Collapse Of Soviet Union Flashcards
What was Gorbachev’s new thinking?
Gorbachev saw the problems in the USSR clearly. He planned to revive communism through Glasnost and Perestroika. Also became more prepared to speak to the USA
What is Perestroika?
Russian for ‘reconstruction’. Used during Gorbachev’s era to describe his programme for reorganising and restructuring the Soviet state.
What is Glasnost?
Russian for ‘openness’ or ‘transparency’. Used to describe Gorbachev’s new, more open, attitude to government and foreign relations.
What actions did Gorbachev take?
Stated Soviet state/economy should be reformed, include some successful capitalism practises. More openness and less corruption in government. Brezhnev doctrine dropped. Withdraw from Afghanistan.
American response to Gorbachev?
Reagan saw a real opportunity to end the cold war. To adopt a more open approach to Soviet Union whilst keeping to his aims.
When and what was Geneva Summit?
November 1985. No formal agreement made but Reagan and Gorbachev began to develop a constructive relationship.
Reykjavik Summit
October 1986. No major decisions made – disagreements about ballistic missiles and SDI.
Washington Summit.
The first US-Soviet summit to lead to the signing of a formal treaty-the intermediate-Range Nuclear Force (INF) Treaty.
What was INF treaty?
Very significant as it reduced the number of missiles that both sides had. All missiles with a range of 500-5500 km eliminated.
Moscow Summit?
- INF treaty details resolved. Gorbachev made a speech at the United Nations announcing a reduction in Warsaw Pact troops. And Soviet forces would leave Afghanistan.
Malta Summit
- No new agreements made. Both sides saw this as the marking of the end of the Cold War.
Countries that left Soviet Union?
Poland, East Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia.
The end of the Warsaw Pact?
The events of 1989 saw communist governments coming under pressure and made the Warsaw Pact impossible to end.
When did the Warsaw Pact end?
Formally dissolved in July 1991.
Gorbachev fall from power?
He announced on 25th December 1991 his resignation immediately after the break-up of the Soviet Union
