Flashpoints and the end on the cold war 1979-1991

Question 1

Why was USSR interested in Afghanistan?

Answer 1

Formed buffer zone for USSR, between USSR and Iran. Iran had newly formed Islamic Fundamentalist government, and USSR saw this as a threat. To protect Soviet interests, must be pro-Soviet government in Afghanistan.

Question 2

What happened in Afghanistan 1978-1980?

Answer 2

Pro-Soviet government took control in Afghanistan, received assistance from Moscow. Government became unpopular, and pro-Muslim factions tried to overthrow the puppet-leader, Amin. In 1979 USSR invaded Afghanistan. Barbrak Karmal made president’

Question 3

What was America’s reaction to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

Answer 3

Carter claimed was biggest threat to world peace since end of WW||. Withdrew SALT 2 proposal and stated USA world repel (possibly by force) and threat to American Interests in Persian Gulf. Became known as Carter Doctrine. Imposed sanctions. No trade with USSR.

Question 4

What impact did the Afghan war have on the USSR?

Answer 4

Relations between USSR and USA became more confrontational which effectively destroyed detente. Economic sanctions imposed on USSR by USA.

Question 5

Which Olympics did the USA boycott and why?

Answer 5

1980 Moscow Olympics due to Afghanistan war. Over 60 nations supported boycott. USSR been hoping to use Olympics to promote communism to the world.

Question 6

Which Olympics did the USSR boycott and why?

Answer 6

USA’s LA Olympics, 1984 in response to Moscow Boycott. 15 communist countries stayed away. Brought end to sporting cooperation between USA and USSR that characterised détente.

Question 7

Give 3 examples of Reagan’s policies towards the USSR.

Answer 7

Persuaded congress to boost America’s spending on arms. 1982 13% more money was spent. New weapons like trident submarines were developed. Announced “Reagan Doctrine”; USA supported anti-communist governments and anti-communist groups trying to overthrow communist governments. SDI(Strategic Defence Initiative):Star Wars was a scheme giving money to putting weapons in space. Violated terms of 1967 outer space treaty. Was years from being a possibility but Reagan spoke about it like a present reality. Helped win 1980 election.

Question 8

What was the “Second Cold War”?

Answer 8

Deterioration of relations between USA and USSR after Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, led to period of increased hostilities between the 2 nations.

Question 9

What problems did the USSR face?

Answer 9

During Brezhnev era sums of money spent on developing arms to keep peace with USA. Investments in USSR’s economy was low. Low standards of living and lack of human rights, led to unrest in Satellite states (Poland). Run of short-lived leaders leading to political instability (Brezhnev died in 1982, Andropov died in 1984, Chernenko died in 1985).

Question 10

When did Gorbachev come to power and what were his policies?

Answer 10

March 1985. Soviet people unhappy and distrustful of government. Get out of Afghanistan. Slow to allow democratic elections in USSR. Tried to cover up Chernobyl disaster.

Question 11

What was Glasnost?

Answer 11

Should be more openness and less corruption in government. Would allow opposition to government and give people a better understanding of how the country was run.

Question 12

What was Perestroika?

Answer 12

Soviet state and economy should be reformed in order to include some of practises that made capitalism successful.

Question 13

What did Gorbachev do with the Brezhnev Doctrine?

Answer 13

Would be dropped. USSR no longer get involved in domestic affairs of other countries.

Question 14

What limitations on Nuclear weapons were made 1985-1989?

Answer 14

INF(Intermediate-range Nuclear Force Treaty) get rid of all 500-5500km nuclear missiles. Malta summit in 1989 was officially seen as end of cold war by both countries.

Question 15

Name 3 satellite states that moved to end Soviet control in 1989-90 after October 1989 when Gorbachev announced satilite states can go their own way. Describe how each country did this?

Answer 15

Poland: Solidarity is legalised and wins a landslide victory in Polish elections.
Hungary: Government takes down fence on border with Austria. Promises new democratic government with free elections.
Czechoslovakia: The velvet revolution overthrows the communist revolution. Anti-communist Vaclav Havel is elected president.

Question 16

What was the Berlin Wall?

Answer 16

Fortified wall-divided East Berlin from West Berlin.

Question 17

Describe the fall of the Berlin Wall?

Answer 17

East German government announced that border crossing to West Berlin would be opened in 9th November 1989. Thousands of East Berliners force their way through the border crossing. People on both sides of the wall start to pull it down. East and West Germany are formally reunited in 1990.

Question 18

What was the Warsaw Pact and why did it end?

Answer 18

Military pact between different Soviet States. As communist governments can under pressure in Eastern Europe, was impossible for Warsaw Pact to survive. Military co-operation between member states became impossible.

Question 19

When did the Warsaw Pact end?

Answer 19

July 1991

Question 20

When did Gorbachev fall from power?

Answer 20

25th December 1991

Question 21

How did gorbachev fall from power?

Answer 21

1991 communist hardliners staged coup against Gorbachev. 12 leaders of other Soviet Socialist Republics took advantage of Gorbachev’s weakness and joined together in a commonwealth of independent states. Gorbachev resigned.

Question 22

What happened in Reykjavik October 1986?

Answer 22

Regan and Gorbachev work to cut number of nuclear weapons. Gorbachev wanted an end to SDI. Regan didn’t.

Question 23

How did gorbachev find it hard to control the Soviet republics?

Answer 23

They were given more independence. However, they wanted more.