The changes after 1985 Flashcards
Who was Gorbachev?
Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, serving from 1985 until its collapse in 1991.
What were Gorbachev’s 3 thoughts on Communism in Russia?
- Gorbachev understood that Communism in Russia faced many problems.
- The Soviet economy wasn’t nearly as efficient as the American economy. While Americans in the 1980s enjoyed an excellent standard of living, everyday life in Russia was dominated by shortages.
- Also, many of the Soviet people had lost faith in the Communist Party.
What were Gorbachev’s 3 plans for reviving Communism?
- Gorbachev’s plan for reviving Communism involved a radical programme of reform.
- Perestroika – meant reconstructing; it was about economic reforms designed to make the Soviet economy more efficient.
Glasnost – meant openness; it was the idea that censorship of the press would be relaxed. - Gorbachev assumed that his reforms would strengthen the power of the Soviet Communist Party.
What state was the US economy in during 1985?
Booming.
What state was the Soviet economy in during 1985?
Failing.
What kind of technology did America have in 1985?
Excellent computer and space technology.
What kind of technology did the USSR have in 1985?
Old-fashioned technology.
Who was America allies with in 1985?
NATO.
Who was the USSR allies with in 1985?
Warsaw Pact.
Who had more nuclear missiles in 1985, the USA or the USSR?
The USSR.
What was the USA’s international reputation in 1985?
Leaders of the free world.
What had ruined the USSR’s reputation by 1985?
The Chernobyl crisis.
What was the state of America’s military forces?
Highly equipped and conventional.
Where was money mainly being spent on for the USSR’s military forces?
An expensive war in Afghanistan.
When was the Geneva Summit?
November 1985.
What was Reagan’s aim at the Geneva Summit?
To persuade Gorbachev that he sincerely desired peace between the two superpowers.
What were Gorbachev’s 2 aims at the Geneva Summit?
- To persuade Reagan to drop his plans for SDI.
- To establish a working relationship with Reagan. He showed this by sacking the long serving Soviet foreign minister, Gromyoko and appointing Shevardnadze as his replacement prior to the summit. This signalled an end to the aggressive foreign policy that had been pursued by Gromyoko.
What were the 2 effects of the Geneva Summit?
- The two leaders were able to speak face to face and develop a personal friendship.
Reagan didn’t agree to drop SDI. - No formal agreement on arms control was reached.
When was the Rekjavik Summit?
October 1986.
What did Reagan propose at the Rekjavik Summit?
To scrap all ballistic nuclear missiles.
What were the effects of the Rekjavik summit?
Gorbachev was unwilling to agree because Reagan hadn’t agreed to drop SDI.
What was the INF Treaty?
The Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty removed all medium-range nuclear weapons from Europe.
When was the INF Treaty agreed?
In December 1987, after several meetings.
Where was the INF Treaty agreed?
Washington.