Arab Crisis - Collapse of the Soviet Union

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

A political and militant organization founded in 1964 to represent the Palestinian people and seek the creation of an independent Palestinian state. It became internationally recognized as the representative of Palestinians under Yasser Arafat.

Six-Day War

A brief war fought in 1967 between Israel and neighboring Arab states including Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. Israel won quickly and gained control of territories such as the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 242

A United Nations 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. It became the basis for later Middle East peace negotiations.

Yom Kippur War

A war launched in 1973 by Egypt and Syria against Israel during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. The conflict increased Cold War tensions and led to later peace talks in the Middle East

Camp David Accords

Peace agreements negotiated in 1978 between Egypt and Israel with help from Jimmy Carter. They led to the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab country.

Balfour Declaration

A statement issued by Britain in 1917 supporting the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. It increased tensions between Jewish and Arab communities in the region.

Prague Spring

A period of political reform and greater freedom in Czechoslovakia led by Alexander Dubček. The movement was crushed when the Soviet Union invaded in 1968.

Ronald Reagan

President of the United States from 1981–1989 who took a strong anti-communist stance during the Cold War. He increased military spending and pressured the Soviet Union economically and politically.

Glasnost

A policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev that encouraged openness, freedom of speech, and less government censorship in the Soviet Union. It allowed citizens to discuss problems more freely.

Perestroika

Economic and political reforms introduced by Gorbachev to restructure the Soviet economy and make it more efficient. The reforms weakened central control and contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Leader of the Soviet Union from 1985–1991 who introduced Glasnost and Perestroika reforms. His policies helped end the Cold War but also contributed to the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.