Gorbachev and the End of the Cold War

Gorbachev becomes the leader of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1985.
Introduces a series of reforms while maintaining an allegiance to communist principles.
- These reforms can be characterized as an opening or a movement towards greater freedom.
- Key reforms include:
- Loosening laws regarding free speech.
- Increasing freedom of the press.
- Expanding cultural expression in Russia.

Gorbachev negotiates a nuclear arms policy with the United States aimed at reducing nuclear arsenals.
Initiates a long-term program to ultimately eliminate nuclear weapons, although this program does not reach completion during his leadership.
In connection with the Soviet involvement in conflict, he orders the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan by 1989.

Under Gorbachev, Warsaw Pact states are allowed to vote on democratic reforms, particularly in Poland and Hungary.
Aims to retain communist policies, but the outcomes lead to:
- Democratic leadership being elected in Poland and Hungary.
- These nations begin transitioning towards capitalist economies.

Gorbachev decentralizes the Soviet economy:
- Removes certain state-run programs.
- Encourages the establishment of private marketplaces.
- Private industries are allowed to compete, marking a significant movement towards capitalism.
These economic reforms occur in the mid to late 1980s and are driven by a need to improve the faltering economy and produce sufficient goods for citizens.

The pressure for reforms originates from a struggling economy in Russia.
Gorbachev is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for stabilizing Cold War relationships and shifting policies in a more peaceful direction.
Notably, the United States begins collaborative policies with Russia, particularly in space exploration.

Gorbachev visits East Berlin in 1989 amidst political unrest.
Policies and decisions made lead to significant changes, culminating in:
- The East Berlin populace rises against Soviet control and advocates for freedom.
- The eventual collapse of the Berlin Wall, which had been a physical and ideological barrier during the Cold War.
Historical Context of the Berlin Wall:
- Constructed post-World War II to divide East (communist) and West (democratic) Germany.
- West Germany, supported by the United States, became a democracy, while East Germany was aligned with the Soviet Union.
- Between 1949 and 1961, approximately 3 million East Germans escaped to the West.
- In response to mass emigration, East Germany built the Berlin Wall in 1961 to prevent further escapes.

Following Gorbachev's policies, hundreds of thousands of East Germans protest for change.
A significant event occurs on November 9, 1989, when East Germany mistakenly announces that travel restrictions are lifted, allowing citizens to cross into West Berlin.
This leads to:
- A massive gathering at border crossings where people demand to be let through.
- Eventually, border guards open the gates, allowing free movement between East and West Berlin.
- Citizens begin demolishing the Berlin Wall, symbolizing their newfound freedom.
The fall of the wall signifies the end of the Cold War division and leads to the unification of Germany in 1990.

The Berlin Wall's destruction is seen as an iconic moment, symbolizing the end of the Cold War.
Historical critiques suggest that the role of Gorbachev's policies and the actions of East Germans were much more significant than external pressures or speeches, such as Ronald Reagan's famous "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!".
The event transforms Germany, which reunifies under the Federal Republic of Germany, despite initial opposition from Britain and France due to fears of a dominant unified Germany.

During this era, figures like Francis Fukuyama emerge, suggesting the "end of history."
Fukuyama's arguments, proposed while Gorbachev implements reforms, seek to analyze the implications of these changes on global policies and ideologies.
- Schultz discusses Fukuyama, noting his background, conservative ties, and association with the Rand Corporation, a major think tank established during the Cold War.