Nationalist Sentiment In USSR

Question 1

What did the ending of the Brezhnev doctrine lead to in the USSR

Answer 1

The opportunity to assert nationalist independence seemed more possible as the power of the SU weekend. In this context, the relationship between Russians and the national minorities within the USSR changed.

Question 2

Factors encouraging the growth of nationalism within the USSR

Answer 2

Environmental concerns, the insecurity of local party leaders, culture and language

Question 3

Environmental concerns

Answer 3

Soil erosion due to the diversion of rivers had ravaged large parts of Central Asia, industrial pollution was a major concern in the Baltic republics. Issue of particular interest to those in outlying parts of the SU where damage had often been greatest. Provided a focal point for local people the rally against the central govt in Moscow

Question 4

Insecurity of local party leaders

Answer 4

Brez policy of ‘trust in cadres’ left privilege and power. Built up sizeable power bases and wealth through corruption. Now Gorbachev‘s reforms threatened their cozy lifestyle. Tempting for them to lend their support to popular local concerns to maintain their position.

Question 5

Culture and language

Answer 5

1980s, 145 million Russians 141 million non-Russians. These nationalities often have a strong sense of their own identity through their native language and cultural heritage

Question 6

Nagorno-Karabakh

Answer 6

Autonomous region populated largely by Armenians. Ethnic tensions arose over the desire of the Armenians in the area to join the Armenian republic. Tensions erupted into violence 1988

Question 7

A referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh had been organised that returned a large majority for joining Armenia. Why was this a problem?

Answer 7

The referendum was unofficial and without the consent of the Soviet government.

Question 8

What did Armenia announce in November that is another indication of the growing weakness of the central Soviet government

Answer 8

Armenia announced in November that Nagorno-Karabakh was now under its control

Question 9

What is inflamed the situation, NAGORNO??

Answer 9

As violence continued, the Soviet government felt compelled to intervene and impose direct control from Moscow over the region. This outside interference merely inflamed the situation

Question 10

What did the affair clearly demonstrate in a Nagorno-Karabakh

Answer 10

The declining power of the central Soviet govt over the outlying republics

Question 11

What was the government’s decline in Power also reinforced by

Answer 11

The spread of other ethnic clashes in Georgia 1989 and Kirgizstan 1990. Also in Moldavia, and between ethnic Russians and Romanian population

Question 12

A more serious threat to the territorial integrity of the Soviet Union was posed by the growth of nationalism in

Answer 12

The Baltic republics

Question 13

What promoted a resurgence of feelings of nationalist identity in the Baltic republics

Answer 13

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania had been independent states before their incorporation into the USSR in 1939 and many viewed the SU as an occupying force. Higher levels of education than the Soviet average which helped promote an understanding of the language, culture and history. Among the more economically developed regions of the USSR.

Question 14

What was established in the Baltic republics between April and October 1988

Answer 14

Popular front were established

Question 15

Who was the lead taken by and what did they call for

Answer 15

Members of the intelligentsia who formed Sajudis. Protection for their native languages and cultural traditions. Then demanded independence from SU

Question 16

What helped give the movement in Lithuania strength and unity

Answer 16

The fact that over 75% of its population were ethnic Lithuanians

Question 17

What was the anniversary of the Nazi-Soviet Pact used for

Answer 17

Aug 1989- to stage a mass demonstration for independence. A human chain of Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanian holding haves that stretched across the three republics as a show for independence

Question 18

What happened in 1990 that was an illegal move and a direct challenge to S.U?

Answer 18

The Popular Fronts won a majority in elections to the Supreme Soviets in all 3 republics. Lithuania took lead in declaring independence from SU. March, proclaimed that Lithuania was an independent state. Others followed

Question 19

What did the Soviet govt do because it refused to acknowledge the Declaration of Independence

Answer 19

Jan 1991, comms and Red Army tried to take over 📺 tv station in Vilnius . 13 deaths. Signalled start of civil war and bloodshed. Seems likely gorb not involved and it was KGB who wanted to force gorb to be firmer. Gorb didn’t give in to pressure.

Question 20

After Vilnius, what did Gorb do?

Answer 20

Issued a statement that made it clear that calls for independence would not be prevented as long as the correct constitutional channels were taken.