Arab Crisis - Collapse of the Soviet Union

Palestinian Liberation Organization

An organization founded in 1964 to represent the Palestinian people and seek the creation of a Palestinian state.

Six-Day War

A war fought in June 1967 between Israel and neighboring Arab states (Egypt, Jordan, and Syria). Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights

UN Resolution 242

A UN resolution passed after the Six-Day War calling for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories and recognition of every state’s right to live in peace.

Yom Kippup War

A surprise attack launched by Egypt and Syria against Israel in October 1973 during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. The war eventually led to peace negotiations.

Camp David Accords

Agreements signed in 1978 by Egypt and Israel, negotiated by Jimmy Carter. They paved the way for the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty.

Balfour Declaration

A statement issued by Britain during World War I supporting the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine.

Prague Spring

A period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia under Alexander Dubcek, ended when Warsaw Pact troops invaded in 1968

Ronald Reagan

U.S. president from 1981 to 1989 known for conservative economic policies and a hard stance against the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Glasnost

A policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev that encouraged openness, freedom of speech, and transparency in the Soviet Union.

Perestroika

Economic and political reforms introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev to restructure and modernize the Soviet economy.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991 who introduced Glasnost and Perestroika and helped end the Cold War.