Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and Reagan's second 'Cold War' Flashcards
Where is Afghanistan ?
In the Middle East. It bordered the Soviet Union, Pakistan, and Iran
What happened in Afghanistan 1978-80 ?
A pro-soviet government took control in Afghanistan, and received assistance from Moscow. This government was unpopular and pro-Muslim factions tried to overthrow the puppet-leader Amin. In 1979 USSR invaded Afghanistan
What was America’s reaction to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan ?
Carter claimed this was the biggest threat to world peace since the end of the Second World War. He withdrew the SALT 2 proposal and stated that the USA would rebel any threats to American interests in the Persian Gulf. This was known as the Carter Doctrine
What impact did the Afghan war have on the Soviet Union ?
The relations between the USSR and USA became more confrontational, which effectively destroyed détente. Economic sanctions were imposed on the USSR by the USA
Which Olympics did the USA boycott and why ?
1980 Moscow olympics games due to the invasion of Afghanistan. Over 60 nations supported the boycott, the Soviet Union wanted to use the olympics to promote communism to the world
Which Olympics did the Soviet Union boycott ?
Los Angeles Olympics 1984, in response to the Moscow boycott. 15 communist countries boycotted
Give 3 examples of Reagans policies towards the Soviet Union
- Persuaded congress to boost America’s spending on arms.
- He announced the ‘Reagan Doctrine’ - USA support anti-communist governments and groups.
- Strategic Defence Initiative ( STI ) - Star Wars was a scheme giving money to putting weapons in space. This violated the terms of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. It was years from being a possibility but Reagan spoke about it like it was a present reality
What was the ‘Second Cold War’ ?
The deterioration of relations between the USA and USSR after the soviet invasion of Afghanistan, which lead to an increased hostilities between the 2 nations
