3.2: Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

What were 2 causes of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

Iranian revolution, collapse of the pro-soviet government in Afghanistan

What did the Iranian revolution lead to?

The Shah being overthrown from power and being replaced by an Islamic fundamentalist government

Why was Brezhnev concerned as a result of the Iranian revolution?

Iran was next to the USSR, so he was concerned that Islamic fundamentalism could spread into the USSR and influence their Muslim population, weakening the strength of communism

What did Brezhnev want to use Afghanistan as?

A “buffer zone”

What happened to the pro-soviet government in Afghanistan?

It was overthrown

Who became the new leader of Afghanistan?

Amin

What happened to Amin’s popularity as time went on?

He grew more and more unpopular and extremist Muslim groups began to try to overthrow him, putting the USSR’s “buffer zone” at risk

What rumours did Brezhnev begin to hear about Amin?

That he was in talks with the USA about getting American support

When was the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

24th December 1979

What did the Soviet forces who invaded Afghanistan claim?

That they had been invited by Amin to help fight the extremist groups

What happened 3 days after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

Amin was assassinated- this was almost certainly by the the Soviets

Who replaced Amin?

Kamal, a supporter of the USSR

How long did Soviet forces remain in Afghanistan?

10 years- they helped to fight the opponents of Kamal in order to ensure that a pro-Soviet government remained in power

What were 4 consequences of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

The Carter Doctrine, the end of Détente, the election of Ronald Reagan, Olympic boycotts

What did the USA see the invasion as?

The USSR’s attempt to try to spread communism

What did Carter say in his doctrine?

The USA would use force, if necessary, to ensure that American interests were not threatened in the Middle East

What 2 things did the USA do to intervene in Afghanistan?

Placed economic sanctions on the USSR, sent weapons and money to the mujahideen to overthrow Kamal

Why did the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan lead to the end of Détente?

Carter ended SALT 2 negotiations, so tensions increased again

What did Ronald Reagan say in his presidential campaign?

Criticised Carter for responding to the Soviet invasion in a weak way and said that he was committed to standing up to communism

When did Reagan become president?

January 1981

What did the USA lead a boycott of?

The 1980 Moscow Olympic games

What would happen to US athletes if they travelled to Moscow?

They would have their passports taken away

How many countries supported the US boycott of the Moscow Olympics?

Over 60

What did the USSR lead a boycott of?

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games

How many communist countries joined the USSR in their boycott of the Los Angeles Olympic Games?

15