Collapse of Communism Flashcards
who was the leader of the ussr from 1985
mikhail gorbachev
When was mikhail gorbachev brought into power
1985
beliefs of gorbachev (4)
- was a realist and idealist
- wanted a reform communist to improve the ives of people in the bloc
- believed the only way communism will survive is if it works for the people
- wanted cooperation in world affairs
actions of gorbachev (3)
- tried to introduce reforms and modernise the soviet economy
- worked with western leaders (margaret thatcher, reagan, pope john paul2)
- withdrew tanks troops and aircrafts from eastern bloc
what was glasnost (3)
- social and political reforms
- more freedom of media and political expression
- exposed stalin’s harsh regime
what was perestroika (6)
- economic, political and cultural reforms
- private ownership of land and industry
- reduce state control over exports and imports
- allow foreign trade with non-bloc countries
- investments in russian business
- increase in production and trade of soviet goods
who was the new leader of usa from 1981-1988
ronald reagan, harsh on communism
how did tensions ease
reagan increased military spending but gorbachev counldt compete so tensions eased
when did communism fall
25 dec (xmas) 1991 gorbachev resigned and recognised fall of ussr
reasons for fall of communism (5)
- people power
- change of leadership
- globalization
- economic
- independent actions from bloc cuntries
what was people power (2)
- solidarity movement
- sept to nov 1989 mass protests in east germany
what was change of leadership
Gorbachev promoted anti communist reforms and accepted fall of ussr
globalization
-solidarity caught west’s attention and got international support
economic reaons
afghan war and red army was economic drain
indep actions from bloc
in 1989/1990 revolutions, free elections and other acts of deifance from multiple bloc countries (Poland. HUngary romania) and many countries declared independence (ukraine, latvia , hungary, poland)
