1979-1985: Second Cold War

Question 1

Why did the USSR invade Afghanistan?

Answer 1

Afghanistan was a communist country that bordered the USSR. The USSR felt its leader, Hafizullah Amin, wasn’t a strong communist.

Question 2

How did the USSR invade Afghanistan?

Answer 2

They sent soldiers into the country in 1979. Amin was killed and replaced by Babrak Kamal, a more reliable communist. Soviet soldiers stayed to support Kamal’s communist government against rivals.

Question 3

What was the impact of Afghanistan on SALT II?

Answer 3

The USA and USSR had agreed another deal to limit the creation of nuclear weapons. The invasion meant the USA cancelled this deal.Both the USA and USSR began building more weapons.

Question 4

What was the Carter Doctrine?

Answer 4

The US president took strong action against the USSR:
 He threatened to send troops if the USSR tried to gain control of the Persian gulf
 Ended trade with the USSR (grain embargo)
 Provided assistance to the rebels who were fighting the USSR in Afghanistan - the Mujahideen

Question 5

When were the Olympic boycotts?

Answer 5

The US and other capitalist countries boycotted the Olympic games in Moscow in 1980.
The USSR and other communist countries boycotted the Olympic games in Los Angeles in 1984.