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Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Important Extra Questions The Cold War Era

The Cold War Era Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What is meant by the Cold War? (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
Cold War means the war of nerves. It is not an actual war but a war in which the rival States try through all means, short of an actual war, to gain supremacy at the cost of the other State. One State or bloc tries to gain power and prestige defeating the cause of the rival States.

Question 2.
List any four member countries of NATO. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:

  1. The U.S.A.
  2. Britain
  3. France
  4. Canada.

Question 3.
What is meant by the Cuban Missile Crisis? (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:
Nikita Khrushchev, the leader of the U.S.S.R. placed nuclear missiles in Cuba The Soviet Union Missiles were a threat to the U.S.A. The US President John F. Kennedy and his advisors were determined to get Khrushchev to remove the missiles and nuclear weapons from Cuba. President Kennedy ordered American warships to intercept any Soviet Union ships heading to Cuba. A conflict between two big powers was imminent and this crisis was known as the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Question 4.
Which two ideologies were involved in a conflict during the Cold-War era and why? (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:
After the Second World War, Cold War started between, U.S.A. (Capitalist) and U.S.S.R. (Communist). A Cold War is a state of tension between countries in which each side adopts policies designed to strengthen itself and weaken the other, a line falling short of actual war.

Question 5.
What constrained the superpower to go for a full-fledged war in spite of having nuclear weapons? (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:
Nuclear weapons though dangerous and disastrous, yet. check the big-powers from using against each other. They know the effects of these weapons and for this reason, big power try to avoid wars so that they can save themselves as well as opponents from their devastating effects.

Question 6.
Mention any two of the agreements signed between the two superpowers starting in the 1960s. (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Or
Starting in the 1960s, the two super-powers signed which two significant agreements to control arms? (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
1. Partial Test Ban Treaty
2. N.P.T.

Question 7.
Name four founders of NAM and the countries they belonged to respectively. (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:

Name of the founder Country
1. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru India
2. Josip Broz Tito Yugoslavia
3. Gamal Abdel Nasser Egypt
4. Sukarno Indonesia

Question 8. What do you understand by NATO?
Or
Which organization came into existence in April 1949? (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was established in April 1949. It bound the U.S.A. to the defense of Western Europe. It also called the Atlantic Alliance or Western Alliance was an association of twelve states which declared that armed attack on any one of them would be regarded as an attack on all of them. NATO was a U.S. sponsored military alliance.

Question 9.
What is meant by Non-alignment? (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
The policy of non-alignment is an independent policy. A nation, by adopting it, can evade subordination of any power bloc and can easily form its opinion about any problem after thorough analysis. Non-alignment stands for a positive commitment to an independent foreign policy.

Question 10.
Mention any two major military features of the Cold War. (C.B.S.E. 2010, 16)
Answer:

  1. U.S.A. and U.S.S.R, both groups formed a military alliance during Cold War.
  2. U.S.A. and U.S.S.R, both are involved in military intervention in various countries.

Question 11.
What is meant by ‘Arenas of Cold War’? (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
Arenas of cold war mean the areas where crisis and war occurred or threatened to occur between the alliance system but did not cross certain limits. Arenas of the Cold War were Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.

Question 12.
Mention the military alliances formed by the western Block. (C.B.S.E. Sample Q.P. 2017)
Answer:
(1) NATO
(2) CEATO
(3) CENTO

Question 13.
In which way did the policy of non¬alignment serve India’s interests? (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
The most important basic principles of India’s foreign policy is non-alignment as its base. A country with newly attained freedom could not interface in the international affairs. At the same time, India was facing manifold internal problems and could not afford to snap its relation with either of the two blocs. The basic principle of India’s foreign policy non-alignment, it safeguarding the national interests.

Question 14.
Why different arenas of the cold war did not convert into a hot war between the two alliances? (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2018)
Answer:
1. Both sides have enough capacity to retaliate against an attack and cause so many destructions.
2. Both sides exhibited restraint on their actions to prevent nuclear war.

Question 15.
Identify any one occasion/instance where the cold war between the two superpowers became a simple struggle for power by ignoring the ideological dimension. (C.B.S.E. Sample Papaer 2018)
Answer:
One such occasion/instance where the cold war between the two superpowers became a simple struggle for power by ignoring the ideological dimension when the U.S. first time openly supported the communist China of its opposite ideology in order to balance its power against the U.S.S.R.

Question 16.
Assess the main contribution of the Non- Aligned movement to the newly independent countries. (C.B.S.E. 2018)
Answer:
The main contribution to the Non-Aligned movement to the newly independent countries is to keep them away from the ‘Cold War’.

Question 17.
Why did Jawaharlal Nehru say that non-alignment was not a policy of ‘fleeing away’? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Jawaharlal Nehru says that non-alignment was not a policy of ‘fleeing away1 rather India was in favor of actively intervening in world matters to reduce Cold War Tension.

The Cold War Era Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type (2 Marks)

Question 1.
Mention the impact of the end of the Cold War. (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Answer:
After the end of the Cold War, the world became unilateral and U.S. hegemony began.

Question 2.
Why was the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation also called Western ) Alliance? (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Or
What is meant by Western Alliance? (C.B.S.E. 2018)
Or
What is meant by Western Alliance formed during the Cold War period? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was established in April 1949. NATO bound the U.S.A. to the deference of Western Europe. It also called the Atlantic or Western Alliance was an association of twelve states which declared that armed attack on any one of them would be regarded as an attack on all of them.

Question 3.
Why was the Warsaw Pact also called the ‘Eastern Alliance’? (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
Warsaw Pact was established in May 1955. It was bound to the Former U.S.S.R. for the defense of Eastern Europe. Therefore, it was called Eastern Alliance.

Question 4.
What is the full form of‘ SEATO’. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
SEATO means-Southeast Asian Treaty Organisation.

Question 5.
Suggest one argument in ‘ support of the etab1iihment of NIEO in the world. (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2011)
Answer:
NIEO was established to develop the least developed countries of the third world, and lift them out of poverty.

Question 6.
Why is non-alignment not considered isolationism? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Non-alignment not considered isolationism because isolation means remaining aloof from world politics on the other hand non-aligned countries played an active role in mediating between the two rival countries or alliances.

Question 7.
How does non-alignment differ from neutrality? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Non-alignment differs from neutrality. Neutrality means a policy of staying out of the war, but non-aligned countries involved in wars for various reasons.

Question 8.
How did the Non-aligned countries play a role in reducing cold-war conflicts? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Non-alignment countries tried to prevent was between others and also tried to end ongoing wars.

Question 9.
Why did the New International Economic Order (NIEO) initiative fade away in the late 1980s? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
The NIEO initiative fades away in the late 1980s, because of the strong opposition from developed countries.
Choose the correct answer:

Question 10.
Which of the following was not a member of NATO?
(a) The U.S.A.
(b) England
(c) France
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(d) None of these.

Question 11.
Which of the following was not a member of SEATO?
(a) U.S.S.R. (b) New Zealand
(c) Pakistan (d) Australia.
Answer:
(a) U.S.S.R.

Question 12.
Which of the following statements about the NIEO is false? (CBSE Sample Q.P. 2017)
(a) Give the LDCs control over their natural resources
(b) Obtain access to Western markets
(c) Reduce the cost of technology from the Western countries
(d) Provide the developed countries with a greater role in international economic institutions.
Answer:
(d) Provide the developed countries with a greater role in international economic institutions.

Question 13.
In 1945 the allied forces included the U.S___________U.S.S.R and ___________ (Sample Paper 2019-20)
Answer:
In 1945 the allied forces included the U.S., Britain, U.S.S.R, and France.

The Cold War Era Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Explain the meaning of the term Cold War.
Answer:
After the Second World War, the Cold War started between, U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. A cold war is a state of tension between countries in which each side adopts policies designed to strengthen itself and weaken the other, a line falling short of an actual war. The term ‘Cold War’ came into use for describing the situation in which war was not actually fought but a warlike hysteria or as Nehru described ‘a brain war, a nerve war and a propaganda war’ was kept in operation.

The Cold War has been a predominant factor in determining the conduct of international affairs in the Post-Second World War. It envisaged an area of neither peace nor war between the Soviet Union and its dozen allies on one hand and the United States and a score of its allies on the other hand. The western alliances led by the U.S.A. were committed to liberal democracy and capitalism while the Eastern bloc led by the U.S.S.R. was committed to the ideology of socialism and communalism.

Question 2.
Why did India distance itself from the two camps led by the U.S. and the Soviet Union? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
1. First, India had to struggle against colonialism and imperialism. After getting freedom from imperialistic exploitations, faced the problem of economic reconstruction which could be accomplished in a peaceful atmosphere. So, India preferred not to join any group to avoid tension.

2. Secondly, India adopted the policy of non-alignment for peaceful co-existence for securing world peace and stability.

3. The policy of non-alignment was followed to elevate India’s prestige. If India gives it decision pertaining to international problems in a neutral way, both the power Blocs would respect its ideology, and the tension at the international level will lessen.

4. In order to preserve the hard-earned sovereignty, protect the territorial integrity and promote rapid economic development.

Question 3.
Mention two ways in which the non-alignment policy of India served its National interests. Also, write any two bases on which this policy was criticized. (C.B.S.E 2019)
Answer:
The policy of Non-aligned of India served its national interest in the way following ways:
1. Policy of Non-aligned help India to take a decision that served its National interests.
2. Due to the policy of Non-aligned India was able to balance one bloc against the other.

Criticism of Non-alignment: For this, See Question No. 4.

Question 4.
India’s policy of non-alignment has been criticised for being ‘In¬consistent’ and ‘Unprincipled’. Do you agree? Why? (C.B.S.E.2009)
Or
Why is the policy of non-alignment of India criticised? Explain any two reasons. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
1. India’s policy of non-alignment has been criticised for being unprincipled. In the name of pursuing its national interest, it was said that India often refused to take a firm stand on critical international issues.

2. India’s Policy of Non-alignment has been also criticised for being inconsistent. India criticised other countries for joining alliances, and itself signed the treaty of Friendship in 1971 with U.S.S.R.

Question 5.
Explain the role played by India in maintaining Afro-Asian unity. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
India is always ready to have friendly relations with other States of the world. India not only improved its friendly ties with Asian countries but with countries of the world also. India tries to unite Asian and African countries to strengthen economic and political relations. India believes that these countries can in unity oppose colonialism and create an atmosphere for the freedom of other Asian and African countries.

The Cold War Era Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Why was the end of the second world war considered to be the beginning of the Cold War? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Discuss the meaning and causes of the origin of the Cold War.
Answer:
Introduction. The remarkable result of the Second World War was the end of the war-time alliance and co-operation among the Allies. The United States, Britain and France had entered the war in close collaboration with Soviet Russia against the Fascist powers. A close alliance was formed forgetting all ideological differences. In fact, the United States and the Soviet Union came very close to each other. But after the end of the war, the War-time co-operation and friendship among the Allies dried up.

Soviet Russia and the United States emerged as the only two nations worthy of the title of ‘big powers’. The other nations of the world began to move around them. This led to the division of the world into two blocs. Under the leadership of these two powers, the rival blocs competed with each other for world-leadership. The rivalry (opposition) between these two rival blocs has been termed ‘Cold War’ or a battle of nerves. It envisaged an era of neither peace nor war between the Soviet Union and its dozen allies on one hand and the United States and a score of its allies on the other hand.

The term ‘Cold War’ was used first of all by Bernard Baruch, an American statesman but was popularised by Prof. Lippman. The term came to be used for describing the situation in which war was not actually fought but a war type hysteria was created. Pt. Nehru described the Cold War as ‘a brain war, a nerve war and a propaganda war’.

Cold War means the war of the nerves. It is not an actual war. It is a war in which the rival States try through all means, short of actual war, to gain supremacy at the cost of the other. One state or bloc tries to gain power and prestige defeating the cause of the other.

Causes of the Origin of the Cold War

The following reasons are given for the Cold War which started between nations of the above two militant power blocs. These blocs began contesting for their success politically and economically with
a view to dominate all the other countries of the world.

1. Mutual distrust during the war. The Western countries on one hand and the Soviet bloc on the other, during the course of the Great War, emphasised their mutual distrust. The Western powers had no doubt sided with Soviet Russia in facing the Nazi attack against Moscow but their friendship could not continue after the end of the War.

The Russian Communists had, as at the very start of their Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, once again renewed their attitude of distrust and contempt against the Western powers. So also the Western powers could not forget the Soviet determination of eliminating the capitalist hold from the countries of the world, of propagating the scope of Russian Communist upsurge all over the world.

2. War strategy of Western countries aimed at containment of Russia even during War. Soviet Russia had in 1942 proposed to the Western powers to open a second front for fighting against the Nazis in Europe. But England and France did not accede to it. They came forward with their counter-resolution of utilizing the U.S. and British forces which were soon to march towards the North of Balkan Peninsula after defeating the Nazis there.

The intentional delay made by the Western allies in opening the Western front on the Baltic against Germany largely proved to Soviet Russia that the Western allies were keeping themselves in utmost alertness to check the expansion of the Soviet Union in the Eastern part of Europe.

3. Efforts at enlarging areas of influence. Soon after the Second World War, both the Soviet Union and the Western countries began to make efforts to enlarge their areas of influence. The Western allies on one hand, and the Soviet Union on the other, started their most effective endeavours of winning over to their own side the chief political parties of the various countries, who had since been engaged in their National Revolutions for emancipation from foreign domination.

4. Secret of atomic weapons disclosed by America to England but not to the Soviet Union. The last but the most important reason for gradual aggravation of Cold War between the Western powers and the Soviet bloc was that America gave the secret of atomic weapons to Great Britain and not to the Soviet Union.

All these reasons considerably widened the gulf of political differences between Soviet Russia and Western allies. The result of that was apparent in the growing jealousy and strained relations of the two power blocs. Their differences became conspicuous in the various international conferences and foreign policies of the States of the world. The allies which had taken up arms against Hitler in the preceding war now arrayed themselves into two camps rival to each other.

U.S.A, Great Britain and France got into one camp to oppose the U.S.S.R. They carried on propaganda against each other through the medium of newspapers, magazines and radio programmes. The world now stood divided between the two armed and militant power-blocs, one of which is the Anglo-American Bloc or the Free World promoting Capitalistic Democracy, popularly known as the Western Camp while the other came to be known by the term Soviet or Communist Democratic Camp or the Eastern Camp.

Question 2.
Read carefully the passage given below and answer the following questions: (C.B.S.E. 2015)

The Cold War was not simply a matter of power rivalries, military alliances, and of the balance of power. These were accompanied by a real ideological conflict as well, a difference over the best and most appropriate way of organizing political, economic and social life all over the world.
(i) Why is a war-like situation called Cold War?
Answer:
The war-like situation is called the Cold War because the term came to be used for describing the situation in which war was not actually fought but a war type hysteria was created. In other words, it refers to a series of propaganda wars, tensions, competitions, and confrontations between the United States and the Soviet Union and their allies.

(ii) Identify one military pact each signed by each of the two superpowers to balance the power rivalries.
Answer:
NATO was established by the U.S.A. and Warsaw Pact was established by the former U.S.S.R.

(iii) Differentiate between the ideologies represented by the rival blocs.
Answer:
The ideologies represented by the western alliance was led by the United States emphasised on liberal democracy and capitalism. While the eastern alliance was led by the Societ Union which followed the ideology of socialism and communism.

Question 3.
Describe the role played by India in keeping the Non-Aligned movement alive and relevant. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
India is one of the founding fathers of NAM. India has always played an effective role in strengthening NAM. For the survival of NAM, India has played a vigorous and active role. Non-aligned continues to be a major principle of India’s foreign policy. Our Prime Ministers like Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Smt. Indira Gandhi has always supported and strengthened the policies of NAM.

The Indian Stewardship during 1983-86, made the NAM more respectable than before. As the chairman of the NAM, India gave strength to the movement by promoting consensus on international issues and problems and by securing the interest of the non-aligned countries. Smt. Indira Gandhi provided dynamism and cohesion to the Non-Aligned Movement. From the early days of NAM to nowadays, India presented a significant initiative for mobilizing wider support for the NAM.

Role of India in every meeting of NAM assumes significance. It has played a key role in the survival of NAM. After the dissolution of the American bloc and Russian bloc, the critics of NAM started arguing about the existence of NAM. But India always supported NAM and during the meeting of the tenth Summit, our then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao asserted that a unipolar world cannot reduce the NAM to a mere bagatelle.

In his address to the meet, he gave a call for a new charter of the NAM for carving out a changed role in NAM. India played a leadership role in the deliberations and decisions of the tenth NAM Summit. During the eleventh NAM Summit, India continued to remain a major NAM exponent.

India continued its faith and support to NAM and has always tried to achieve the aims of NAM. Non-alignment continues to be a major principle of Indian foreign policy. In Feb. 1995, the then Minister of External Affairs Mr Pranab Mukherjee declared India’s full and continued faith in the NAM. In 1996, the short-lived B.J.P. government lost no time in starting India’s continued faith in NAM and its resolve to remain as an active participant in NAM.

In June 1996 the United Front government also announced its commitment to NAM. In April 1997 Prime Minister I.K. Gujral also committed the same. In 1998, the twelfth Non-aligned summit accepted India’s key proposals for a global summit on combating terrorism.

In July 2009, addressing the opening session of the 15th NAM Summit, the Indian Prime Minister described the Non-Aligned Movement as a moral force for the equitable transformation of a world going through the worst economic crisis in living memory. In August 2012, addressing the 16th NAM Summit then Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, strongly pitching for coordinated global actions against international terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, asked NAM to take a lead in this and also take a stand based on universally accepted principles on Syria. In Sept. 2016, 17th, and in Oct 2018, addressing the 18th NAM summit, India, strongly criticized terrorism.

No doubt, India is a motivating spirit behind NAM. It has always supported NAM, its policies, and plans. Every political party that came to rule India bows before NAM and fully supports it. India has played and is still playing an appreciable role in the survival of NAM.

Question 4.
Suppose there had been no Cold N War, how would that situation have affected India’s Foreign Policy? (Imp.) (G.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
India’s foreign policy is based on four major principles i.e., the policy of Non-alignment, Panchsheel, opposition to imperialists and colonialists, and full faith in the principle of the United Nations. In case the Cold War had not taken place and there would have emerged several major powers at the end of Second World War, India’s foreign policy had been affected in the following way:

1. Effect on Policy of Non-alignment. India adopted the policy of non-alignment because, after Second World War, the world was divided into two blocs. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of India’s foreign policy, clearly pointed out that India could not afford to snap its relation with either of the two blocs. So, the policy of Non-alignment was adopted. If there had been no Cold War, there would have been no need of adopting the policy of Non-alignment.

2. Friendly Relations with All States. If there had been no bloc and no Cold War then India would have adopted more friendly relations with all the countries of the world.

3. No Kashmir Problem. Kashmir issue is a major problem between India and Pakistan and this problem became a pending issue due to the Cold War. This problem could have been solved by the United Nations if there had been no Cold War. Due to the Cold War, America always sided with Pakistan.

4. Active Participation in International Politics. If there had been no indifference in the attitude of Pakistan due to the Cold War, India would have more actively participated in International politics.

Question 5.
Explain any three reasons each for the ‘arms race’ as well as the ‘arms control’ during the Cold War. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Following are the main three reasons for the arm-race during the Cold War.
1. Both alliances wanted to keep maximum arms in comparison to each other.
2. Both alliances wanted to have maximum arms as they were afraid of each other.
3. Both alliances wanted to have maximum arms to have control over the opposite alliances.

Following are the three reasons for the arms-control between two alliances during Cold-War.
1. Both alliances realized that there can be any dangerous war in spite of keeping discipline and self-control.
2. Atomic war will cause a big loss to both alliances.
3. War equipment, armaments, and ammunition are costing sufficient to the economic resources of the nations.

Question 6.
What do you mean by this term ‘New International Economic Order’? What are the major themes and issues of the New International Economic Order?
Or
Highlight the circumstances with gave birth to the idea of the New International Economic Order (NIEO) explain any two factors that weekend this initiative. (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
Since early 1970’s the issue of New International Economic Order has been the frontal issue in international relations involving the developing countries (Third World) on one side and the developed countries (First Two Worlds) on the other side. Developing countries of the Third World made persistent demand for the establishment of the New International Economic Order (NIEO). While the South, again and again, makes a demand for NIEO, the North resists it. The Third World Countries regards the restructuring of the existing international economic order as the only way to get out of its present problems of poverty, scarcity, unemployment, under¬development and economic problems.

Meaning. New International Economic Order constitutes a framework for eliminating the existing era of an international economic system which is mostly catering to the needs and interest of the developed countries to the detriment of the under-developed Third World. The NIEO is based on the assumption that the prevalent international order perpetuates and aggravates international inequalities and that new relationship of interdependence should replace the older patterns of dependence and unequal exchange. NIEO stands for making the international system fairer, just, and equitable by adopting a code of conduct for the developed countries and by accepting the due rights of the ‘underdeveloped countries’. It stands for reducing the gap between the developed countries and the ‘underdeveloped countries’. It seeks to end the existing imbalances and inequalities in the economic relations between the underdeveloped and the developed world.

The NIEO aims at restructuring existing institution and establishing new organisations which will govern the flow of trade, technology and capital resources for the benefit of the whole world in general and the developing countries in particular. The NIEO is a historical attempt to redress some of the inequalities which have their roots in Colonialism. It seeks to secure an equitable and fairer distribution of world income and resources as that can enable both the developed world and the Third World to develop side by side. The NIEO is in many respects a world strategy for non-renewable resources. It seeks to establish a basis for pursuing the goal of economic justice through more equitable access to and distribution of the world’s rules and resources.

Major Themes and Issues of NIEO
The following are the major themes and issues of NIEO:
1. Restructuring of World Economic Relations. The major theme of NIEO is the urgent need for restructuring the world economic relation on a just and reasonable basis. NIEO is basically a demand for more efficient and equitable management of interdependence of the world economy.

2. Institutional Changes. The advocates of NIEO emphasise the restructuring of the existing rules and regulations governing the international economic relations and the formation of new institutions and systems of co-operation among nations.

3. End of Protectionism in International Economy and Trade. The concept of NIEO stands for eliminating the existing system of protectionist trade and policies which is designed by the developed countries to safeguard their interest in international economy and trade.

4Self-Reliance. A major theme of NIEO is self-reliance. The developing countries want to be self-reliant to achieve this objective. They want to achieve a new international economic order with a view of eliminating the existing partial and rich dominated international economic.

Two factors that weakened this initiative:

1. Strong opposition from the developed countries who acted as a united group against NIEO.
2. Non-aligned countries struggled to maintain their unity in the face of this opposition.

Question 7.
How did the two power blocs of the world form their own alliances to become superpowers? Explain with the help of examples. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
The world during the Cold War was sharply divided between two blocs.

These two superpowers were keen on expanding their spheres of influence in different parts of the world. The smaller states as compare to big powers were more interested to link themselves to the superpower for their own interests, protection, weapons, economic aids etc. During the cold-war period, Europe too was divided into two groups. Most countries of Western Europe sided with the US and of eastern Europe sided with the Soviet Union and they are given the name Western and eastern alliances.

International alliances during the Cold War era were determined by the requirements of the superpowers and the calculations of the smaller states. In many cases, these superpowers used their military power to bring smaller countries into their respective alliances NATO, SEATO, and CENTO – military and mutual treaties or alliances were made by the United States of America, whereas the Soviet Union used its influence in eastern Europe known as the Warsaw Pact and also the Soviet Union and communist China made close relations with North Korea, Iraq, and North Vietnam, etc.

Question 8.
Explain the idea of the New International Economic Order (NIEO) for the development of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Highlight any three reforms proposed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 1972 to improve the’ global trading system. (C.B.S.E. 2018)
Or
What is meant by New International Economic Order? Mention any four reforms of the global trading system proposed by UNCTAD in 1972. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
Since the early 1970s, the issue of New International Economic Order has been the frontal issue in international relations involving the developing countries (Third world) on one side and the developed countries (First two worlds) on the other side. Developing countries of the third world made persistent demand for the establishment of the New International Economic Order (NIEO). While the South, again and again, makes a demand for

NIEO, the North resists it. The third world countries regard the restructuring of the existing international economic order as the only way to get out of the present problems of poverty, scarcity, unemployment, under-development and economic problems. NIEO stands for making the international system fairer, just and equitable by adopting a code of conduct for the developed countries and by accepting the due rights of the underdeveloped countries.

It seems to end the existing imbalance and inequalities in the economic relations between the underdeveloped and the developed world.

The NIEO aims at restructuring the existing institution and establishing new organisations which will govern the flow of trade, technology and capital resources for the benefit of the whole world in general and the developing countries in particular. The NIEO is a historical attempt to redress some of the inequalities which have their roots in colonialism.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) brought out a report in 1972 entitled towards a New Trade Policy for Development. The report proposed a reform of the global trading system as follows:

  1. The LDCs (Least Developed Countries) should be given control over their natural resources which are exploited by the developed countries.
  2. The LDCs should be given access to western markets, so that they can sell their products and therefore, make trade more useful for the poorer countries.
  3. Reduce the cost of technology from western countries.
  4. LDCs should be provided a greater role in international economic institutions.

Question 9.
Study the following passage carefully and answer the questions that: follow: (CBSE 2017)

The smaller states in the alliances used the link to the superpowers for their own purposes, they got the promise of protection, weapons and economic aid against their local rivals, mostly regional neighbours with whom they had rivalries. The alliance system led by the two superpowers, therefore, threatened to divide the entire world into two camps. This division happened first in Europe. Most countries of Western Europe sided with the US and those of Eastern Europe joined the Soviet camp. That is why these were also called the ‘western’ and the ‘eastern’ alliances.

(i) Name one organisation each related to the Western’ and the ‘Eastern’ alliances.
Answer:
Most of the countries of Western Europe that sided with the US are called Western or NATO and those of Eastern Europe join with the Soviet Union are known as WARSAW Pact.

(ii) Why were the smaller states interested in joining the super alliances?
Answer:
The smaller states in the alliances used the link to themselves with Super Powers for their own purposes. They got the promise of protection, weapons, and economic acids against their local rivals or regional neighbors with whom they and rivalries.

(iii) How did the ‘alliance system’ threaten to divide the world?
Answer:
Most of the countries of Western Europe sided with the US and of Eastern Europe joined the Soviet Camp. This divided the entire world into two groups. The alliance system led by the two superpowers threatened world peace and gave birth to the cold-war.

Question 10.
Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions: (C.B.S.E. 20IS)

Non-alignment as a strategy evolved in the Cold War context With the disintegration of USSR and the end of Cold War in 1991 non-alignment, both, as an international movement and as the core of India’s foreign policy, lost some of its earlier relevance and effectiveness.
(i) Why did India adopt non¬alignment?
Answer:
India adopted non-alignment in order to secure the territorial integrity, and promote rapid economic development and advocate peaceful coexistence.

(ii) Explain any two reasons for the loss of its relevance by the Non-Aligned Movement.
Answer:
(a) Disintegration of USSR
(b) The end of the Cold War in 1991.

(iii) How far do you agree that the Non-aligned Movement has become an international movement?
Answer:
Non-Alignment has become an international movement as with the disintegration of USSR
and the end of the Cold War in 1991. In 1961, it has 25 members, whereas now the number is increased to 120. It tried to solve regional and international problems through discussions and solutions.

Question 11.
How far is it correct to say the international alliances during the Cold War era were determined by the requirements of the superpower and? the calculations of the smaller states? \ Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:
The international alliances during the Cold War era were determined by the requirements of the superpower.
For examples:

  1. The smaller countries were helpful to the superpowers in gaining access to natural resources such as oil and minerals.
  2. The smaller countries were helpful for the superpowers in gaining access to territory, from where the superpowers could launch their weapons and troops.
  3. The superpowers could gain access to locations from where they could spy on each other.
  4. The smaller countries together could help pay for military expenses.

Thus, the smaller countries were helpful to the superpowers in gaining their personal benefits. For example:

  • The smaller countries got security from the superpowers against their local territorial opposing nations.
  • The smaller countries got weapons and economic-help from these superpowers also.

Question 12.
Name the five founder leaders of NAM along with the countries they belong to which three factors were the culmination of the non-aligned summit of 1961 in Belgrade? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:

Name of the leader Name of the Countries
1. Josip Broz Tito 1. Yugoslavia
2. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru 2. India
3. Gamal Abdel Nasser 3. Egypt
4. Sukarno 4. Indonesia
5. Kwame Nkrumah 5. Ghana

The first Non-aligned summit was held in Belgrade in 1961. The first NAM Summit was the culmination of the following three factors:

  • Increasing cold war tension and its widening arenas.
  • Many new decolonized African countries became members of NAM. By 1960, there were 16 New African members in the U.N.
  • Co-operation among five countries.

Question 13.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (C.B.S.E. 2017)

In the event of a nuclear war, both sides will be so badly harmed that it will be impossible to declare one side or the other as the winner, even if one of them tries to attack and disable the nuclear weapons of its rival, the other would still be left with enough nuclear weapons to inflict unacceptable destruction. Both sides have the capacity to retaliate against an attack and to cause so much destruction that neither can afford to initiate war. Thus, the cold war – in spite of being an intense form of rivalry between great powers – remained a ‘cold’ and not hot or shooting war. The deterrence relationship prevents war but not the rivalry between powers.
(i) Why did intense rivalry between the super-powers remains a cold war only?
Answer:
Both sides have the capacity to retaliate against an attack. Both were having enough nuclear weapons to inflict disastrous destruction.

(ii) Why can’t a nuclear war between the two nuclear powers be decisive?
Answer:
In a nuclear war, both sides will be so badly harmed that it will be impossible to declare either as the winner. The nuclear weapons will inflict unacceptable destruction to both sides that neither can afford to initiate war.

(iii) Explain the logic of ‘deterrence’.
Answer:
In an event of a nuclear war, both sides will be badly harmed. Both sides have the capacity to retaliate against an attack and to cause so much destruction that neither can afford to initiate war. this ‘deterrence’ relationship prevents the war.

Question 14.
How did India play a crucial role in the Non-aligned Movement during the Cold War period? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Or
Describe the crucial role played by India in the NAM during the cold war period. (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2018)
Answer:
India is one of the founding fathers of NAM. India has always played an effective role in strengthening NAM. For the survival of NAM, India has played a vigorous and active role. Non-aligned continues to be a major principle of India’s foreign policy. Our Prime Ministers like Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Smt. Indira Gandhi has always supported and strengthened the policies of NAM.

The Indian Stewardship during 1983-86, made the NAM more respectable than before. As the chairman of the NAM, India gave strength to the movement by promoting consensus on international issues and problems and by securing the interest of the non-aligned countries. Smt. Indira Gandhi provided dynamism and cohesion to the Non-Aligned Movement. From the early days of NAM to nowadays, India presented a significant initiative for mobilizing wider support for the NAM.

Role of India in every meeting of NAM assumes significance. It has played a key role in the survival of NAM. After the dissolution of the American bloc and Russian bloc, the critics of NAM started arguing about the existence of NAM. But India always supported NAM and during the meeting of the tenth Summit, the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao asserted that a unipolar world cannot reduce the NAM to a mere bagatelle. In his address to the meet, he gave a call for a new charter of the NAM for carving out a changed role in NAM. India played a leadership role in the deliberations and decisions of the tenth NAM Summit. During the eleventh NAM Summit, and there on India continued to remain a major NAM exponent.

India continued its faith and support to NAM and has always tried to achieve the aims of NAM. Non¬alignment continues to be a major principle of Indian foreign policy.

Question 15.
Read the passage given below carefully and answer the following questions (C.B.S.E. 2018)

The ‘Cuban Missile Crisis’ was a high point of what came to be known as the Cold War. The Cold War referred to the competitions, the tensions and a series of confrontations between the United States of America and the Soviet Union backed by their respective allies. Fortunately, however, it never escalated into a ‘hot war’.
(а) Explain the meaning of ‘hot war’.
Answer:
Hot war means a destructive war between the two rivals. Hot war or destructive war cause to death of hundred of living and loss of property.

(b) Why was the ‘Cuban Missile Crisis’ considered as the high point of the Cold War?
Answer:
The ‘Cuban Missile crisis’ considered as the high point of the war because this incident brought the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. to the edge of the Nuclear War.

(c) “Ideological conflict was also a cause of the Cold War.” How far do you agree with the statement?
Answer:
Yes, ideological conflict was also a cause of the cold war, because both countries try to expand their ideology in the world.

Question 16.
Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows:

It is important to remember that India chose to involve other members of the non-aligned group in this mission of reducing tension. During the Cold War, India repeatedly tried to activate those regional and international organizations, which were not a part of alliances led by the US and the USSR. Nehru reposed great faith in ‘a genuine commonwealth of free and co-operating nations’ that would play a positive role in softening, if not ending, the Cold War’.
(i) Explain the meaning of the Cold War.
Answer:
For this, see S.A.T. Question No. 1.

(ii) Explain India’s response to the then-ongoing Cold War.
Answer:
For this, see Textbook Question No. 8.

(iii) Highlight any two features of India’s policy of Non-alignment. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
(a) India was not a member of any bloc.
(b) India’s is non-aligned policy emphasis on cordial relations among developing countries.

Question 17.
Explain the formation and importance of NATO, Warsaw Pact and SEATO during the Cold War period. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
1. NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was established in April 1949. It bound the U.S.A. to the defense of Western Europe. It also called the Atlantic Alliance or Western Alliance was an association of twelve states which declared that armed attack on any one of them would be regarded as an attack on all of them. NATO was a U.S. sponsored military alliance and at present consists of 26 countries including the U.S.A. and European countries.

2. Warsaw Pact: The Warsaw Treaty Organisation came into existence nine days after West Germany’s entry as a full member into the NATO. The U.S.S.R. took the initiative in the establishment of Warsaw Pact which came into existence in May 1955. Warsaw Pact was a treaty of friendship, co-operation and mutual assistance. The treaty was signed for a period of 20 years. Its doors were open to all European states. The main aim of the Warsaw Pact was to counter the impact and influence of NATO.

3. SEATO: Southeast Asian Treaty Organisation (SEATO) was established in 1954. It was a military organization and its members are Australia, France, Britain, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, and the U.S.A, etc. main aim of this organization to prevent the U.S.S.R is an expansion in this area.

Question 18.
Describe briefly the Cuban missile crisis. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Cuba was an ally of the Soviet Union. In April 1961, the leaders of U.S.S.R. were worried that the U.S.A. would invade Communist-ruled Cuba and overthrow Fidel Castro, the President of Cuba.

Nikita Khrushchev, the leader of U.S.S.R. placed nuclear missiles in Cuba. America was threatened by Soviet Union missiles and therefore President John F. Kennedy and his advisers were determined to get Khrushchev to remove the missiles and nuclear weapons from Cuba. President Kennedy ordered American warships to intercept any Soviet Union ships heading to Cuba. A conflict between two big powers was imminent and this crisis was known as Cuba Missile Crisis.

During the time the member states of OAS were readying their support for the naval quarantine, there took place an exchange of letters between President Kennedy and Khrushchev, Kennedy and U. Thant, the acting Secretary-General of the United Nations. Ultimately, the threat of a nuclear war was averted. In this crisis. President Kennedy and Soviet leader Khrushchev played an effective role.

The Cold War Era Important Extra Questions HOTS

Question 1.
Give reasons why the smaller States in alliances in the Cold War era, used the link to the superpowers.
Answer:
The smaller States in alliance used the link to with the superpowers for their own benefit. The smaller states got the promise of security and protection. They also got the promise of economic aid, weapons and support.

Question 2.
What is the Warsaw Pact?
Answer:
The Warsaw Treaty Organisation came into existence nine days after West Germany’s entry as a full member into the NATO. The U.S.S.R. took the initiative in the establishment of Warsaw Pact which came into existence in May 1955. Warsaw Pact was a treaty of friendship, co-operation and mutual assistance. The treaty was signed for a period of 20 years. Its doors were open to all European states. The main aim of the Warsaw Pact was to counter the impact and influence of NATO.

Question 3.
What was the result of the Second World War between the Allied Powers and Axis Powers?

Answer:
In the Second World War, Allied forces led by the U.S.A., U.S.S.R., Great Britain and France defeated Axis powers led by Germany, Italy and Japan.

Question 4.
Who was Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru?
Answer:
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964) was the first Prime Minister of independent India. Pt. Nehru had full faith in the principles of Panchsheel. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru advocated peaceful existence for securing international peace. He is known as the architect of India’s foreign policy. It was Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru who filled life and zeal to the movement of non-alignment.

Question 5.
Why did India not join either NATO or SEATO?
Answer:
India did not join either NATO or SEATO because India followed a policy of Non-alignment. India remained independent by not joining any group.