The U2 Crisis
I can explain the impact of the U2 crisis on East-West relations.
The U2 Crisis
I can explain the impact of the U2 crisis on East-West relations.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- US and Soviet relations showed signs of improvement at the end of the 1950s.
- The 1960 Paris Summit was scheduled to try and resolve issues such as Berlin, Cuba and nuclear testing.
- In May 1960, a US U2 spy plane was shot down over the USSR.
- The U2 Crisis helped trigger the collapse of the Paris Summit.
- Tensions between the US and USSR increased as a result of the U2 Crisis.
Keywords
Peaceful coexistence - the belief that conflict between the USA and USSR could be avoided
Treaty - a written agreement between two or more countries
Espionage - the act of spying and gaining secret information about another country
Common misconception
The USSR immediately refused to cooperate with the USA after a U2 was show down in May 1960.
The USSR still attended the Paris Summit but walked out when the US refused to apologise for spying on it.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The U2 Crisis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The U2 Crisis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Cold War development: how peaceful was 'peaceful co-existence'? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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Adult supervision recommended
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
US President
U2 pilot
Soviet leader