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Détente

A period of relaxation of tensions during the Cold War, characterized by improved relations between the superpowers, the USA and the USSR.

SALT-1 (First Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty)

An agreement signed between the USA and the USSR to limit the number of strategic missiles, despite the continued development of new weapons.

Mutually Assured Destruction

The concept that both sides in a conflict possess enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other, leading to a situation where neither side has an incentive to initiate a conflict.

Afghanistan Invasion (1979)

The Soviet Union's military intervention in Afghanistan in 1979, which had significant consequences for the USSR, including economic strain, international condemnation, and internal unrest.

Mikhail Gorbachev

General-Secretary of the USSR from 1985, known for introducing reforms like Perestroika (restructuring the economy) and Glasnost (openness), which ultimately accelerated the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Impact of Gorbachev’s reforms

Gorbachev's reforms led to increased public criticism and hostility, contributing to his loss of control and downfall as the changes went further than intended.

Perestroika consequences

Perestroika failed to boost economic growth, resulting in price hikes, shortages, inflation, and a decline in living standards for the ordinary citizen under Gorbachev.

Views on Gorbachev's reforms

Oleg Osipov expressed discontent with the worsening situation under Gorbachev, highlighting food shortages and a longing for the past.

Political joke on glasnost and perestroika

A joke illustrating the limited improvements under Gorbachev, where dogs can bark freely but still struggle to reach their food.

Resistance to Gorbachev's reforms

Communist Party bureaucrats resisted change, accusing Gorbachev of betraying the communist vision or not going far enough, leading to conflicting demands and loss of political control.

Collapse of communism in Eastern Europe

Gorbachev's focus on Soviet Union issues allowed Eastern European leaders to implement reforms independently, leading to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and contributing to the USSR's downfall.

Nationalism's role in the USSR's collapse

Nationalism played a significant role in the USSR's disintegration as national minorities demanded independence, leading to economic and military weakening of the Soviet Union.

Coup attempt and collapse of the USSR

In August 1991, hardline Communist leaders attempted a coup to take over the USSR, but faced with strong popular opposition, the coup failed, leading to the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).