The End of the Cold War Flashcards
The Afghanistan War
K - Soviets were not used to the Guerrilla warfare of the Mujahideen.
K - Anti-Afghan protests across Russia. Criticism of Soviet Leadership
A+ It could be argued that this factor is less important because the war in Afghanistan could be seen as an act of Soviet aggression that resulted in retaliation from the US and heighted tensions in the Cold War. It resulted in events such as the US withdrawal form the Moscow Olympics and ultimately worsened the relationship between the Soviets and the US.
E - To evaluate, the defeat of the Soviets in Afghanistan was the most important reason for the end of the Cold War. Authors such as Rafael Reuveny believe that the importance of the Afghan war is neglected, the Afghan war is so significant as it starts the downfall of the Soviet Union, the worsened economy and weaker military lead to criticism of the Communist ideology. This eventually led to the introduction of Perestroika and glasnost, these policies undermined the foundation of Communism leading to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Role of Gorbachev
K - Well educated and charming, Margret Thatcher famously said “We can do business together”.
K - Agreed to the INF treaty which did away with Soviet SS-20 Missiles.
A+ It could be argued that Gorbachev was not as important because he never wanted Communism to fall. Although his passive actions helped the Americans gain a strategic advantage, his reductions to military were made to help Communism survive, other factors such as economic differences were out of Gorbachev’s control and are what ended the Cold war
E - To evaluate, the role of Gorbachev wasn’t as important as Soviet failure in Afghanistan. This is because Gorbachev’s work and motive during his time as a leader was to rebuild the Russian economy after Afghanistan, his policies of Glasnost and Perestroika undermined the foundation of Communism but without them (with a more hard-line Communist leader) Russia would have likely fallen faster and more violently. This shows that Gorbachevs role was less significant as no leader could’ve saved the USSR after the crisis caused by Afghanistan.
Role of Regan
K - Rejected the idea of MAD and started “Star Wars”
K - Concerned when spy revealed that Russia thought NATO was planning an invasion.
A+ It could be argued that the role of Regan was less important because there was no resultant increase in Soviet military expenditure once SDI was announced, this shows that the Russians weren’t concerned about SDI as it was in it’s early stages therefore making the role of Regan less significant.
E - To evaluate the role of Regan was less important than the role of Gorbachev, this is because his aggression and anti-communist stance would have concerned most prior Soviet leaders and led to an increase in tensions. Therefore it was not Regan’s harsh stance against the “Evil Empire” that caused the collapse of Communism, but Gorbachevs ability to lower tensions and co-operate with Regan and other leader which led to more trust between the leaders and eventually the collapse of Communism.
Economic Differences
K - New digital technology brought the consumer boom in the West.
K - Eastern European countries standards of living were poor. Crippled by spending in Afghanistan
A+ It could be argued that the economic differences were less important because Gorbachevs policies of glasnost and perestroika were improving living conditions and the economy in Russia, Gorbachev had the option of reducing funds for the arms race and ideas suggested through perestroika could have helped the economy too. Gorbachev was not out of options.
E - Economic differences were the least important reason for the end of the Cold War. This is because once the conflict in Afghanistan was over and the policies of Glasnost and Perestroika came into effect the issue of Russian economy would have improved. After a significant Soviet commitment in Afghanistan with 125,000 troops. Once the heavy losses stopped Russia, with good leadership could’ve got the economy back on track.
Failure of Communism in Eastern Europe.
K - In 1988 Solidarity and free elections were allowed in Poland.
K - In 1989 The Berlin Wall opened due to mass demonstrations.
A+ It could be argued that this factor was less important because the Soviets decided to drop support for Eastern European companies to benefit the USSR and try to save Communism. These boosts to the Russian economy resulted in a prolonged Cold War.
E - To evaluate, the failure of Communism in Eastern Europe was the least important factor. This is because Eastern European satellite states were never fond of Communism, controlling these countries was expensive especially considering the need for intervention during rebellions such as in Hungary. Dropping support for these countries did reduce the power and influence of the Soviet Union but, it benefitted the economy and the reputation of the Communists.
