AHSEC CLASS 12 POLITICAL
SCIENCE NOTES
PART- 1
Chapter 1: The Cold War
Era
VERY SHORT ANSWER
1. What is meant by cold War? [DTS
NOTES]
Ans.:- The cold war is referred to the competition, the tensions and a series of confrontations between the United States and the Soviet Union backed by their respective allies.
2. When did cold war begin? [DTS
NOTES]
Ans.:-
The cold war began in the year 1945.
3. Write the full form of NATO.
Ans.:-
The full form of NATO is North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
4. What is Warsaw pact? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The eastern alliance was known as Warsaw pact which was led by the Soviet
Union.
5. What was the principal function of
Warsaw pact? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The principal function of Warsaw Pact was to counter NATO’s FORCES IN Europe.
6. Correct the sentence: The US was
committed to the ideology of socialism.
Ans.:-
The U.S. was committed to the ideology of capitalism.
7. Fill in the blank: The end of the Second
World War was the beginning of_____
Ans.:-
Cold war.
8. Mention the period of the cold War
era.
Ans.:-
The period of cold war era was from 1945 to 1991
9. Write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Cold war was a completion
between US and Soviet Union and their respective allies.
Ans.:-
Yes.
10. What was the principal functions
of Warsaw pact? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
To counter NATO.
11. Write the full form of NIEO? [DTS
NOTES]
Ans.:-
New International Economic Order
12. What do you mean by CENTO? [DTS
NOTES]
Ans.:-
Central Treaty Organization.
13. What is ‘Deterrence’? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
To prevent or discourage.
14. What is LOCs? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Line of Control.
15. Write the full form of Nam? [DTS
NOTES]
Ans.:-
Non Aligned Movement.
16. What was the Cuban crisis? [DTS
NOTES]
Ans.:-
Cuban Crisis was a high point of cold war occurred in 1962.
17. What is UNITED? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
18. Name the two Super Powers? [DTS
NOTES]
Ans.:-
Soviet Russia and United States of America.
19. Does NAM stand for isolation.
Ans.:-
No, NAM doesn’t stand for isolation.
20. In which year USA dropped two
atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
1945
21. What is LDCs? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Last Developed Countries.
22. What was the principle function
of Warsaw pact? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The principle function of Warsaw Pact was to counter NATO’S forces in Europe.
SHORT
ANSWER
1. What is meant by allied and axis
powers of the Second World War? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Allied powers of the Second World War refer to those countries who own the
world war. These Allied powers include countries like the U.S., Soviet Union,
Britain and Finance.
Axis
power of the second World was prefers to the countries who were defeated in the
war. These axis powers includes countries like the – Germany, Italy and Japan.
2. How did Second World War come to
an end? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The Second World War come to an end when the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs in
the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, causing Japan to
surrender.
3. Name the two super powers that
emerged after the Second World War.
Ans.:-
The two super powers that emerged after the Second World War were the US and
the Soviet Union.
4. Name the two places where atom
bombs were dropped in the Second World War.
Ans.:- Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the two famous places where Atom bombs were dropped in the Second World War.
5. Why did the superpowers need small
allies? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The superpowers entered into military alliances with smaller countries due to
the following reasons:
i) Smaller states were helpful for the superpowers in their
gaining access to vital resources such as oil and minerals.
ii) Access to locations or territory from where the
superpowers could launch their weapons and troops.
iii) Access to locations from where they could spy on each
other.
6. What is meant by western alliance
and eastern alliance? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Most countries of Western Europe sided with the US is called Western Alliance.
On the other hand those countries of eastern Europe which joined in the Soviet
camp is called Eastern Alliance.
7. Name two arms control agreements
signed by the two super powers.
Ans.:-
The two arms control agreements signed by the two super powers are-Limited Test
Ban Treaty (LTBT) and Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NNPT).
8. When and where the first
Non-Aligned Summit was held? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The first Non-Aligned Summit was held in Belgrade in 1961. This summit was
attended by number of African and Asian countries.
9. What was the declaration of NATO
States? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The declaration was that the NATO states pledged the mutual defence of any
member states who would be attacked and Constitutes a system of collective
Security.
10. Does NIEO was just an idea that
never became an order? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
NIEO was not just an idea, it became an order.
11. What do you mean by logic of
deterrence? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Logical of deterrence means the presence of nuclear weapons by both super
powers. It means the two super powers behaved in a more rational manner which
aimed at avoidance of another big war.
12. Write the root cause of the
beginning of the cold war? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The root cause of the beginning of cold war was rivalry between U.S.A and
former U.S.S.R.
13. Why the Smaller states were
helpful to the superpowers? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The smaller states were helpful to superpowers became:
i) Gaining access to vital resources such as oil and
minerals.
ii) Access to location or territory from where the superpower
could launch their weapons and troops.
14. What is the Allied Forces and
Axis power? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Same as Short Q. No. 1
15. Identify three countries which
belong to communist bloc? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
United States of Soviet Russia, Hungary and Poland.
Ans.:-
No, non-alignment is not a negative policy. It was a policy of keeping away
from military alliances of big power.
17. What was the root cause of the
beginning of the cold War? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The root cause of the beginning of the cold war was rivalry between U.S. and
U.S.S.R.
18. Name any four countries which
were decolonized following the end of the Second World War? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
India, Indonesia, Afghanistan and Cuba.
19. When and where 20th
NATO Summit was held? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
NATO Summit was held in Chicago, U.S.A. in 2012
20. Name the countries that joined
the Soviet Block? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Poland, Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria, Albania, Czechoslovakia.
LONG
ANSWER
1. Why did cold War remain a ‘cold’
war and did not escalate into a hot war? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The logic of deterrence is the main weapon which did not let the cold War
escalate into a hot war. Both the two rival power US and USSR have the capacity
to retaliate against an nuclear attack and to cause so much destruction that
neither can afford to initial war. Thus, the cold war is spite of being an
intense form of rivalry between great power- remained a ‘cold’ and not ‘home or
shooting war. The deterrence relationship prevents war but not the rivalry
between powers.
2. Do you think that the alliance
system led by the super powers divided the entire world into two camps? [DTS
NOTES] Justify your answer.
Ans.:-
Yes, the alliance system led by the super powers divided the entire world into
two camps.
The
ideology of capitalism and socialism are the main reasons of this division. The
western alliance, headed by the U.S. represented the ideology of liberal
democracy and capitalism while the eastern alliance headed by the Soviet Union,
was committed to the ideology of socialism and communism.
3. How did the smaller states help
the Super powers? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The smaller states help the super power in gaining access to:
i) Smaller states are helpful for the super powers in their
gaining access to vital resources such as oil and minerals.
ii) Access to location or territory from where the
superpowers could launched their weapons and troops.
iii) Access to location from where they could spy on each
other and
iv) Economics support, in that many small allies together
could help pay for military expenses.
4. Discuss the role of NAM during the
cold war era.
Ans.:-
NAM played on significant role in the cold war era. The role of NAM can be
mentioned the like way:
i) The policy of Nonalignment sough to promote peace and laid
emphasis on peaceful settlement of disputes between the states.
ii) Nam was entrusted with the tasks of social and economic
reconstruction which could be done only in a world free from war and tension.
iii) The newly independent countries were aware of the danger
of imperialism. So they wanted to come together and bring World peace.
iv) The significant role played by NAM was to maintain peace
full coexistence between nations, condemnation of racial discrimination etc.
5. Do you think that ideological
differences contributed to the emergence of cold war? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Yes, to some extent ideological differences contributed to the emergence of
cold War.
i) The two super power accompanied by a real ideological
conflict as well as differences over the best and the most appropriate way of
organizing political, economic and social life all over the world.
ii) The western Alliances headed by the U.S. represented the
ideology of liberal democracy and capitalism while the eastern alliances headed
by the Soviet Union, was committed to the ideology of socialism and communism.
iii) Both the super power wanted to prove their ideology to
be best and to spread it all over the world.
6. Examine the significance of
Belgrade Summit? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The first non-alignment Summit was held in Belgrade in 1961. There was some
common resolution emerged. The first summit was attended by 25 member states.
The first summit of NAM which is popularly known as Belgrade summit decided to
oppose the block politics led by two super powers.
7. Which are the member countries of
NATO? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The member countries of NATO are:
Belgium, Canada,
Portugal, Britain, U.S.A.
8. What is the ideological reason for
Alliance System? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Alliance System was primarily based on two contradictory ideology - one is Capitalism another is Communism. Each
block adopted one ideology. For example, the block led by U.S.A. adopted
capitalist ideology and aimed at expanding capitalism. On the other hand the
block led by Soviet Russia adopted Communism and supported the promotion of
communist ideology.
9. What made the super powers adopt
rational and responsible attitude? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The super powers adopted national and responsible attitude to avoid another big
war in the world and also to ensure-safety and prosperity of humankind.
10. What was the reason of placing
nuclear missiles in Cuba by USSR in 1962? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
In 1962, USSR placed nuclear missiles in Cuba to prevent U.S. From attacking it
U.S.S.R established military base in Cuba so that it can easily attack U.S.A.
11. On what grounds India’s policy of
non-alignment was criticized? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The policy of Non-alignment movement was criticized on a number of counts. They
are:
i) First India’s non-alignment was said to be unprincipled.
In the name of pursuing its national interest, India of ten refused to take a
firm stand on crucial international issues.
ii) India was consistent and took contradictory postures,
Haring criticized others for joining alliances, India signed the treaty of
friendship in August 1971 with the USSR for 20 years. This was criticized by
outsiders as India virtually joined the Soviet Bloc.
12. Write any four causes which
originated the Cold War.
Ans.:-
Four causes which originated the Cold War:
i) Rivalry between the two super power was one cause of cold
war.
ii) Ideological conflict between the two super power was
another cause of cold war.
iii) Arms race was also important factor of cold war.
iv) Emergence of the U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. as two super powers
after the Second World War was important cause of cold war.
13. Write the ideological reasons of
Alliance System? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Same as Ans. Of Q. 9 (Long Answer)
14. What made super powers to
collaborate? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The two super powers decided to collaborate to avoid a big war and save the
world from destruction. So the super powers wanted to ensure economic
development and security of their citizens. They desired to collaborate for a
better world.
VERY
LONG ANSWER
1. Write a note on Cuban Missile
Crisis? [DTS NOTES] What is its significance? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred in 1962. The following points for its rise
can be described as under:
i) Installation of nuclear missiles in Cuban was one of the
most serious crisis in the history of the post Second World War. When nuclear
weapons were developed, with the development of new systems of delivery, that
is means of dropping these weapons, with nuclear warheads could be directed to
hit accurately targets, thousands of kilometers away, anywhere in the world US
had set these missiles, aimed at Soviet targets at the base which she had set
up in the world.
ii) In January 1959 there was a revolution in Cuba. When USA
became hostile to the new Cuban Government which started to adopt social, economic
and radical change, the new government became friendly with china and USSR but
USA tried her level best to topple the new Cuban government. In 1962 USSR was
building missile sites in Cuba which was around 150 kms only from the Southern
borders of America.
iii) When the missile station was installed, America could be
easily attacked by USSR. This was the first time Soviet Union had established
military base although USA was doing all along in other countries and created
tension and a danger of war between two countries.
iv) On 22nd October 1962 President John F. Kennedy
announced a naval and air blockade around Cuba to stop any ship or aircraft
moving towards Cuba. The US also prepared to launch an attack on the missile
bases of Cuba which brought the world to disaster. Crisis in Cuba ended on
October 26. On this day Prime Minister told the President of America that
Soviet Union would remove her missiles from Cuba if the US pledged not to
attack Cuba. When USA agreed the crisis was over.
2. Do you think non-alignment is
isolationism or neutrality? [DTS NOTES] Why? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The following clear cut differences are seen between non-aligned movement and
neutrality.
Neutrality:
i) Neutrality is a situation in which state does not take any
side in war.
ii) It is a concept opposed to Belligerency.
iii) Neutrality is a concept for international law.
iv) It is relevant only in the war like situation.
v) The concept of neutrality emerged in 18th and
19th century.
NAM:
i) NAM is a concept aiming at an independent foreign policy
and peaceful co-existence.
ii) NAM is relevant at the time of war as well as peace.
iii) NAM is related to international relations.
iv) It believes in non-involvement in any type of difference
between the two power blocs.
v) NAM came into existence in the middle of 20th
century.
3. Discuss the role of India as a
leader of NAM during the cold war era.
Ans.:-
The main features of the policy of non-alignment pursued by India during the
early period were as follows:
i) India tried to keep away from the power politics of two
blocks due to fear that it could lead to disaster on vast scale. Instead India
tried to follow policy of peaceful co-existence, co-operation and friendship.
ii) The policy of non-alignment was not based on the
principle of isolationism or inaction. On the contrary it was a positive policy
designed to promote national security and international peace.
iii) The policy of non-alignment sought to promote peace and
laid emphasis on peaceful settlement of disputes by the states.
iv) India opposed military and security alliances and refused
to get drawn into these alliances because it restricted the freedom of the
country to act independently. Further these alliances generated hatred and
distrust in the international sphere and posed a serious threat to world peace.
4. Do you think that NAM has lost its
relevance after the end of the cold war? [DTS NOTES] Justify your answer.
Ans.:-
Non-Aligned Movement was originated in 1961. The World was divided into two
hostile blocs. The capitalist bloc led by America and the communist bloc led by
Russia (erstwhile USSR). These two blocs were engaged in a cold war. The
non-aligned countries adopted the policy of non-alignments i.e. the policy of
Opposing the politics based upon groupism. The main aim of Non-Alignment was to
keep distance from both the blocs. But now the world is unipolar after
disintegration of Soviet Union in different 15 independent states. From the
period of the formation of its vision at Bandung in 1955 and first summit at
Belgrade in 1961 during more than 40 years of its existence, NAM has played an
eventful role and travelled a long path. It this new global solution it’s role
has changed and most of the developed and developing countries have adopted an
open market policy. The European Union, the Association of South East Asia
Nations (ASEAN), NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and the Asian
Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) etc have been progressing. By beginning of
1992 there existed only one super power USA. Now the question arise about the
relevance of non-aligned movement when there was no hostile power blocs. Before
the Jakarta Summit of September 1992 this was also discussed in the meeting of
foreign ministers of Non-Aligned states. Egypt has suggested that NAM should be
dissolved and it should merge with group of 77. The foreign ministers described
what should be the role of NAM in future and in the 10th summit at
Jakarta it was decided to continue the NAM. It should focus attention to curb
the poverty, hunger and disease from the non-aligned states. Thus the relevance’s
of NAM seems to be as strong today as it was at the time of its origin. Now USA
is the only super power so that importance of NAM is more essential.
USA
wants that United Nations should act as her spokesman and it could be checked
only by a strong and united Non-Aligned group. It NAM countries act as a strong
forum in the United Nations then the self respect of each country, national
freedom and the development of these countries would be completed easily. It
can help their socio economic development. Thus relevance of NAM these days has
rather increased.
5. Suppose the cold war had not taken
place and there were several major powers at the end of the Second World War.
How would that situation have affected India’s Foreign policy? [DTS NOTES]
Identify any three aspects or regions and imagine the difference.
Ans.:-
Suppose the cold war had not taken place and there were several major power at
the end of the Second World War, it can certainly be said that this would have
affected India’s Foreign policy. This would be more clear from the three
aspects explained below:-
a) Relationship with other
Countries:-During
the cold war India kept relationship with various Western and African countries
and also with countries having different economic and political system. But if
the cold war would have been absent then India’s relationship with many
countries would have been different. For example India did not have a sound
relationship with the western capitalist societies as these countries were part
of Western alliance. But if the cold war would not take ace then India’s
relations with those countries would have been a friendly one.
b) Kashmir Issue:- The cold war created
complexities for India to resolve the Kashmir issue. The supporters of western
block denied to recognize Kashmir as a integral part of India because Pakistan
have favorable relationship with U.S., but absence of the cold war might have
resolved the Kashmir deadlock and better relationship would have prevailed
between India and Pakistan.
c) Non-Alignment Policy:- The policy of NAM is the
resultant of the world bifurcated into eastern and western alliance. The newly
born African and Asian nations didn’t want to taste, expansionist policies like
imperialism and colonialism again. Therefore, these countries gave birth to a
new foreign policy called NAM which maintained equidistance from both the power
blocs. It the cold war would not have taken place then the policy of NAM would
not have been originated and India’s foreign policy would have been much
different.
6. Briefly analyze NAM’S new role on
post war period? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:- Same as Ans. Of Q. No. 4 (Long Answer)
7. Write a note on Nuclear
Non-Proliferation treaty? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed in 1968 by fire big countries which
possessed nuclear weapons such as U.S.A., U.S.S.R., Britain, France and people’s
Republic of China. Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty was signed with the
objective to prevent further proliferation of nuclear weapons in the world.
This treaty came into effect on 3 October, 1972.
8. What was the realization behind
the origination of New International Economic Order (NIEO)? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
New International Economic Order refers to an economic system to reduce the gap
between developed countries and under-developed countries of the world.
The
idea of New International Economic Order originated for sustainable and equal
economic development of the least developed countries. The United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development brought out of report in 1972 to answer New
International Economic Order.
New
International Economic Order is a means of attaining economic development and
political independence for the least developed countries. This motive of
Non-Alignment gradually changed the nature of NAM and by 1970’s Non-Alignment
become an economic pressure group.
9. What was the report of CONTACT
regarding reform of the global trading system? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The challenge for most of the non-aligned countries a majority of them which
were categorized as the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) was to be more
developed economically and to lift their people out of the poverty. Economic
development was also vital for the independence of the new countries. Without
sustained development, a country could not be truly free. It would remain
depended on the rich countries including the colonial powers from which political
freedom had been achieved. The idea of a New International Economic Order
(NIEO) originated with this realization.
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 so as to:
i) Give the LDC’s control over their natural resources,
exploited by the developed western countries.
ii) Obtain access to western market do that the LDC’s could
sell their products and therefore make trade more beneficial for the poorer
countries.
iii) Reduce the cost of technology from the western
countries.
iv) Provide the LDC’s with a greater role in international
economic institutions.
Gradually, the nature of non-alignment changed to give
greater importance to economic issues. In 1961, at the first summit Belgrade,
economic issues had not been very important. By mid 1970’s, they had become the
most important issues. As a result, NAM became an economic pressure group. By the
late 1980’s however, the NIEO initiative had faded, mainly because of the stiff
opposition from the developed countries who acted as a United group while the
non-aligned countries struggled to maintain their unity in the face of this
opposition.
10. What was India’s foreign policy
towards the US and USSR during the Cold War Era? [DTS NOTES] Is this policy
helped India’s interest? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
The whole idea of Non-Alignment Movement initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru not only
served international interest but also served India’s interest directly through
the following ways:-
i) First, non-alignment allowed India to take international
decisions and stances that served it’s interests rather than the interests of
the super powers and their allies.
ii) Second, India was often able to balance one super power
against the other. If India felt ignored or unduly pressurized by one super
power, it could tilt towards the other. Neither alliance system could take
India for granted or bully it.
However,
the policy of NAM was criticized on a number of counts. They are:-
i) First, India’s non-alignment was said to be unprincipled.
In the name of pursuing its national interest, India often refused to take a
firm stand on crucial international issues.
ii) Second, it suggested that India was inconsistent and took
contradictory postures. Having criticized others for joining alliances, India
signed the Treaty of Friendship in August 1971 with the USSR for 20 years. This
was criticized by outsiders as India virtually joined the Soviet Bloc.
11. Why did superpowers have military
alliances with smaller countries? [DTS NOTES] Give reasons? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
Same as Ans. Q. No. 5 (VERY LONG ANSWER)
12. Explain the three agreements that
were signed between the USA and the USSA for maintenance of arms control? [DTS
NOTES]
Ans.:-
START–I:- The strategic Arms Reduction Treaty I is a treaty signed by the USSR
President Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. president George Bush on the reduction one
limitation of strategic offensive arms.
START–II:-
The strategic Arms Reduction Treaty II was signed by the Russian President
Boris Yeltsin and the U.S.A. President George Bush on reduction of strategic
offensive arms.
13. The Cold War has produced an arms
race as well as arms control. What were the reasons for both these developments?
[DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
It is a hard fact that the cold war produced an arms race as well as arms
control. Mutual suspicious between the two super powers led them to arm
themselves to the tests and to constantly prepare for war. Both the super
powers considered huge stocks of arms necessary to prevent wars from taking
place. However, both the super powers understood that war might occur in spite
of restraint. Either side might miscalculate the stock of arms in the
possession of the other side. Moreover, super power might misunderstood the intentions
of the other side. Besides, there can be a nuclear accident. Hence both the
super powers i.e. U.S.A., U.S.S.R. and U.K. in 1968 th Non Proliferation Treaty
was signed. But India refused to sign thin treaty on the ground that it was
discriminatory in nature. The Threshold Test Ban Treaty was signed on 3rd
July 1974 by the two super powers. After these treaties many more treaties were
signed by the two super powers to limit their arms.
14. It is said that the Cold War was
a simple struggle for power and that ideology had nothing to do with it. Do you
agree with this? [DTS NOTES] Support your position with example? [DTS NOTES]
Ans.:-
No, I do not agree with this. The Cold War was not simply a matter of power
rivalries, of military alliances, and of the balance of power. These were
accompanied by a real ideological conflicts as well as difference over the best
and the most appropriate way of organizing political economic and social life
all over the world. For example, the Western alliances, headed by the US
represented the ideology of liberal democracy and capitalism while the eastern
alliances headed by the Soviet Union, was committed to the ideology of
socialism an communism.
Ans.:- 10th
December 1948.
Full notes Available in Our Mobile Application - Download DTS App Now
