Final Part 2 Flashcards
1
Q
Khrushchev-Nixon “Kitchen Debate” (1959)
A
- The “Kitchen Debate” occurred during a 1959 exhibition of American consumer goods in Moscow where U.S. Vice President Nixon and Soviet Premier Khrushchev engaged in an impromptu debate.
- Their exchange highlighted the ideological competition between capitalism and communism, showcasing technological and lifestyle differences between the two superpowers.
- The debate illustrated the domestic and international legitimacy each leader sought to project, reflecting their respective nations’ values and innovations.
- It symbolized the ongoing friction and dialogue during the Cold War, where cultural exchanges often took place amid political tensions.
2
Q
The Berlin Wall
A
- The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 by East Germany to prevent East Berliners from fleeing to West Berlin and symbolized the physical and ideological divide between East and West during the Cold War.
- Its erection marked a significant escalation in East-West tensions, as it served not only as a barrier but also as a stark representation of the failure of communism to provide freedom.
- The Wall became a focal point for both propaganda and protests, with numerous attempts to escape symbolizing the desire for freedom and the human cost of political repression.
- Its fall in 1989 at the hands of German protesters became an iconic moment that symbolized the end of the Cold War and the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.
3
Q
The Cuban Missile Crisis
A
- The Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 was a 13-day confrontation between the U.S. and the USSR over Soviet missiles stationed in Cuba, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war.
- It was a pivotal moment in Cold War history, highlighting the dangers of nuclear brinkmanship and the severe consequences of U.S.-Soviet tensions.
- The resolution of the crisis involved backdoor negotiations, including the U.S. agreeing to remove missiles from Turkey in exchange for the Soviet withdrawal from Cuba, establishing a precedent for future diplomatic communications.
- The crisis underscored the necessity for improved communication between the superpowers, leading to the establishment of the Moscow-Washington hotline to prevent future misunderstandings.
4
Q
The Prague Spring
A
- The Prague Spring of 1968 was a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia, where reformist leader Alexander Dubček attempted to implement democratic socialism, promoting greater freedoms and reforms (freedom of speech, travel, media; “socialism with a human face”)
- This movement was seen as a threat to Soviet satellites by Soviet leadership, leading to the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968, crushing the reforms and reasserting Soviet control over Eastern Europe.
- The Warsaw Pact replaced Dubcek with Husak, who reversed almost all of the reforms
- The events highlighted the limitations of Soviet tolerance for reform within its sphere of influence and the objective of maintaining a strict ideological and political alignment.
- The Prague Spring became a symbol of the struggle for freedom in Eastern Europe, inspiring future dissents against Soviet regimes and contributing to the eventual fall of communism in the late 1980s.
5
Q
The “Brezhnev Doctrine”
A
- The “Brezhnev Doctrine,” articulated in 1968, asserted that the Soviet Union had the right to intervene in the affairs of socialist countries to maintain communist rule, justifying the invasion of Czechoslovakia during the Prague Spring.
- This doctrine reinforced the USSR’s commitment to protecting its sphere of influence in Eastern Europe, exemplifying the inflexibility of Soviet policy during the Cold War.
- It heightened tensions with the West, as it signaled a willingness to use military force to maintain communist regimes, contributing to the ideological conflict that characterized the era.
- The doctrine also created resentment within Eastern European countries, fueling dissident movements that sought greater autonomy and reform.
6
Q
Détente
A
- Détente refers to the period of eased tensions and improved relations between the U.S. and the USSR during the late 1960s through the 1970s, characterized by diplomatic engagement and arms control agreements such as the SALT treaties.
- This approach sought to avoid direct military confrontation while allowing both superpowers to focus on domestic issues and economic challenges.
- Détente faced criticism from hardliners in both countries, particularly when conflicts arose (e.g., Soviet involvement in Afghanistan), which led to a resurgence of Cold War tensions.
- The era illustrated the complexities of U.S.-Soviet relations, as both sides navigated competition and cooperation amidst an ongoing ideological rivalry.
7
Q
Andrei Sakharov/ Dissident movement
A
- Andrei Sakharov was a prominent Soviet physicist who had helped create the atomic bomb. He became a vocal opponent of nuclear proliferation and human rights activist who became a leading voice for dissent in the USSR, advocating for civil liberties and political reform during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975, but was exiled to the city of Gorky for his protest against the invasion of Afghanistan
- Sakharov’s dissent, along with that of others, highlighted the growing opposition to the restrictive policies of the Soviet government and the demand for greater freedoms within the country.
- For example, Solzhenitsyn Gulag Archipelago raised awareness of the brutal conditions of Soviet gulags
- The dissident movement included intellectuals, artists, and activists who challenged the regime, often facing persecution, imprisonment, or exile, symbolizing the struggle against oppression.
- Sakharov’s international recognition and activism drew Western attention to human rights abuses in the Soviet Union, contributing to diplomatic pressure on the USSR from the West.
8
Q
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
A
- The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 aimed to support a communist government facing resistance from Islamic insurgents, marking a significant escalation of Cold War tensions.
- This intervention was viewed by the U.S. and its allies as a direct challenge to Western interests and a violation of international norms, prompting the U.S. to respond with sanctions and support for the mujahideen.
- The war became a costly and protracted conflict for the USSR, draining resources and leading to significant domestic discontent, ultimately contributing to the decline of the Soviet Union.
- The invasion further intensified the arms race and derailed the détente period, leading to a renewed focus on military preparedness in the United States.
9
Q
Gorbachev’s “New Thinking” in foreign policy
A
- Gorbachev was relatively young and had trained in law, unlike his technocrat predecessors
- Mikhail Gorbachev’s “New Thinking,” introduced in the late 1980s, signified a shift in Soviet foreign policy aimed at reducing global tensions and promoting cooperation with Western nations.
- This approach emphasized diplomacy, arms reduction, and the recognition of economic interdependence, moving away from confrontational Cold War attitudes.
- Gorbachev’s initiatives, such as significant arms control agreements and efforts to withdrawal from Afghanistan, led to a thaw in U.S.-Soviet relations and weakened the ideological barriers between the two blocs.
- The “New Thinking” also facilitated political reforms within the USSR and encouraged dissident movements in Eastern Europe, ultimately contributing to the collapse of communist regimes.
- Gorbachev was unwilling to use force to maintain control of European satellite states with pro-Soviet leaders, unlike Brezhnev
10
Q
Perestroika and Glasnost’
A
- Perestroika (“restructuring”) was Gorbachev’s campaign for economic reform to revitalize the Soviet economy through decentralization and limited market mechanisms, initiated in the 1980s.
- Glasnost’ (“openness”) aimed to increase transparency and freedom of expression, allowing for greater public discussion of political and social issues within the USSR.
- State control of media decreased after Chernobyl (1986), which most Soviets had found out about via Western media
- Both policies were intended to address economic stagnation and political oppression; however, they inadvertently fueled dissent and demands for more radical reforms, undermining faith in the Soviet system
- Glasnost allowed popular dissatisfaction and national self-determination to grow stronger, leading to the breakup of the Soviet Union
- The implementation of perestroika and glasnost’ changed the dynamics of control in the Soviet Union and significantly impacted relations with the West, fostering more constructive dialogue.
11
Q
Reykjavik Summit (Reagan & Gorbachev, Oct. 1986)
A
- The Reykjavik Summit was a crucial meeting between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev, focusing on nuclear disarmament and arms control.
- Although the summit did not result in a formal agreement, the discussions laid the groundwork for subsequent treaties, signaling a willingness to address superpower tensions.
- The summit showcased the potential for U.S.-Soviet cooperation despite the ongoing Cold War and reflected the changes brought about by Gorbachev’s reformist policies.
- It symbolized the thawing of relations that characterized the second half of the 1980s, ultimately contributing to the end of the Cold War.
12
Q
1989 Eastern European revolutions
A
- The 1989 Eastern European revolutions were a series of peaceful uprisings that led to the fall of communist regimes across the region, including notable events in Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary.
- These revolutions were fueled by a combination of economic dissatisfaction, the influence of Gorbachev’s reforms, and growing demands for political freedoms and civil rights.
- The peaceful transitions marked a significant turning point in the Cold War, effectively dismantling the Soviet sphere of influence in Eastern Europe.
- The revolutions inspired movements for democracy and reform and put immense pressure on the Soviet leadership, culminating in the eventual dissolution of the USSR.
13
Q
August 1991 coup attempt
A
- The August 1991 coup attempt was an unsuccessful effort by hardline communist leaders to seize control of the Soviet government and reverse Gorbachev’s reforms amid rising public discontent and nationalist movements.
- Gorbachev had signed a new union treaty after demands for greater autonomy from republics
- The coup ultimately failed due to mass public opposition and the decisive actions of Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who galvanized support against the coup plotters and stood on a tank to rally support against the coup
- Yeltsin became a popular hero and dissolved the Communist Party, forming the Commonwealth of Independent States soonafter
- This event marked a critical moment in Russian history, leading to increased calls for sovereignty and a shift towards more democratic governance.
14
Q
The end of the Soviet Union (Dec. 1991)
A
- The end of the Soviet Union formally occurred on December 26, 1991, following a period of economic turmoil, political unrest, and the rise of independence movements among its constituent republics.
- The dissolution signified the collapse of one of the world’s two superpowers, fundamentally altering global geopolitical dynamics and marking the end of the Cold War.
- It resulted in the establishment of 15 independent republics, most notably Russia, which faced significant challenges in transitioning from a command economy to a market-oriented system.
- The end of the Soviet Union also reshaped Russian relations with the West, leading to a period of optimism and cooperation, although subsequent developments would complicate those relationships
15
Q
Privatization and the “Oligarchs”
A
- Privatization in the 1990s involved the transfer of state-owned assets to private ownership, leading to the rise of a wealthy class known as “oligarchs” who amassed significant power and influence over the economy and politics.
- Example: Boris Berezovsky
- This rapid transition often resulted in corruption and economic disparity, creating a small elite while many Russians experienced economic hardship during the turbulent post-Soviet transition.
- The oligarchs became crucial players in the political landscape, establishing relationships with both domestic and Western powers, which influenced Russian economic policies and reform efforts.
- The backlash against the oligarchs became a tool for political leaders, including Vladimir Putin, who sought to consolidate power by reducing their influence.
