USSR Control and The First Gulf War Vocabulary Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the collapse of the USSR, the Solidarity movement in Poland, and the causes and reactions to the First Gulf War.

Mikhail Gorbachev

The Soviet leader who introduced glasnost and perestroika in 1985 to rescue the collapsing Soviet system.

Glasnost

The policy of 'openness' and freedom that reduced censorship and allowed for criticism of the government and true history.

Perestroika

The policy of economic 'restructuring' that allowed for private businesses, foreign brands like McDonald's, and independent factory profits.

1991

The year the Soviet Union officially collapsed after people used new freedoms to demand total independence.

Solidarity (Solidarność)

The first independent and self-governing trade union in the Soviet bloc, which began as labor strikes at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk in 1980.

Anna Walentynowicz

The activist whose firing helped trigger the series of labor strikes at the Lenin Shipyard.

Lech Wałęsa

The shipyard electrician who led the Solidarity movement strikes across Poland.

Gdańsk Agreement

The historic deal signed on August 31, 1980, that officially recognized Solidarity as an independent trade union.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

The Polish General who declared martial law in December 1981 to crush the Solidarity movement.

Afghanistan War

The ongoing conflict that discouraged the Soviet Union from directly invading Poland to stop Solidarity due to high economic and political costs.

Saddam Hussein

The Iraqi leader who invaded Kuwait in August 1990 to address massive debts and claim territorial rights.

Operation Desert Shield

U.S. President George H.W. Bush's initiative to send thousands of American troops to protect the Saudi Arabian border from Iraqi invasion.

Ultimatum

A final demand from the international community, such as the UN demands for Iraqi disarmament and withdrawal from Kuwait.

RSVP (Aviation Joke)

A famous joke used by Allied pilots meaning 'Republic of Singapore Vacation Plan,' referring to a backup escape plan if shot down.

Etta Hulme

The cartoonist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram who depicted Saddam Hussein's arrogant attitude toward international ultimatums.

Operation Desert Storm

The military chapter following the failure of peaceful negotiations, referred to by the phrase 'To be continued' in 1990 political cartoons.