History topic 7

What were the leaders of the USSR during the Cold War era?

Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khruschev, Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov, Konstantin Chernenko, Mikhail Gorbachev.

What economic problems did the USSR face before its collapse?

The command economy was inflexible, consumer goods were scarce, and the technology was outdated compared to the USA.

What was Perestroika?

Perestroika means 'restructuring' and refers to the economic, political, and social restructuring of the USSR under Gorbachev.

What does Glasnost mean?

Glasnost means 'openness' and refers to the policy of increased transparency and freedom of expression in the USSR.

What was the significance of the Berlin Wall's fall?

The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, symbolized the end of the Cold War and the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.

Who was the leader of the USSR during its final years?

Mikhail Gorbachev.

What triggered the invasion of Afghanistan by the USSR?

The USSR invaded Afghanistan in December 1979 to support a pro-Soviet government amid fears of an Islamic revolution.

What role did Nationalism play in the collapse of the USSR?

Nationalism fueled demands for independence among non-Russian groups within the USSR, weakening central control.

Describe the 'Velvet Revolution'.

The Velvet Revolution was a peaceful transition of power in Czechoslovakia in 1989, leading to the resignation of the communist government.

What prompted Gorbachev's reforms in the USSR?

Gorbachev introduced reforms to address economic stagnation and to ease tensions in international relations.

How did the USA respond to the arms race during the Reagan presidency?

Reagan initiated a new arms race, believed the USA needed to modernize its military capabilities to counter perceived Soviet threats.

What was the main result of Gorbachev's reforms?

The reforms ultimately weakened the communist regime and contributed to the dissolution of the USSR.

What was the outcome of the August 1991 coup attempt in the USSR?

The coup failed, leading to Gorbachev's weakening position and increasing power for Boris Yeltsin.

What was the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)?

The CIS was formed by former Soviet republics to establish a post-Soviet political and economic alliance.

Discuss the impact of globalisation after the Cold War.

Globalisation led to increased interconnectedness in the economy, cultures, and technology, but also highlighted economic inequalities.

What was the primary focus of the IMF?

The IMF monitors exchange rates and provides loans to countries in debt, but requires them to adopt certain economic policies.

What characterized the 'New World Order' following the Cold War?

The USA emerged as the sole superpower, with capitalism gaining dominance over communism.

What technological advances contributed to globalisation in the late 20th century?

Advancements in telecommunications, computers, and the Internet made communication and international transactions faster and easier.

What was the reaction of civil society groups to globalisation?

Civil society groups opposed aspects of globalisation, fearing job losses and lower wages in both developing and industrialized countries.