Causes of the Third Cold War

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

Multiple causes, significant as catalyst for USSR economic collapse which led to end of cold war. Overall eco weakness but Reagan catalyst.

Question 2

Foreign policy of Jimmy Carter (3 things)

Answer 2

1) Used respect of human rights as basis of foreign policy - US refused trade with USSR during detente on Jackson-Vanik Amendment. 2) SALT II - however under pressure as Sov influence in 3rd world increased and negotiation hard due to Brezhnev’s health so increased support to anti-communist groups (Nicaragua). 3) 1979 Carter and Brezhnev argued over presence of Sov troops in Cuba and invasion of Afghan as sent 100,000 troops to remove Amin - Carter condemned Sov action and withdraw SALT II, increased arms spending and boycotted Moscow 1980 Olympics.

Question 3

Ronald Reagan’s policies (spending and relations with others)

Answer 3

1)Openly despised USSR as ‘Evil Empire’. Convinced congress to increase military spending 13% in 1982. Stealth bombers, Trident Subs and SDI - Star Wars 1983 - regain supremacy and caused Sov overspend. 2) Missiles placed in Britain adding pressure to USSR and supported anti-communists with Reagan doctrine giving military aid to right wing groups in Nicaragua and removed left wing gov in Granada.

Question 4

Poor Soviet leadership

Answer 4

SS20s in E. Europe 1976 - threat - so missiles in Britain - leads to arms race. 2) Succession of leaders - inertia in decision making. After Brezhnev’s death in 1982, both Andropov and Chernenko died soon after coming to power. No change in direction of policy. 3) Shooting down of Korean airline in 1983 by Sov killed 269 - West outraged. Ignored questions of West - standard procedure.