End of the Cold War

Key Terms Flashcards

Carter Doctrine

US would use military force to defend its interests in the Persian Gulf. Deterred the Soviet Union from seeking control and an example of military pressure to secure foreign leadership.

Brezhnev Doctrine

Soviet foreign policy stating that any threat to a socialist state was a threat to the Soviet Union. Harmed Soviet form of communism internationally, reinforced communist rule and suppressed dissent.

Detente

An easing of strained relations between countries. Marked a period of reduced Cold War tensions, led to formal agreements of arms control and Europe’s security.

Fall of Berlin Wall

Paved the way for German reunification and the fall of communism.

Glasnost

Less censorship, freedom of speech, more political rights. Soviets became more aware of corruption in the government, which led to revolutions and the fall of communism.

Perestroika

Political and economic change. Caused economic challenges which made people question communism.

Gorbachev

Leader of the Soviet Union. Introduced many reform policies and contributed to the end of the Cold War.

Helsinski Accords

Agreement made to ease tensions between East and West blocs. Helped end the Cold War.

Karmal

Leader of Afghanistan. Was a puppet leader under the Soviet Union.

Kissinger

Visited China in order to ease tensions. Opened diplomatic relations between US and China.

Marxist People’s Democratic Party

In Afghanistan during Soviet rule. Used to overthrow / assassinate leaders who opposed socialism.

Mujahideen

Guerilla fighting force for Afghanistan. US supported them during the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan.

Nixon

Sporting events and animal gifts used to ease tensions. Beijing gains a seat in the UN.

Operation Cyclone

CIA mission to offer arms to the Mujahideen through Pakistan. Put pressure on Soviets and led to their defeat in Afghanistan.

Presidential Directive 59

Contained plans for carrying out an extended nuclear war. Ensured the the US would be prepared.

Prague Spring

Period of political liberation in Czechoslovakia. Loosened restrictions and inspired other countries to revolt.

Reagan Doctrine

US foreign policy to counteract international Soviet influence. US provided aid to anti-communist guerillas.

Reykjavik Summit

Intermediate range nuclear forces treaty. Eased US-Soviet relations.

Sino-American Rapproachment

US and China wanted to establish harmonious relations.

Sino-Soviet Border Clashes

Undeclared military conflicts on the border. Weakened international communist movement.

Solidarity

Used non-violence to push the government to change. Led to the fall of communism by showing it was not for the workers.

SALT and START Treaties

Negotiations and agreements to reduce and restrain ballistic missiles / nukes. Slowed production of missiles and eased tensions and saved lives.

Strategic Defense Initiative

Missile defense program proposed by US. Soviets feared this would escalate arms race, but US offered to share technology if it was achieved.

Nur Muhammad Taraki

Established People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan and ruler of Afghanistan during Soviet invasion.

Boris Yeltsin

President of Russia. Dissolved the Soviet Union and encouraged democracy.

Argentina’s Dirty War

Genral Socialist supporters disappeared. Economic instability and poverty