The end of detente and the 'Second Cold War.'

Why did the US and USSR take an interest in the events in Afghanistan?

US - The USA saw a soviet-occupied Afghanistan would threaten India and Pakistan, and could help the USSR gain control of much of the West’s oil supplies. They wanted to stop this.

USSR - Didn’t want to see the collapse of a neighbouring socialist state and the growth of US influence on its borders.

Why did Afghanistan spark conflict between the US and USSR in a different way to Czechoslovakia?

Czechoslovakia was a part of the Soviet sphere of influence, whereas Afghanistan wasnt, meaning the US could attempt to build relations in Afghanistan without overstepping ideological boundaries.

The Soviet invasion of afghanistan threatened American strategic interests in a way czechoslovakia’s invasion didn’t.

Afghanistan: what happened in April 1978?

The communist PDPA (peoples Democratic party of Afghanistan) overthrows the government of Afghanistan, and Nur Muhammad Taraki becomes the country’s new leader.

During the first 18 months, the PDPA imposed a communist-style reform programme.

Thousands of members of the traditional elite - the muslims religious establishment and intellectuals - were imprisoned, tortured, or murdered.

Afghanistan: What happened in September 1979?

Hafizulla Amin, the PDPA’s deputy prime minister, overthrows Taraki, leading to further instability due to islamophobic policies.

Thousands of Afghan muslims joined the mujahedeen - a guerrilla movement that wanted to overthrow Amin.

Afghanistan: How did Amin engage with the USSR and US following his overthrowing of Taraki in April?

The Soviet military assistence programme which had begun in 1978 was increased, and Amin’s regime beame dependent on Soviet military equipment and advisers.

However, Amin didn't want to become too reliant on the USSR, and wanted to improve relations with the US.

Afghanistan: what did brezhnev fear about Islamic fundamentalism?

Brezhenev feared the growing power of islamic fundamentalism, and wanted to show the 30 million muslims in the USSR there would be no changes to the way it was run.

Afghanistan: describe the invasion.

50,000 Soviet troops sent to Afghanistan to prop the PDPA and deal with the mujahadeen between 25 December 1979 and 1 January 1980.

On 27 December 1979, Amin was shot and replaced by Babrak Kamal, who had been an exile in Moscow. Kamal’s position as had of Afghanistan's government was heavily reliant on sviet military support.

Many Afghan soldiers deserted to join the mujahadeen and the Karmal government then required 85,000 Soviet soldiers to retain power.

What did Carter do in january 1980?

He outlined the carter doctrine, stating Soviet interference in the Middle East would be seen as an attack against US interests.

Who were the mujahadeen?

A Muslim resistance group who emerged following the PDPA’s prosecution of muslim’s.

These rebels were backed the USA following the Soviet invasion Afghanistan.

Who were the key political leaders in Afghanistan?

Nur Muhammad Taraki - leader of Afghanistan following the 1978 communist revolution.

Hafizullah Amin - overthrew Taraki and seized power - dependent on USSR but sought closer links with the USA.

Babrak Karmal - when the USSR killed Amin, they replaced him with Karmal, a ‘soviet puppet’ entirely dependent on their support.

What the consequences of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

• Restarted the cold, leading to ‘the second war,’ ended detente

• Reagan elected to be tougher than carter

• Afghanistan lost over 1m people, mainly civilians

• Over 5m Afghan refugees fled out of fear

• US began supplying groups such as he mujhadeen with money. This contributed to a rise islamic fundamentalism.

• Cost for the USSR were huger - over 2bn a year on military affairs.

Consequence of Soviet Afghanistan: what was the carter doctrine?

Stated the US would use military force if necessary to defend its national interests in the Persian gulf.

It also promised to give US military aid to all countries bordering Afghanistan.

To carry out this policy, Carter proposed a quick-strike military force that could intervene anywhere in the world at short notice, called the Rapid Deployment Force.

He also called for a draft registration of 18-20 year olds and for Congress to allow the CIA to increase its intelligence gathering activities.

Was a consequence as Carter was committed to establishing a tougher approach to the USSR and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan presented an opportunity to do so.

Consequence of Soviet Afghanistan: what was the US boycott? (1980)

Due to increased tensions between the superpowers, Carter pressured the United States Olympic committee (USOC) to boycott the 1980 Olympic games in Moscow.

Involved withholding funding and reducing tax benefits.

The USOC agreed, and 61 other countriesfollowed the USAs lead.

The boycotters hosted the ‘Liberty Bell Classic,’ an alternative to the olympics.

This is a consequence of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan as it showed how tensions greatly increased as a result of Afghanistan, leading to Carter making a bold move, showing direct opposition to the USSR.

Describe how the 190 Olympic boycotts affected the USSR?

Boxers and wrestlers sent by Afghanistan’s pro-soviet authorities were held up as heroes by the Soviet media, which reported they had defied threats of physical harm to compete.

However, some Afghan athletes opposed to communism defected (changed sides) to Pakistan instead.

Without US rivalry, Soviet athletes were head and shoulders above the rest, finishing with 195 medals, more than any country at any Olympic games before or since.

East Germany finished with 126, a vaust haul for a country of barley 16m people. (After the Berlin Wall's fall, their large scale doping programme was revealed)

Describe the 1984 Olympic Boycotts.

Were held in LA.

The USSR announced its own boycott, claiming its athletes weren't safe from protests and possible physical attacks.

Despite the Soviet statement, it was obvious the Soviet boycott was a response to the US boycotts.

Months before the 1984 games, the Soviet government issued a statement saying ‘the American administration’ was ‘using the games for its own political aims.’

Reagan responded by declaring the boycott was ‘a blatant political decision for which there was no real justification.’

1984 Olympic boycotts: what happened following the USSR’s statement declaring their boycott?

13 other communist nations issued similar statements and refused to attend the games.

Without competition from the USSR, East Germany and other communist nations, the US won 83 gold medals.

What was Reagan’s defence policy?

Reagan announced the US defence programme between 1981 and 1987 would cost over $1tr. The programme included:

• 100 MX missiles

• The strengthening of military communicative systems

• The development of the neutron bomb (killed people but did little damage to property.)

For example, as a result of the development of Soviet SS20 missiles in the USSR, the USA placed cruise missiles (which couldn't be detected by radar) in western Europe)

What is the impact of Reagan’s defence policy?

There was a view that Reagan and his advisers felt they could win a limited nuclear war against the USSR using a strategy known an NUTS. (Nuclear utilization target selection.)

It involved directing weapons at the opponents warheads, rather than their cities, to destroy their nuclear weapons capabilities.

Tensions began to rise as both superpowers had accepted MAD (the mutually assured destruction theory) which was the belief that nuclear weapons made each side more secure and less likely to attack.

The enemy wouldn't strike back, as before its first bombs landed, the other would strike back.

Why would the NUTS stategy worry the USSR? (/The ‘zero’ option.)

Reagan was prepared to discuss arms limitation, but he new he was approaching talks from a position of strength, due to the economic crisis in the USSR.

In Nov, 1981, Reagan proposed the ‘zero option’ where the USA would cancel the deployment of new US intermediate range missiles in western Europe in turn for Soviet dismantling of comparable forces (600 SS20 intermediate range missiles.)

How did the USSR respond to the zero option proposed by Reagan in November 1981?

Brezhnev rejected it.

Some historians believe Reagan knew Brezhnev would reject it, meaning the USA could place a greater number of missiles in Europe.

What occured in may 1982?

Strategic arms reduction talks (START) begin, aiming to place limits on the number of warheads held by each side.

However, Soviet delegation walked out of the talks in 1983, and Reagan announced the strategic defence initiative (SDI).

What happened in June 1982?

In a speech to the British house of commons, Reagan called the USSR and ‘evil empire.’

Later in the year, USSR leader Andropov called the US ‘insane’ and a ‘liar.’ Moscow also compared Reagan to hitler.

What happened in March 1983?

Reagan announced the strategic defence initiative, a plan for a space based laser anti-missile system that could provide a protective shield for any nuclear attack against the USSR.

Why did the USSR view the SDI as a major threat?

The Soviet economy was already experiencing problems and renewed arms spending might destroy it completely.

Part of Reagans plan was that the USSR would try to compete, and in doing so, its economy would collapse.

What were the realistic outcomes of the SDI for the US?

The Soviet would launch a similar programme to maintain the balance of power between the USSR and US, damaging its dwindling economy greatly.

The Soviet Union decides against launching a similar programme due to astronomical costs, the US appear superior, and able to invest more freely. The USSR appear financially weaker in comparison.

The USSR cannot launch a similar programme as it lacks the technological capability. The USSR no longer have the equipment to compete, and the US appear superior.

What and when was the Geneva conference?

1985 - between gorbachev and reagan.

Reagan wouldn’t give up his commitment to SDI

At the end of the discussion, both leaders spoke of the world being a ‘safer place’

The Geneva accord was set out, which committed the 2 countries to:

• Speed up arms talks

• Work towards the abolition of chemical weapons

• Be more active on issues of human rights

What and when was the Reykjavik Conference?

1986 - between Reagan and Gorbachev

Both leaders agreed to major reductions in nuclear weapons.

However, the meeting failed because they couldn't agree on the US strategic defence initiative (SDI - a space-based missile defense system).

Reagan insisted on continuing the programme, which sparked disagreement. The meeting ‘collapsed.’

After the conference, Gorbachev painted a bleak picture of US-Soviet relationships leading up to the summit, and that the talks had broken down over fundamental differences between superpowers.

What and when was the intermedate-range nuclear (INF) forces treaty?

1987

A breakthrough was achieved when the agreement of the INF.

Gorbachev had refused to sign an arms treaty with Reagan at Reykjavic.

Reagan was still committed to SDI in 1987, but Gorbachev changed his mind for several reasons:

• He was convinced nuclear weapons wouldn't guarantee Soviet security and were too expensive.

• Reagan convinced Gorbachev that the USA didn't intend to invade the USSR

• Disarmament would win him popularity with the West.

What happened after Gorbachev signed the intermediate range nuclear forces treaty (INF) with Reagan in 1897?

The treaty eliminated different types f missiles, eg cruise missiles with ranges of 500 and 5,500kms

By the treaty’s deadline, 1 June 1991, over 2900 such weapons had been destroyed.

Under the treaty, both nations were allowed to inspect each other's military instillations.

What was Gorbachev’s ‘new thinking?

His new form of communism, where he wanted to strengthen the USSR by reforming it.

It meant ideology would play a much smaller role in foreign affairs, meaning the USSR would no longer favour trade with communist countries.

This included perestroika and glasnost.

What is perestroika?

The restructuring of the USSR’s political and economic system, aiming to tackle corruption, social unrest, and the stagnant economy. (Made the economy slightly more capitalist).

For example, elections began to take place, initially for roles within local government.

What is glasnost?

GLASnost - glass - openness / transparency.

Was a commitment from Gorbachev where people would discuss their views openly and propaganda and censorship would come to an end.

For example, certain books / films previously banned were now allowed.

Consequences of Gorbachev’s new thinking: how was Gorbachev viewed as a worldwide hero?

There was a phenomenon known as ‘Gorbymania.’ Thousands wrote letters to him, praising his leadership, and he was named Time Magazine’s ‘Man of the Year.’

Was a consequence of his new thinking as gorbachev’s reforms were seen as a chance to move on from a difficult period of world history.

Consequences of Gorbachev’s new thinking: what was the collapse of communism in eastern Europe?

By the end of the decade, East Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania and czechoslovakia had made major steps to move away from single-party communist rule.

A consequence as the Brezhnev doctrine was abandoned and the USSR would no longer intervene to preserve communism elsewhere.

How did gorbachev contribute to the collapse of communism in eastern Europe?

He withdrew Soviet forces from bases in eastern European countries, as it was too expensive.

He encouraged other countries in he Soviet sphere of influence to adopt glasnost and perestroika.

He rejected the Brezhnev doctrine in 1988, aying the USSR wouldn't interfere in other countries’ politics.

Gorbachev replaced the Brezhnev doctrine with the sinatra doctrine.

What is the Sinatra doctrine?

Where Brezhnev accepted that members of the Warsaw pact could make changes to their own countries without expecting outside interference.

How did communism fall in East Germany?

Oct. 1989

Gorbachev tells east Germany that Soviet troops wont put down east Germany demonstrations.

300,000 people protest in Leipzig

Nov. - The Berlin wall is opened

Oct. 1990 - Germany reunified into one country.

How did communism fall in Yugoslavia?

Yugoslavia wasn’t in the Soviet sphere of influence, but its fall in communism occured at a similar time.

The death of Tito in 1980 sparked a decade of increasing protests.

The central government gradually lost control, and there was increasing tension between different regions within Yugoslavia.

These states began to declare their independence in 1991, sparking a brutal war.

How did communism fall in czechoslovakia?

Nov. 1989 - huge demonstrations against communism began. The communist government eventually resigns.

Dec. 1989 - Democratic elections won by covic forum - an alliance of anti-communist groups.

How did communism fall in Poland?

1988 - strikes throughout the country

1989 - the rise of Solidarity; the movement began not as a political party, but as an independent trade union. Eventually wins election.

Mazowiecki becomes first non-communist prime minister in eastern Europe.

How did communism fall in Romania?

Dec. 1989 - secret police fire on demonstrations. Huge crowd in Bucharest boos president, who flees but is later captured. Army joins the rebellion to fight the secret police, hundreds killed. PM shot and killed.

1990 - Democratic elections won by national salvation front, containing many ex-communists.

How did communism fall in Bulgaria?

Democratic elections won by renamed communist party.

How did communism fall in Hungary?

1988: Gorbachev acceps that Hungary can become a multi-party state. Hungary opens it border with austria.

1990: Democratic elections won by democratic forum, an alliance of anti-communist groups.

Describe the events leading up to the fall of the Berlin wall.

Demonstrations occured in east Germany in 1989 and there were calls for changes to the system of government.

Gorbachev visited east Germany in october 1989 and informed political leaders the USSR would not be involved in its internal affairs.

On the 4th November 1989, the largest demonstration in east Germany’s history occured , with over 1m people demanding democracy and free elections.

There was a mass movement of east German citizens through Hungary to West Germany after democratic elections were announced in Hungary.

Describe the fall of the Berlin wall.

There was a mass movement of east German citizens through Hungary to West Germany after democratic elections were announced in Hungary.

The German government was forced to announce greater freedom of travel for east German citizens.

These measure included the opening of border crossings into West Germany on Nov. 9

People began dismantling the Berlin wall. Wthin a few days, over 1m people per day had gone to the west.

The east and west were formally reunited on Oct 3, 1990.

How was Gorbachev viewed by the Soviet people?

While most were in favour of his ‘new thinking,’ there was a mistrust of the Soviet leadership, and many blamed communism for their daily struggles.

Gorbachev’s continued commitment to communism was unpopular, and greater freedom meant he was harshly criticised.

How was Gorbachev viewed by those within his party?

His policies were treated with suspicion and criticism.

Leading members of the communist party believed perestroika and glasnost weakend communism.

On August 19 1991, senior government officials organized a coup which removed Gorbachev from power.

How was Gorbachev viewed internationally?

He was widely respected for his willingness to reform and that his policies had encouraged eastern europe’s break up.

He was awarded the nobel peace prize in 1990.

How did the war in afghanistan contribute to the collapse of the Warsaw pact?

USSR military strength was called into question in Afghanistan, and its weak economy meant it could no longer support the warsaw pact.

The collapse of the USSR: what was the coup?

A group of leading communist officials known as the ‘gang of eight’ organized a coup which removed Gorbachev from power.

The new government declared a state of emergency and removed perestroika and glasnost.

However, the mew government only lasted 3 days.

Yeltsin, the chair of the russian supreme Soviet played a crucial role in overthrowing the government, calling on the people of Moscow to resist this regime.

The collapse of the USSR: what happened after the coup?

On August 21, Gorbachev returned to Moscow and resumed position as leader.

However, the coup had damaged his popularity and made Yeltsin a popular hero.

Gorbachev's final attempt to save the USSR was the introduction of a new constitution, which would give Soviet republics such as Latvia and Ukraine greater independence.

The collapse of the USSR: How did Leaders of soviet republics react to Gorbachev’s propositon of a new constitution?

They wanted full independence and never accepted the new constitution.

The countries saw how satellite states in eastern europe were able to easily break away from Moscow and wanted to do the same.

How did eastern europe’s rejection of communism contribute to the collapse of the USSR?

Poland, Hungary, and wast Germany all rejected communism, meaning the Warsaw pact no longer served any purpose.

There were fears that the country was about to disintegrate and Gorbachev found that he was opposed by most sections of Soviet society.

As a result, Gorbachev officially announced dissolution of the Soviet Union and his resignation on 25 December 1991, and the Soviet union split into several different states.

How did the cold war finally end?

George Bush declared at the Malta summit between him and Gorbachev in 1989 that the cold war was over.

However, communism was still undefeated, and the Russian coup of August 1991 which overthrew Gorbachev could've revived rivalry with the rest.

Therefore, it was fall of the Soviet Union in December 1991 that finally ended rivalry between communism in the east and capitalism in the West.