End of the Cold War

Question 1

Background info

Answer 1

Cold war took place between 1945 - early 1990’s, occurring because of the ideological differences between the US and USSR

War came to an end because both sides were tired of fighting in proxy wars / both countries were under new leadership

Question 2

Roland Reagan - Knowledge

Answer 2

Reagan increased military spending, introduced missile perishing system for defence

Question 3

Ronald Reagan - Reasons for

Answer 3

The US’ high military spending completely dominated the USSR as the missile programme rendered their missiles useless

Question 4

Ronald Reagan - Reasons against

Answer 4

The missile system didn’t actually work meaning they lost a lot of money on a useless invention

Question 5

Role of Gorbachov - Knowledge

Answer 5

Gorbachov became Soviet leader in 1885 and introduced a series of changes. One, known as perestroika, allowed more private ownership of businesses. The 2nd reform, know as Glasnost, led to banned books being available to public and allowed newspaper to be more critical of the government.

Question 6

Role of Gorbachov - Reasons for

Answer 6

By introducing both policies, Glasnost and Perestroika, that reduced government control over both economy and of speech Gorbachov created more positive reputation for both himself and Russia

Question 7

Role of Gorbachov - Reasons against

Answer 7

Could be argued that Gorbachov was forced to introduce these policies rather than introduce them freely.
Russia was also not fully capitalist despite these policies being vary anti communist.

Question 8

USSR defeat in Afghanistan - Knowledge

Answer 8

In 1978 a communist revolution took place in Afghanistan which upset a lot of conservative Muslims, known as the mujadeens.
Russia stood by communist revolution and sent troops out to go help in the war.

Question 9

USSR defeat in Afghanistan - Reasons for

Answer 9

USSR found it impossible to defeat the Mujadeen, this hurt the morale of the USSR as many believed if they couldn’t beat Afghanistan then they could never beat the US

Question 10

USSR defeat in Afghanistan- Reasons against

Answer 10

However, the Soviets were still a military superpower and had the 2nd biggest arsenal in the word during and after the war