Section 6 - Why Did the Cold War End?

Question 0

What did Reagan’s Cold War policy entail?

Answer 0

1984 the Strategic Defence initiative was launched - space based system of lasers that wud intercept Soviet missiles. SDI undermined the ‘balance of terror’.

Question 1

What are the key terms of Reagan’s Cold War policies?

Answer 1

30% of fed budget spent on military largest peacetime military build-up in US history.
Reagan doctrine affirmed US willingness to assist anti-com
- In Afghan 1987 US was providing $687 mil of aid to the Mujaheddin.
- In Nicaragua the US gave military aid to the Contra Group in bid to remove the left-wing gov
- In Grenada in 1983 the US sent troops to deal with Communist groups

Question 2

What did Reagan’s Cold War policy entail?

Answer 2

Reagan restricted trade with SU to safeguard US’s military adv. In 1981 he restricted Soviet access to US tech made to find new oil & gas reserves. In 1982 he restricted their access to oil and gas.

Question 3

What year did Gorbachev become leader of SU?

Answer 3

1985

Question 4

Give details of Gorbachev’s new thinking? (Perestroika)

Answer 4

Realised better living conditions depended on restructuring econ. Reduction of military spending central to perestroika. Argued econ revival needed big cut in military spending which required end to arms race.

Question 5

Give details of Gorbachev’s new thinking? (Glasnost)

Answer 5

Believed there was needed greater freedom of expression and openness in Soviet politics.

Question 6

Give details of Gorbachev’s new thinking? (Super power relations)

Answer 6

Wanted to pursue foreign pol based on coop instead of confrontation.
In partics wanted end to arms race

Question 7

Give details of Gorbachev’s new thinking? (Relations with Eastern Europe)

Answer 7

Indicated there would be no attempt to use military force to assert Soviet control over E Eu. Contrast to Hungary 1956 & Czechslovakia

Question 8

What were Gorbachev’s intention with the future of communism?

Answer 8

He had no desire to bring Soviet communism to an end. Reforms wer to revitalise communism by adapting in the modern world.

Question 9

What did Sixsmith argue?

Answer 9

‘Gorbachev failed to realise that Communism’s day was over’

Question 10

What was the effect of the reforms?

Answer 10

Created an appetite for further freedom & therefore greater frustration with the Soviet systems. Glasnot allowed ethnic national movements to flourish in the Soviet Republics.
Political leaders able to capitalise on growing nationalism.