Chapter Twenty-Four Flashcards
What did the Soviet Politburo realise as early as 1982?
That it had engaged in a war it could not win, but it refused to admit defeat and withdraw forces.
Continued to participate in a highly unpopular and costly war, but having invoked the Brezhnev Doctrine, they could not withdraw.
What did Brezhnev believe regarding the Cold War?
In his view of preserving communism in the Soviet Union, an end to the Brezhnev Doctrine was critical, not just in Europe, but globally. Thus, he wanted to remove troops from Afghanistan almost as soon as he took office 1985.
What action did Gorbachev take with Afghanistan>
Met with the head of the Revolutionary council, informed Karmal that Soviet forces could not maintain the Afghan government indefinitely and prepared him for the removal of Soviet troops. This would, in Gorbachev’s mind, remove a barrier facing East-West relations. Process of withdrawl began 1988.
Wanted peace with honour like Nixon.
What policy did the USA adopt as the Cold War moved to a close?
Developed policies designed to distance itself from Central America- the region was no longer strategically significant. Signalled to other right-wing regimes that they could no longer rely on US support.
By early 1990s, USA wanted to develop its regional institutions network. As far as Latin America was concerned this translated into the creation and development of closer economic ties and reinvigoration of the Organisation of American states.
What happened in Nicaragua?
Late 1980s the Contras saw a reduction in funding from the US. Thus, they agreed to a ceasefire with the Sandinista regime. Contras remained armed but Sandinistas agreed to elections to be held 1990.
(US Reagan supported anti-Communist regime Contras)
With US influence Chamorro became the leader. Economy of Nicaragua was wrecked by the Civil War.
What impact did the collapse of the Soviet Union have on Cuba?
Cuba lost a the major source of its funding. Castro remained committed, but Cuba lacked the vast resources it previously had and could not continue its policies without economic restructuring.
Forced to diversify its trading partners and economy.
What did Gorbachev announce December 1986?
Announced the USSR’s intention to reduce support for the leftist MPLA regime in Angola. Based on a desire to improve relations with the USA and reduce government spending.
What agreement was made regarding Angola 1988?
Agreement over Angola, which included the withdrawal of Cuban forces. Move was made possible through the joint actions of the USSR and the USA, and brought a degree of stability to the region of Southwest Africa. Also resolved a source of continued Cold War confrontation between the USA and the USSR.
What happened in Ethiopia?
After the Somali invasion of Ogaden, the Soviet Union, Cuba and North Korea all provided assistance that allowed Ethiopia to retake the territory. 1987 Mengistu established the People’s Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, signalling that the country would now be a fully Marxist country.
However Nationalists desired independence and Mengistu fled the country. New government was Communist but the US provided aid- symbol of the rejection of the former communist regime.
Demonstrates that, as the COld War ended, the importance of anti-Communism in the US disminished.
What view did George Bush take when he won the US presidential election November 1988?
Ordered a review of US policy towards the Soviet Union. Did not take the view that the Cold War was definitely over- wanted to show people that he had not simply inherited Reagan’s approach and was unthinkingly continuing it.
What did Bush and Gorbachev continue with 1989?
Arms control negotiations resumed (at a time when the USSR was losing control in Eastern Europe and Gorbachev was losing the power to negotiate from a position of strength).
Both continued their commitment to summit meetings in the hopes of finalising START.
What was the Malta Summit 1989?
Moves made towards a closer economic relationship between the Soviet Union and USA, and marked the end of the Cold War economic conflict. Some informal agreements regarding EE- Gorby made it clear that the SU would not use force to prevent EE states determining their own political futures.
No formal agreements as purpose was to discuss the rapid changes in EE and the Soviet economic shift.
What further treaties occurred after the Malta summit?
Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE Treaty) signed by Gorb, Bush etc in 1990. Limits placed on the scale of military hardware any state could control
Followed up July 1991, with final sumit they would hold, led to START I and SAL Treaty. Finally agreed nuclear tech was not to be passed on to third party states.
What happened December 1991?
The Soviet Union was formally dissolved.
