Section IV: Arab Crisis – Collapse of the Soviet Union

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO

An organization founded to represent Palestinians and seek an independent Palestinian state. It became a major political force in the Middle East.

Six-Day War

A 1967 war in which Israel defeated Egypt, Jordan, and Syria in six days. Israel gained significant territory from its neighbors.

Resolution 242

A United Nations resolution passed after the Six-Day War. It called for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories and recognition of all states' right to exist.

Yom Kippur War

A 1973 war launched by Egypt and Syria against Israel. It began on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur and led to later peace negotiations.

Camp David Accords

A 1978 peace agreement between Egypt and Israel negotiated by the United States. It led to the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab nation.

Balfour Declaration

A 1917 British statement supporting the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. It became an important issue in Arab-Israeli relations.

Prague Spring (1968)

A period of political reform in Czechoslovakia aimed at creating "socialism with a human face." Soviet-led forces invaded to stop the reforms.

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan was U.S. president from 1981–1989. He increased pressure on the Soviet Union and promoted anti-communist policies.

Glasnost

A policy introduced by Gorbachev that encouraged openness and freedom of expression in the Soviet Union.

Perestroika

A reform program introduced by Gorbachev to restructure the Soviet economy and government. It aimed to improve efficiency and modernize the USSR.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Mikhail Gorbachev was the Soviet leader who introduced Glasnost and Perestroika. His reforms contributed to the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union's collapse.