New cold War Flashcards
When did the Soviets invade Afghanistan?
Christmas Eve 1979
Who became president in 1980?
Ronald Reagan
Who were trying to overthrow the newly communist group in Afghanistan?
Muslim fundamentalists
What was the Carter Doctrine?
‘An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America and
Where had the USSR expanded to?
Angola 1975 Ethiopia 1977 Yemen 1978 Nicaragua El Salvador
Why was the US unable to intervene with USSR expansion?
Vietnam and Watergate Scandal
When did the USSR place SS-20 missiles in Eastern Europe?
1976
What missiles did the western powers site to deter the Soviets?
Cruise and Pershing missiles
What happened in Iran 1979?
The Shah of Iran ( a US backed dictator ) was overthrown by anti-American Muslim fundamentalists
How many troops did USSR invade Afghanistan with?
85,000
How was the Carter doctrine implemented?
Economic sanctions were imposed of the USSR
Grain exports vital to the Soviets from the USA were stopped
The Moscow summer Olympics were boycotted by the USA and 60 other nations.
The United States increased its military expenditure.
How many troops were engaged in conflict in Afghanistan, which couldn’t be won?
100,000
What was President Reagan described as?
‘Most idealogical post war president’.
What did Reagan describe communism?
An ‘evil empire’. He was vehemently anti-communist
What defence plan did Reagan initiate?
Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) or Star Wars. This was space based, computer controlled defence system using lasers to shoot down missiles.
