US-USSR Relations and the Collapse of the Soviet Union

Flashcards covering key events, policies, and figures related to the US-USSR relationship and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.

What action by President Carter indicated a shift away from détente with the USSR?

Carter stopped the sale of grain, signaling an end to détente.

What was the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as 'Star Wars'?

A strategic defense initiative proposed by the US involving a space-based defense system against nuclear attacks.

What was 'Perestroika' and what did it aim to achieve?

Gorbachev's economic program focused on restructuring the Soviet economy.

What was 'Glasnost' and how did it aim to change Soviet society?

Gorbachev's policy that permitted a wide range of cultural and intellectual freedoms in Soviet life.

What did Gorbachev's 'Democratization' initiative involve?

The creation of a new parliament with real powers and elections.

What was the 'Miracle Year' and what key events defined it?

1989, marked by the breach of the Berlin Wall and the emergence of new political groups in Eastern Europe.

What was 'Solidarity' and who led this movement in Poland?

Led by Lech Walesa, this labor union in Poland played a key role in resisting communist rule.

What happened to Nicolae Ceausescu in Romania?

Overthrown and executed during the Romanian Revolution.

Who was Václav Havel and what role did he play in Czechoslovakia's history?

Became the president of Czechoslovakia and oversaw its peaceful split in 1992.

What major geopolitical change occurred in 1991 regarding the USSR?

The USSR disintegrated into 15 new and independent states.

What significant event occurred in 1990 regarding Germany?

Germany was reunified, marking the end of its division after World War II.

What are some examples of the moral failures of communism?

Stalin's 'Terror' and Mao's Revolution.

How did the Sinatra Doctrine differ from the Brezhnev Doctrine?

It replaced the Brezhnev Doctrine, allowing Warsaw Pact states to determine their own internal affairs without Soviet intervention.

What were the key factors contributing to the fall of the Berlin Wall?

Increased pressure from citizens, relaxed border controls, and a shift in Soviet policy made it unsustainable.

In what ways did the rise of nationalism contribute to the dissolution of the USSR?

Nationalist movements in various Soviet republics sought independence, weakening the central government's control.

What role did economic stagnation play in the collapse of the Soviet Union?

Economic problems and lack of reforms led to widespread discontent and undermined the legitimacy of the Soviet system.

How did the Chernobyl disaster impact public opinion within the USSR?

It exposed the government's lack of transparency and fueled criticism of the Soviet regime.

What were the consequences of the failed coup attempt against Gorbachev in 1991?

It accelerated the collapse of the Soviet Union and led to the independence of several republics.

How did Pope John Paul II contribute to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe?

His visits and messages inspired people to challenge communist rule and demand greater freedoms.

What impact did the end of the Cold War have on the geopolitical landscape?

It led to the emergence of a unipolar world dominated by the United States and the spread of democracy and capitalism.

What challenges did Eastern European countries face after the fall of communism?

Economic transition, political instability, and ethnic conflicts posed significant challenges

What action by President Carter indicated a shift away from détente with the USSR?

Carter stopped the sale of grain, signaling an end to détente.

What was the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as 'Star Wars'?

A strategic defense initiative proposed by the US involving a space-based defense system against nuclear attacks.

What was 'Perestroika' and what did it aim to achieve?

Gorbachev's economic program focused on restructuring the Soviet economy.

What was 'Glasnost' and how did it aim to change Soviet society?

Gorbachev's policy that permitted a wide range of cultural and intellectual freedoms in Soviet life.

What did Gorbachev's 'Democratization' initiative involve?

The creation of a new parliament with real powers and elections.

What was the 'Miracle Year' and what key events defined it?

1989, marked by the breach of the Berlin Wall and the emergence of new political groups in Eastern Europe.

What was 'Solidarity' and who led this movement in Poland?

Led by Lech Walesa, this labor union in Poland played a key role in resisting communist rule.

What happened to Nicolae Ceausescu in Romania?

Overthrown and executed during the Romanian Revolution.

Who was Václav Havel and what role did he play in Czechoslovakia's history?

Became the president of Czechoslovakia and oversaw its peaceful split in 1992.

What major geopolitical change occurred in 1991 regarding the USSR?

The USSR disintegrated into 15 new and independent states.

What significant event occurred in 1990 regarding Germany?

Germany was reunified, marking the end of its division after World War II.

What are some examples of the moral failures of communism?

Stalin's 'Terror' and Mao's Revolution.

How did the Sinatra Doctrine differ from the Brezhnev Doctrine?

It replaced the Brezhnev Doctrine, allowing Warsaw Pact states to determine their own internal affairs without Soviet intervention.

What were the key factors contributing to the fall of the Berlin Wall?

Increased pressure from citizens, relaxed border controls, and a shift in Soviet policy made it unsustainable.

In what ways did the rise of nationalism contribute to the dissolution of the USSR?

Nationalist movements in various Soviet republics sought independence, weakening the central government's control.

What role did economic stagnation play in the collapse of the Soviet Union?

Economic problems and lack of reforms led to widespread discontent and undermined the legitimacy of the Soviet system.

How did the Chernobyl disaster impact public opinion within the USSR?

It exposed the government's lack of transparency and fueled criticism of the Soviet regime.

What were the consequences of the failed coup attempt against Gorbachev in 1991?

It accelerated the collapse of the Soviet Union and led to the independence of several republics.

How did Pope John Paul II contribute to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe?

His visits and messages inspired people to challenge communist rule and demand greater freedoms.

What impact did the end of the Cold War have on the geopolitical landscape?

It led to the emergence of a unipolar world dominated by the United States and the spread of democracy and capitalism.

What challenges did Eastern European countries face