U-2s flew too high for USSR defences. Pilot Gary Powers had poison (saxitoxin) to kill himself if captured.
• US first claimed it was a WEATHER PLANE lost due to oxygen failure.
• 7 May: USSR exposed the LIE = Powers alive, plane intact, photos of Soviet military bases revealed.
• Khrushchev mocked US: "I deliberately did not say pilot was alive... look at the silly things Americans said!"
• US forced to admit it was an espionage mission → HUMILIATION.
Results:
1. Paris Summit Collapsed; Cold War Tensions Increased
◦ 14 May: Khrushchev demanded US apology & end to spy flights.
◦ Eisenhower refused to apologise, only ‘suspended’ flights → Khrushchev left = Summit failed.
◦ Eisenhower’s planned USSR visit cancelled → major setback for thaw/ disarmament.
2. USSR More Assertive
◦ Focus on Berlin (US spying hub).
◦ USSR expanded own spy satellites & aircraft.
◦ USSR used US ‘threat’ to tighten control over Iron Curtain states, esp. E. Germany.
3. US Shifted Strategy
◦ Stopped U-2 flights over USSR but expanded elsewhere.
