Arab Crisis - Collapse of the Soviet Union

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

Founded in 1964, the PLO became the main organization representing Palestinian nationalism and the goal of creating a Palestinian state.

Six-Day War

A brief but major war fought in June 1967 between Israel and neighboring Arab states including Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. Israel wins and takes the Sinai Peninsula

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 Kippur War

A surprise attack launched by Egypt and Syria against Israel in October 1973 during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

Camp David Accords

Peace agreements negotiated in 1978 between Egypt and Israel with U.S. mediation.

Balfour Declarations

A 1917 statement by Britain supporting the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine.

Prague Spring (1968)

A period of political reform in Czechoslovakia led by Alexander Dubček in 1968.

Reagan

U.S. president from 1981–1989 known for his strong anti-communist policies.

Glasnost

A Soviet policy introduced by Gorbachev encouraging openness, transparency, and freedom of expression.

Perestroika

A policy of economic and political restructuring introduced in the Soviet Union during the 1980s.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Leader of the Soviet Union from 1985–1991 who introduced major reforms.