Topic 3 Flashcards
The Kabul Revolution
Brezhnev saw the communist revolution in Afghanistan as a chance to get near the oil in the Middle East.
It was an overthrow of the government and Taraki (USSR ally) wanted to make Afghan socialist.
Muslims didn’t like this.
The civil war (1979) was between the government & Islamic fighters.
Taraki made Amin (head of army) prime minister.
In October 1979 Amin supporters killed Taraki.
When was the SU invasion
December 1979
When was the Kabul Revolution?
April 1978
Why did Brezhnev order an SU invasion of Afghanistan?
He didn’t trust Amin.
He was scared that the civil war would encourage surrounding countries to become an Islamic state.
Karmal (Afghani communist) said he had enough support to make a new government with SU help.
Brezhnev thought the USA wouldn’t mind.
When was Karmal president until?
1986.
But 1.5 million people died including 15,000 soldiers.
Why was the Carter Doctrine created?
Brezhnev was wrong about the USA not minding them in the Middle East. The doctrine was made in response to stop them being in the Middle East.
What were the key features of the Carter Doctrine?
Formed an alliance with China and Israel supporting the Afghani rebels.
The CIA armed the Mujahideen (soldiers of God) with weapons.
Imposed economic sanctions to stop trade with the SU.
Ended diplomatic relations with the SU.
What caused the end of SALT 2?
Carter signed it in June 1979 but refused to make it law because of the SU invasion in Afghanistan.
How did Carter prepare for a possible ‘hot war’?
Increased defence spending by 5%
He ordered the U.S. military to plan survival and winning methods for a nuclear war.
The Olympic Boycott
Carter boycotted the 1980s Moscow Olympic Games along with 60 countries.
They held the Olympic Boycott Games in Philadelphia.
In 1984 the USSR & 14 countries boycotted the LA games and made the Friendship games.
DETENTÉ DEAD
President Reagan
President from 1981
Wanted to win with no peaceful coexistence.
He thought it was their duty to fight for freedom.
What was the ‘Second Cold War’?
Used to describe the periods between 1979-1985.
What was Reagan’s vision?
He believed they must fight to win and that the SU could be forced to Disarm because of SDI.
What does SDI stand for?
Strategic Defence Initiative
Also known as Star Wars
What was SDI?
It took the arms race to a new level.
It was a ‘nuclear umbrella’ that would stop SU nuclear missiles reaching the USA; by using lasers from space.
Broke the 1967 outer space treaty.
What was the SU response to SDI?
They could no longer compete because they weren’t funding enough from consumer goods.
What was the Evil Empire speech?
Made in March 1983
The Cold War was a fight between good and evil and the USA was fighting with Gods blessing.
Don’t “ignore the facts of history and aggressive impulses of an Evil Empire.”
Who was Gorbachev?
Leader of the SU from 1985-1991
Hoped to be communisms saviour
Viewed the USAs relationship simply.
What was the Chernobyl crisis?
April 1986
Nuclear power plant in the Ukraine went critical and exploded.
Gorbachev said there was no dangerous radiation released.
It was a symbol of SU crisis.
What was Gorbachev’s ‘new thinking’?
He knew the SU economy was weaker than the USAs.
Many people had lost faith in the communist party.
Policy of ‘perestroika’ (restructuring)- economic reforms to make the economy more efficient.
‘Glasnost’ (openness)- censorship relaxed.
But he was slow to allow democratic elections in Russia.
Position of the USA in 1986
Strengths; Economy Computer/space technology Highly equipped military forces 'Leaders of the world' NATO allies
Weaknesses;
Fewer nuclear missiles than the SU
Position of the USSR in 1986
Strengths;
Warsaw Pact allies
More nuclear missiles than USA
Weaknesses; Expensive Afghanistan war Economy Old-fashioned technology Chernobyl
Geneva conference
November 1985
First time USA and SU presidents met.
Reagan was more powerful
Reagan- wanted peace
Gorby- wanted no SDI and good relationship.
They built and personal relationship but no agreements.
Reykjavik conference
October 1986
Reagan wanted to scrap ballistic missiles but Gorby said no because Reagan wouldn’t scrap SDI.
