Fall of the soviet union- impact of nationalism

Question 1

The Soviet Union

Answer 1

It was made up of 15 different republics. Following the collapse of the USSR 15 independent states were formed, a fact that in itself implies that nationalism may of played a large role in bringing out the end of the Soviet Union.

Question 2

The removal of the Brezhnev Doctrine

Answer 2

This meant that Soviet control over Eastern Europe had been enforced by military action. Gorbachev decided that he would not uphold the right of the USSR to intervene in the affairs of other socialist countries.

Question 3

The consequences of the removal of the Brezhnev Doctrine

Answer 3

Gorbachev’s political reforms led to governments in Eastern Europe to reform in response to soviet lead, as well as increasing the pressure for change from the public. Much of this pressure from nationalist sentiments. It gave each nation a chance to decide its own future. It also posed a threat to soviet governments who wanted to resist reform as they could no longer rely on military resistance. This was shown when Hungary adopted a multi-party system and polish elections returned to a non-communist government and the USSR took no action.

Question 4

What happened in Poland?

Answer 4

Solidarity defeated the communist party in a landslide victory which ultimately led to the collapse of the communist party in Poland. The USSR did nothing to stop the events unfolding, Gorbachev seemed to approval of the poles deciding their own future. This set a message to the rest of the republics.

Question 5

What happened in Hungary?

Answer 5

Hardline leader was sacked who was there since 1956. The government was now dominated by reformers and they decided to allow other political parties to contest elections.

Question 6

What happened in East Germany

Answer 6

Gorbachev visited east Germany encouraging reform. This led to the collapse of the berlin wall which was a symbol of the cold war.

Question 7

How did the power of the Soviet Union weaken?

Answer 7

The opportunity for different nationalities to assert their independence. The relationship between Russians and national minorities within the USSR changed.

Question 8

Factors encouraging the growth of nationalism in the USSR

Answer 8

• environmental concerns
• the insecurity of local party leaders- gorbachev’s reforms led their positions of power to be insecure ]
• Culture and language- equal divide between Russians and non-Russians

Question 9

The limits of nationalism

Answer 9

• limited experience of independence
• the soviet union had allowed a degree of autonomous control
• the republics had been net gainers of soviet economic investments
• loyalty to local and tribal groupings
• the role of ethnic Russians

Question 10

How may the collapse of soviet republics mean that the fall of the soviet union may not happen?

Answer 10

There was plenty of evidence to indicate that the Soviet Union could survive without the Baltic republics and Georgia.

Question 11

The Role of Russian Nationalism

Answer 11

Ultimately, it was Russian nationalism that doomed the Soviet Union. Yeltsin wanted to use his position of power to undermine Gorbachev’s Union Treaty. To do this he encouraged Russian Nationalism as a form of undermining the Soviet Leader and Communist party. Yeltsin said, ‘take as much sovereignty as you can stomach’. The August coup of 1991 put an end to any hopes of Gorbachev’s Union Treaty and with it the Soviet Union.