End of Cold War tensions in Asia, the Americas and Africa Flashcards
What was the position of the USSR and Afghanistan in 1982?
Politburo understood they could not win the war
- Brezhnev doctrine did not allow withdrawal
What were the reasons for Gorbachev withdrawing from Afghanistan?
- US supply of weapons to Mujaheddin
- Large casualty and opposition existed due to glasnost
When did withdrawal begin in Afghanistan and when did the final troops leave?
Began - 1988
Left - 1989
Why did the US overall develop policies away from America?
- No longer strategically important
- Also support lost from Communists
How many governments had USA brought down in America?
24
Who were the 2 sides in Nicaragua?
Contras and Sandinista
Who did US reduce finance to in Nicaragua
1980s?
Contras
What was the agreement between Contras and Sandinista in 1980s?
Agreed ceasefire
- Elections 25 Feb 1990
What did the US do in terms of Nicaragua’s government?
With US support, 14 Sandinista opposition parties were est around a single presidential candidate
- Chamorra as candidate
What was Chamorro provided in Nicaragua?
Chamorro was given over $1 million in financial support from the US and Venezuela
- US key to election success
When did US politicians remove aid?
1992
What were the consequences in Nicaragua?
Civil war ended and economy severely damaged by Chamorro’s policies
What party was elected in El Salvador 1984 and who?
Christian Democrat Party - Jose Napoleon Duarte
How did the US support JND’s campaign?
$6 million
What were the FMLN doing in El Salvador 1980s?
FMLN (coalition of left guerrilla groups with support from the USSR and Cuba) continued actions against the military
How did US react to FMLN in El Salvador?
Provided military assistance to prevent communism spread
When was the amnesty law in El Salvador?
1987
What was the amnesty law in El Salvador?
Intended to release those falsely accused from prison
When were the peace accords in El Salvador?
1992
How did the USA influence peace accords in El Salvador?
US was uncomfortable to support the Salvadoran Army and encouraged the gov to begin negotiations.
What were the consequences in El Salvador?
Civil War ended in 1992
- 1994 path to democracy
How was Cuba affected by the collapse of Communism?
Lost funding
- Castro wanted to continue communism but needed economic changes
How did Cuba improve the economy?
Diversify trading partners
- Sugar exported to China and engaged with Europe and Canada
What was the impact of Cuba’s economic struggles on other countries?
Stopped assisting other countries so led to the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Africa and lessen number of medical and infrastructure experts
When did Gorbachev announce reducing aid for MPLA in Angola?
December 1986
What did USSR provide to MPLA?
$1 billion of arms
Who did USA support after stopping MPLA and who were they?
UNITA
- Nationalist faction in the Civil War
How did USSR attempt to end civil war in Angola?
Encouraged major offensive against UNITA in Sep 1987
How was the USSR’s attempt in Angola undermined?
South Africa sent troops
- May 1988 South Africa agreed to negotiations
When was the civil war ended in Angola?
December 1988
When Somalia initially invaded Ogadon who did the USSR and Cuba suppor?
Ethiopia under Mengistu Haile Mariamn (PDR of Ethiopia)
- Economic and military assistance
When did the PDR of Ethiopia assume power and who did they recieve aid from?
May 1991
- Assistance from the US
- Rejection of former communist regime even if they did not align with ideology
