Seocnd cold war Flashcards
(22 cards)
What did the Chernobyl disaster reveal about the USSR?
The failures of Soviet bureaucracy, lack of transparency, and the weakness of the state.
How did Reagan portray the USSR in his early presidency?
As an omnipotent global threat and the “evil empire.”
What was Reagan’s military policy during his first term?
A significant military build-up, including nuclear capabilities and conventional forces, aimed at achieving strength through deterrence.
Which rebel groups did Reagan support during the Second Cold War?
Groups like the Contras in Latin America, often associated with human rights violations.
How did Reagan reframe the Cold War ideologically?
As a moral and religious battle, reviving Christian and anti-communist rhetoric.
What was the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as Star Wars?
A proposed space-based missile defense system to end reliance on mutually assured destruction (MAD).
What was the Nuclear Freeze Movement?
A grassroots movement, especially among youth, opposing nuclear escalation and U.S. deployment of nuclear weapons in Europe.
What did critics say about the global conflict in the early 1980s?
: That it was exacerbated by aggressive U.S. foreign policy decisions.
What was Able Archer 83?
A NATO military exercise that simulated nuclear escalation, perceived by the USSR as preparation for a real strike.
Why was Able Archer considered one of the most dangerous Cold War moments?
The USSR mistook it for a possible preemptive nuclear strike and began preparing for war.
What was Reagan’s reaction upon learning about the Soviet fear during Able Archer? He was horrified and began rethinking his aggressive posture.
He was horrified and began rethinking his aggressive posture.
What was SIOP, and how did it affect Reagan?
The Single Integrated Operational Plan: the U.S. nuclear strike plan, which showed full-scale destruction. It shocked Reagan and influenced his later push for peace.
How did Reagan’s foreign policy shift in his second term?
He began promoting diplomacy and saw the U.S. as a force for peace, leading to more dialogue with the USSR.
Why did Gorbachev believe the USSR needed reform?
The system was economically stagnant and globally discredited; reform was needed for survival.
How was Gorbachev different from earlier Soviet leaders?
He rose during the Brezhnev era and didn’t experience Stalinist repression directly; he was more reform-minded.
: What geopolitical fear motivated Gorbachev’s urgency for reform?
If the USSR collapsed, China would become the new leader of the socialist world.
What was Glasnost?
A policy of openness, encouraging more transparency in government and free expression among citizens.
What was Perestroika?
A restructuring policy aiming to reduce bureaucracy and introduce some market-like reforms.
What caused the Reykjavik Summit to fail?
Disagreement over the Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars); Gorbachev wanted it scrapped, Reagan refused.
What was Gorbachev’s goal at Reykjavik?
To stop the SDI, reduce military spending, and redirect resources to fix the Soviet economy.
How did Gorbachev try to appeal to Reagan at Reykjavik?
By appealing to Reagan’s idealism and shared interest in disarmament
What was the outcome of the Reykjavik Summit?
No formal agreement, but it laid groundwork for future arms reduction (INF Treaty in 1987).
