End of Cold War + Yugoslavia (1989-1995)

Question 1

When did the Soviet Union collapse?

Answer 1

Dissolved December 31st 1991 following Gorbachev’s resignation

Question 2

Examples of economic + political stagnation USSR

Answer 2

• 1980s Soviet GNP 37% of USAs
• chronic alcoholism levels 1980s + shortages of everyday items (deep rooted socioeconomic issues)
• gerontocracy, by 1980 avg. age of Politburo member was 70

Question 3

Role of Yeltsin in USSR collapse

Answer 3

• Aug 1991 coup stopped by Yeltsin, seen as leader while Gorb on holiday (propaganda win)
• May 1990 elected leader of parl’t in USSR (charismatic, popular)

Question 4

Role of Gorbachev in collapse of Soviet Union

Answer 4

• perestroika (1986) failed to improve economy, vodka production slashed/industry + agriculture struggled
• glasnost allowed open discussion/ Gorb heavily criticised
• stuck in between hard line commies + reformers (Yeltsin)
• harsh on independence movements eg. economic blockade Lithuania 1990, Jan ‘91 troops moved into baltic states

Question 5

Role of nationalism in republics of USSR

Answer 5

• Baltic states wanted independence (14 killed Lithuania) -> declared independence ‘summer of sovereignty’ 1990
• land dispute fanned flames of nationalism Azerbaijan, Gorb 26,00 troops Baku, 130 protestors killed
• troops sent to Tblisi (Georgia) demonstration >100,000, 19 dead -> radicalised politics in support of independence

Question 6

Existing divisions cause of Yugoslavia break up

Answer 6

• artificial construction of post WW1 treaties from 1919
• WW2 300,000 serbs killed by Croatian fascists (led by Pavelic)
• religious divides: orthodox serbs, croatian catholics + large Muslim minority

Question 7

Decline of Soviet power in break up of Yugoslavia

Answer 7

• Tito Stalin split 1948 meant key area of E.Europe not dominated by USSR
  -Tito united Yugo until death 1980, ‘89 E.bloc collapsed so West less committed to supporting Yugo financially

-> unity broken + no longer common enemy in USSR

Question 8

Role of nationalism in Yugoslavia break up

Answer 8

• ‘89 wave of free elections -> Slovenia + Croatia independence Jun ‘91
• Milosevic 1989
• calls for independence led to conflict (Croatia civil war 1991) + Srebrenica massacre Jul 1995 8,000 bosnian muslims massacred
  -> NATO intervention 1995 bombed Bosnian serbs

Question 9

What is the Dayton Peace deal?

Answer 9

Fragile peace 1995 created for two separate states of Bosnian serbs and Bosniaks