SECTION V — EPILOGUE (Social Studies Study Guide 2025–26 (“From Yalta to Malta”).)

When did the Cold War officially end?

The Malta Summit (December 2-3, 1989) between George H. W. Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev is considered its symbolic end. The dissolution of the USSR on December 26, 1991, marked its official conclusion.

What factors contributed to the Cold War's end?

Gorbachev's glasnost and perestroika reforms
Eastern European revolutions (1989)
Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan
Western economic pressure and arms competition
Declining Soviet economy and nationalist movements

How did the collapse of the USSR change global politics?

It ended bipolar world order; the United States became the sole superpower and NATO expanded into Eastern Europe.

What was the purpose of perestroika?

Economic restructuring — introducing limited market reforms to revive the Soviet economy.

What was glasnost?

"Openness" — allowing freedom of speech, transparency, and criticism of government.

Why did these reforms lead to collapse instead of renewal?

They exposed deep corruption and allowed republics (like Lithuania and Ukraine) to demand independence.

When was Germany reunified?

October 3, 1990.

What conditions made reunification possible? (Germany in 1990)

Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989), Soviet withdrawal from East Germany, and agreements with NATO allowing a unified Germany within the alliance.

Why important? (Germany reunification in 1990)

Marked Europe's healing from WWII and symbolized Cold War closure.

What triggered the USSR's dissolution?

Failed August 1991 coup by hardliners, economic collapse, and independence movements among republics.

What replaced the Soviet Union?

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and independent republics like Russia, Ukraine, and the Baltic nations.

Global impact? (of replacing the Soviet Union)

Ended the communist superpower and reshaped international relations toward U.S.-led globalization.

What arms control treaty was signed in 1987?

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty — eliminated entire classes of nuclear missiles.

What happened to the INF Treaty later? (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty)

Both the U.S. and Russia withdrew in 2019, citing mutual violations.

What modern nuclear concerns remain?

Proliferation in North Korea, Iran, India, Pakistan, and Israel; modernization of arsenals; cyberwarfare risks.

What is "loose nukes" problem?

Fear that nuclear materials from the former USSR could fall into terrorist or rogue state hands after 1991.

How did the Cold War's end affect NATO?

NATO expanded eastward to include former Warsaw Pact countries (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, etc.).

What tensions arose from NATO expansion?

Russia viewed it as a threat, setting the stage for modern conflicts and renewed East-West strain.

What new kinds of warfare replaced Cold War conflict?

Cyberwarfare, information warfare, and regional proxy conflicts (e.g., Balkans, Middle East, Ukraine).

What is the main lesson of the Cold War?

Ideological rivalry and arms races can destroy stability; communication, diplomacy, and restraint prevent catastrophe.

Why does Nuclear Folly remain relevant?

It reminds policymakers that nuclear fear and human misjudgment are timeless — deterrence depends on caution, not perfection.

How has the Cold War shaped the modern world?

It left legacies in nuclear policy, global alliances, intelligence networks, and political distrust that still influence today's geopolitics.