Why Did The Cold War End? Topic 3

They limited the possibility of further conflict between the superpowers.

1967

Stopped the arms race spreading to outer space by either superpower.

1968

Neither superpower would supply nuclear weapons to other states or help other states to develop nuclear weapons. This stopped superpower

Imposed limits on the nuclear capability of Russia and the USA.

SALT 1 was intended to be a temporary agreement leading to a more comprehensive treaty.

-The USA and USSR agreed that there would be no further production of strategic ballistic missiles (short-range, lightweight missiles).

-The ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) Treaty was agreed. If developed, ABMs could shoot down incoming nuclear missiles. If one side achieved this first it would effectively give them a dangerous edge in the arms race. Both sides were limited to two ABM systems each.

Leonid Brezhnev and Richard Nixon

It was the first agreement between superpowers that successfully limited the number of nuclear weapons they held.

It also showed that detente had created an environment in which the two sides could cooperate on important issues.

In consequence to SALT 1 only meaning to be a temporary treaty negotiations for SALT 2 began in 1972 .

-The West German government was worried that further arms reductions would leave their territory undefended

- Right-wing American Congressmen thought hat detente had gone too far and were reluctant to agree to further compromises with the Soviet Union.

Both sides agreed to reduce their stocks of nuclear warheads to 2250.

A joint space mission was launched in which an American Apollo space craft and a Russian spacecraft docked high above the earth. The 1960s had been dominated by an extremely competitive space race to the moon, but this marked the beginning of the superpower co-operation in space.

1975

The Helsinki Conference had representatives from 35 countries. They came from all of Europe, except Andorra and Albania. There were also representatives from the USSR, the USA and Canada. They discussed an agreement that had taken two years to draft. The terms of the agreement applied to everyone. There were there were three main issues: security, cooperation and human rights.

-All country boundaries accepted (East G and West G accept for 1st time

-All disputed were to be settled peacefully (If necessary through the UN), not by the use of force.

-No country would interfere in the internal affairs of another country

-Countries could inform each other about any big military manoeuvres and would accept representatives from other countries to observe them.

-economic co-operation through trade (so the USA would buy oil from the

USSR, whilst the USSR would buy wheat from the USA)

-industrial co-operation through setting the same standards and running

joint industrial projects

-Scientific co-operation through sharing information and research (for exampleTm medicme or space research) educational co-operation (for example, learning languages, student exchanges).

Countries should respect human rights, including:

• freedom of speech

• freedom of movement

• freedom of religion

• freedom of information.

The Helsinki Agreements stabilised the situation in Europe by agreeing greater co-operation between the superpowers and their European allies in terms of trade and fighting international terrorism. This limited the possibility of superpower conflict by creating a stable relationship between the USSR and America in Europe.

Even detente could not stop superpower competition over the developing world.

Even detente could not stop superpower competition over the developing world.

Soviet leader Brezina saw the communist revolution in Afghanistan as an opportunity to extend his power into the oil rich Middle East.

Even detente could not stop superpower competition over the developing world.

Soviet leader Brezina saw the communist revolution in Afghanistan as an opportunity to extend his power into the oil rich Middle East.

The Kabul Revolution of April 1978 witnessed the dramatic overthrow of the government. The new government, based in

the Afghan capital of Kabul, was determined 'to build socialism in Afghanistan'. The new communist president, Mohammed Taraki, quickly became an ally of the USSR.

Even detente could not stop superpower competition over the developing world.

Soviet leader Brezina saw the communist revolution in Afghanistan as an opportunity to extend his power into the oil rich Middle East.

The Kabul Revolution of April 1978 witnessed the dramatic overthrow of the government. The new government, based in

the Afghan capital of Kabul, was determined 'to build socialism in Afghanistan'. The new communist president, Mohammed Taraki, quickly became an ally of the USSR.

It suffered

from personal rivalries and disagreements. Moreover, many Muslim leaders across reforms the government introduced.

Even detente could not stop superpower competition over the developing world.

Soviet leader Brezina saw the communist revolution in Afghanistan as an opportunity to extend his power into the oil rich Middle East.

The Kabul Revolution of April 1978 witnessed the dramatic overthrow of the government. The new government, based in

the Afghan capital of Kabul, was determined 'to build socialism in Afghanistan'. The new communist president, Mohammed Taraki, quickly became an ally of the USSR.

It suffered

from personal rivalries and disagreements. Moreover, many Muslim leaders across reforms the government introduced.

By

the spring of 1979 this anger had caused a civil war to break out across the country

between government and Islamic fighters.

Even detente could not stop superpower competition over the developing world.

Soviet leader Brezina saw the communist revolution in Afghanistan as an opportunity to extend his power into the oil rich Middle East.

The Kabul Revolution of April 1978 witnessed the dramatic overthrow of the government. The new government, based in

the Afghan capital of Kabul, was determined 'to build socialism in Afghanistan'. The new communist president, Mohammed Taraki, quickly became an ally of the USSR.

It suffered

from personal rivalries and disagreements. Moreover, many Muslim leaders across reforms the government introduced.

By

the spring of 1979 this anger had caused a civil war to break out across the country

between government and Islamic fighters.

President Taraki was forced to accept

Hafizullah Amin, the head of the army, as prime minister. But the two men

became bitter rivals. In October 1979, Amin supporters assassinated Taraki and Amin claimed presidency of the country.

Even detente could not stop superpower competition over the developing world.

Soviet leader Brezina saw the communist revolution in Afghanistan as an opportunity to extend his power into the oil rich Middle East.

The Kabul Revolution of April 1978 witnessed the dramatic overthrow of the government. The new government, based in

the Afghan capital of Kabul, was determined 'to build socialism in Afghanistan'. The new communist president, Mohammed Taraki, quickly became an ally of the USSR.

It suffered

from personal rivalries and disagreements. Moreover, many Muslim leaders across reforms the government introduced.

By

the spring of 1979 this anger had caused a civil war to break out across the country

between government and Islamic fighters.

President Taraki was forced to accept

Hafizullah Amin, the head of the army, as prime minister. But the two men

became bitter rivals. In October 1979, Amin supporters assassinated Taraki and Amin claimed presidency of the country.

Brezhnev never ordered the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Even detente could not stop superpower competition over the developing world.

Soviet leader Brezina saw the communist revolution in Afghanistan as an opportunity to extend his power into the oil rich Middle East.

The Kabul Revolution of April 1978 witnessed the dramatic overthrow of the government. The new government, based in

the Afghan capital of Kabul, was determined 'to build socialism in Afghanistan'. The new communist president, Mohammed Taraki, quickly became an ally of the USSR.

It suffered

from personal rivalries and disagreements. Moreover, many Muslim leaders across reforms the government introduced.

By

the spring of 1979 this anger had caused a civil war to break out across the country

between government and Islamic fighters.

President Taraki was forced to accept

Hafizullah Amin, the head of the army, as prime minister. But the two men

became bitter rivals. In October 1979, Amin supporters assassinated Taraki and Amin claimed presidency of the country.

Brezhnev never ordered the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Although Amin was a communist. the USSR did not tmst him. The Soviet secret

police reported that he was an American spy He was also unpopular with a large number of Muslims in the country and Brezhnev feared that Muslim groups were

planning to take control of the country.

The USSR was concerned that, as a result of the civil war, Afghanistan would become an Islamic state and influence nearby Soviet republics to do the same. The Islamic states were not communist and therefore any countries that became Islamic would

have no reason to make alliances with Russia.

• Babrak Karmal. an Afghani communist, argued that he had enough popular support

to form a new government but needed Soviet help to defeat Amin's military

• Brezhnev believed that America would tolerate the invasion, as it had done in

Czechoslovakia following the 'Prague Spring' to avoid war.

Soviet troops killed Amin along with many of his supporters, and Karmal was declared

president (a post he retained until 1986). Yet the invasion proved to be a disaster both

for Afghanistan and the Soviet Union. It lasted ten years and around 1.5 million people

died, including almost 15,000 Russian soldiers.

Brezhnev's invasion was a severe miscalculation.

The American president, Jimmy Carter, was appalled at the Soviet aggression. Consequently,

he made a statement that became known as the

Carter Doctrine.

Essentially, he argued that the

USA would not allow the USSR to gain control of territory in the oil-rich Middle East. He also

immediately took a number of steps to try to remove Soviet troops from Afghanistan.

Essentially, he argued that the

USA would not allow the USSR to gain control of territory in the oil-rich Middle East. He also

immediately took a number of steps to try to remove Soviet troops from Afghanistan.

1 He formed an alliance with China and Israel to support Afghan rebels, who were opposed to

the Soviet invasion and the Afghan communist

government. America's Central Intelligence

Agency (CIA) provided weapons and funds for

the Mujahideen - an Islamic organisation which was fighting to free Afghanistan from Soviet

control.

2 He imposed economic sanctions (restrictions), stopping virtually all trade with the Soviet Union.

3 He ended diplomatic relations with the Soviet

Union.

Carter had signed the SALT 2 treaty in June 1979.

However, in response to the Soviet invasion of

Afghanistan the US Senate refused to ratify the

treaty and therefore it never became law.

D

D

Increased defence spending.

At the same time Carter increased US defence spending by 5 per cent. In addition Carter ordered

the US military to come up with plans for surviving and winning a nuclear war with the Soviet Union.

These measures indicated that he was taking a more hard-line approach to superpower relations.

Additionally, Carter led a boycott of the 1980

Moscow Olympic Games. Around sixty countries,

including China, Malawi, West Germany and

Zaire, followed the American lead and refused to attend the games in protest at the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The American government set up an alternative Olympics, called the Olympic

Boycott Games, which was held in Philadelphia.

The American press ridiculed the official Olympic

Games and nicknamed Misha Bear, Russia's

Olympic mascot, Gulag Bear - a reference to Soviet

prison camps, which were known as gulags.

The American press ridiculed the official Olympic

Games and nicknamed Misha Bear, Russia's

Olympic mascot, Gulag Bear - a reference to Soviet

prison camps, which were known as gulags.

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games was also

highly political. In retaliation for the 1980 boycott,

the USSR and 14 communist countries refused to attend the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The USSR organised the Friendship Games as a communist altemative.

The 'Second Cold War' is a phrase used to describe

the period between 1979 and 1985, which marked a new low in superpower relations. As in the late

1950s and early 1960s, the public was extremely concerned about the possibility of nuclear war.

This anxiety was reflected in popular culture,

particularly in television shows such as the

American TV movie The Day After (1983) and the

British TV drama Threads (1984).

The 'Second Cold War' is a phrase used to describe

the period between 1979 and 1985, which marked a new low in superpower relations. As in the late

1950s and early 1960s, the public was extremely concerned about the possibility of nuclear war.

This anxiety was reflected in popular culture,

particularly in television shows such as the

American TV movie The Day After (1983) and the

British TV drama Threads (1984).

1981

The 'Second Cold War' is a phrase used to describe

the period between 1979 and 1985, which marked a new low in superpower relations. As in the late

1950s and early 1960s, the public was extremely concerned about the possibility of nuclear war.

This anxiety was reflected in popular culture,

particularly in television shows such as the

American TV movie The Day After (1983) and the

British TV drama Threads (1984).

1981

Reagan in no way had any intention of putting back together detente he believed it was time for America to start fighting again. Reagan wanted to win the Cold War.

The 'Second Cold War' is a phrase used to describe

the period between 1979 and 1985, which marked a new low in superpower relations. As in the late

1950s and early 1960s, the public was extremely concerned about the possibility of nuclear war.

This anxiety was reflected in popular culture,

particularly in television shows such as the

American TV movie The Day After (1983) and the

British TV drama Threads (1984).

1981

Reagan in no way had any intention of putting back together detente he believed it was time for America to start fighting again. Reagan wanted to win the Cold War.

– the American media were not convinced that Reagan was suitable to be president. He was famous for starring low-budget 1950s movies his most famous role was in the film bedtime for Bonzo (1951), in which hestarred alongside the chimp. Reading was betrayed as a modern day cowboy, who knew nothing of world affairs and was totally unqualified to be American president.

The 'Second Cold War' is a phrase used to describe

the period between 1979 and 1985, which marked a new low in superpower relations. As in the late

1950s and early 1960s, the public was extremely concerned about the possibility of nuclear war.

This anxiety was reflected in popular culture,

particularly in television shows such as the

American TV movie The Day After (1983) and the

British TV drama Threads (1984).

1981

Reagan in no way had any intention of putting back together detente he believed it was time for America to start fighting again. Reagan wanted to win the Cold War.

– the American media were not convinced that Reagan was suitable to be president. He was famous for starring low-budget 1950s movies his most famous role was in the film bedtime for Bonzo (1951), in which hestarred alongside the chimp. Reading was betrayed as a modern day cowboy, who knew nothing of world affairs and was totally unqualified to be American president.

French and British commentators were also worried by Reagan, particularly when he stated that he could imagine "a limited nuclear war in Europe".

Reagan has strong ideas on the future of the Cold War. For example, he believed that detente had been a disaster for the USA. He thought the policy had made the USA week following the USSR to grow strong. Reagan rejected the idea of peaceful coexistence with the USSR, believing that it was America's deaths need to fight for individual freedom in the Cold War.

Reagan has strong ideas on the future of the Cold War. For example, he believed that detente had been a disaster for the USA. He thought the policy had made the USA week following the USSR to grow strong. Reagan rejected the idea of peaceful coexistence with the USSR, believing that it was America's deaths need to fight for individual freedom in the Cold War.

Reagan made his view of the Soviet Union plain

in his famous (Evil Empire' speech in March 1983.

Reagan was a committed Christian and gave this speech at a meeting of the National Association of Evangelicals, a Christian organisation. Reagan argued that the Cold War was a fight between

good and evil, and that America fought with God's

blessing.

Reagan has strong ideas on the future of the Cold War. For example, he believed that detente had been a disaster for the USA. He thought the policy had made the USA week following the USSR to grow strong. Reagan rejected the idea of peaceful coexistence with the USSR, believing that it was America's deaths need to fight for individual freedom in the Cold War.

Reagan made his view of the Soviet Union plain

in his famous (Evil Empire' speech in March 1983.

Reagan was a committed Christian and gave this speech at a meeting of the National Association of Evangelicals, a Christian organisation. Reagan argued that the Cold War was a fight between

good and evil, and that America fought with God's

blessing.

Reagan urged Americans not to: 'ignore the facts of history and the aggressive impulses of an evil empire' and to 'remove yourself from the struggle

between right and wrong and good and evil'.

Reagan's point was that the Cold War was a moral war and that America had a moral duty to invest in new nuclear weapons in order to defend liberty

from the 'evil' Soviet Union.

A number of years ago, I heard a young father give a speech in which he said, 'I love my little girls more than anything. He went on: 'I would rather see my little girls

die now; still believing in God, than have them grow up under communism and one day die no longer believing

in God'. There were thousands of young people in that audience. They came to their feet with shouts of joy.

They had instantly recognised the profound truth in what he had said.

Reagan's vision

Many of Reagan's closest advisors misunderstood him.

They thought that when he talked about victory in the Cold

War, he was only trying to win support from the American

people. But Reagan had a bold vision: he was determined

to win the Cold War. He honestly believed that the USA should fight to win. Specifically, Reagan believed that the

USSR could be forced to disarm by his new initiative: SDI

(Strategic Defence Initiative).

Reagan's vision

Many of Reagan's closest advisors misunderstood him.

They thought that when he talked about victory in the Cold

War, he was only trying to win support from the American

people. But Reagan had a bold vision: he was determined

to win the Cold War. He honestly believed that the USA should fight to win. Specifically, Reagan believed that the

USSR could be forced to disarm by his new initiative: SDI

(Strategic Defence Initiative).

Reagan's plan for winning the Cold War involved taking the arms race to a new level. He proposed a 'nuclear umbrella , which would stop Soviet nuclear bombs from reaching

American soil. Reagan's plan was to launch an army of satellites equipped with powerful lasers, which would

intercept Soviet missiles in space and destroy them before

they could do America any harm. For obvious reasons,

Reagan's scheme soon became known as 'Star Wars'. Reagan

believed that his 'Star Wars' technology would make Soviet nuclear missiles useless and therefore force the USSR to

disarm.

During detente,

the superpowers had been evenly matched and had worked

together to limit the growth of their nuclear stockpiles. SDI was a complete break from this policy. In fact, SDI broke

the terms of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 (see page 47), which was signed during detente and had committed the superpowers to use space technology for peace alone.

– The Soviet leadersknew perfectly well they could not compete with Reagans (Star Wars) plan.

For many reasons concerning the USSRs technology ,economy and fear of the potential of technology the USSR could no longer compete in the arms race.

First, America had won the race to the moon in 1969, and by the early 1980s it to develop the next generation of spacecraft: the space shuttle

Secondly, the Soviet economy was not producing enough wealth to

fund consumer goods, conventional military spending and the

development of new space-based

weapons.

The USSR was behind America

in terms of its computer technology.

During the 1980s, the American computer market boomed. Prior

to the SDI, however, Soviet leaders were highly suspicious of computers

because they were concerned they might be used to undermine the

power of the Communist Party. For example, computers with word

processors and printers could be used to produce anti-government

propaganda, or computers linked

to telephones could be used to leak secrets to governments in the West.

Computers were essential for the

development of a 'Star Wars'-type

programme.

Secondly, the Soviet economy was not producing enough wealth to

fund consumer goods, conventional military spending and the

development of new space-based

weapons.

The USSR was behind America

in terms of its computer technology.

During the 1980s, the American computer market boomed. Prior

to the SDI, however, Soviet leaders were highly suspicious of computers

because they were concerned they might be used to undermine the

power of the Communist Party. For example, computers with word

processors and printers could be used to produce anti-government

propaganda, or computers linked

to telephones could be used to leak secrets to governments in the West.

Computers were essential for the

development of a 'Star Wars'-type

programme.

1985 to 1991.

He served until the Soviet union collapsed in 1991. He saw the end of the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of communism in Russia. However it was never his intention to undermine communism. Rather, he hoped to be communisms saviour.

Gorbachev had very little foreign policy experience prior to becoming the leader of Russia. At first, he viewed the relationship America in rather simplistic terms. From example, following his first meeting with President Reagan in 1985, he commented that "Reagan is not just the class enemy; he is extremely primitive. He looks like a caveman and is mentally retarded"

Gorbachev had very little foreign policy experience prior to becoming the leader of Russia. At first, he viewed the relationship America in rather simplistic terms. From example, following his first meeting with President Reagan in 1985, he commented that "Reagan is not just the class enemy; he is extremely primitive. He looks like a caveman and is mentally retarded"

In April 1986, the nuclear reactor in the Chemobyl nuclear power plant in

the Ukraine went critical and exploded. Initially,

Gorbachev authorised a cover story that denied

there had been a release of dangerous radiation.

The Western media were unconvinced by the Soviet cover story and Western governments put pressure on Gorbachev to tell the truth about the scale of

the disaster. Chernobyl became an international symbol of the crisis in Soviet communism.

Gorbachev had very little foreign policy experience prior to becoming the leader of Russia. At first, he viewed the relationship America in rather simplistic terms. From example, following his first meeting with President Reagan in 1985, he commented that "Reagan is not just the class enemy; he is extremely primitive. He looks like a caveman and is mentally retarded"

In April 1986, the nuclear reactor in the Chemobyl nuclear power plant in

the Ukraine went critical and exploded. Initially,

Gorbachev authorised a cover story that denied

there had been a release of dangerous radiation.

The Western media were unconvinced by the Soviet cover story and Western governments put pressure on Gorbachev to tell the truth about the scale of

the disaster. Chernobyl became an international symbol of the crisis in Soviet communism.

• The Soviet economy was not nearly as efficient as the

Amencan economy. While Americans in the 1980s enjoyed an excellent standard of living, everyday life in

Russia was dominated by shortages. For example, it was not uncommon for housewives in Moscow to queue for up

to five hours simply to get a packet of sausages

Gorbachev had very little foreign policy experience prior to becoming the leader of Russia. At first, he viewed the relationship America in rather simplistic terms. From example, following his first meeting with President Reagan in 1985, he commented that "Reagan is not just the class enemy; he is extremely primitive. He looks like a caveman and is mentally retarded"

In April 1986, the nuclear reactor in the Chemobyl nuclear power plant in

the Ukraine went critical and exploded. Initially,

Gorbachev authorised a cover story that denied

there had been a release of dangerous radiation.

The Western media were unconvinced by the Soviet cover story and Western governments put pressure on Gorbachev to tell the truth about the scale of

the disaster. Chernobyl became an international symbol of the crisis in Soviet communism.

• The Soviet economy was not nearly as efficient as the

Amencan economy. While Americans in the 1980s enjoyed an excellent standard of living, everyday life in

Russia was dominated by shortages. For example, it was not uncommon for housewives in Moscow to queue for up

to five hours simply to get a packet of sausages

• Many of the Soviet people had lost faith in the

Communist Party.

Gorbachev had very little foreign policy experience prior to becoming the leader of Russia. At first, he viewed the relationship America in rather simplistic terms. From example, following his first meeting with President Reagan in 1985, he commented that "Reagan is not just the class enemy; he is extremely primitive. He looks like a caveman and is mentally retarded"

In April 1986, the nuclear reactor in the Chemobyl nuclear power plant in

the Ukraine went critical and exploded. Initially,

Gorbachev authorised a cover story that denied

there had been a release of dangerous radiation.

The Western media were unconvinced by the Soviet cover story and Western governments put pressure on Gorbachev to tell the truth about the scale of

the disaster. Chernobyl became an international symbol of the crisis in Soviet communism.

• The Soviet economy was not nearly as efficient as the

Amencan economy. While Americans in the 1980s enjoyed an excellent standard of living, everyday life in

Russia was dominated by shortages. For example, it was not uncommon for housewives in Moscow to queue for up

to five hours simply to get a packet of sausages

• Many of the Soviet people had lost faith in the

Communist Party.

• perestroika (restructuring) - economic reforms

designed to make the Soviet economy more efficient

• glasnost (openness) - censorship of the press was

to be relaxed.

Gorbachev had very little foreign policy experience prior to becoming the leader of Russia. At first, he viewed the relationship America in rather simplistic terms. From example, following his first meeting with President Reagan in 1985, he commented that "Reagan is not just the class enemy; he is extremely primitive. He looks like a caveman and is mentally retarded"

In April 1986, the nuclear reactor in the Chemobyl nuclear power plant in

the Ukraine went critical and exploded. Initially,

Gorbachev authorised a cover story that denied

there had been a release of dangerous radiation.

The Western media were unconvinced by the Soviet cover story and Western governments put pressure on Gorbachev to tell the truth about the scale of

the disaster. Chernobyl became an international symbol of the crisis in Soviet communism.

• The Soviet economy was not nearly as efficient as the

Amencan economy. While Americans in the 1980s enjoyed an excellent standard of living, everyday life in

Russia was dominated by shortages. For example, it was not uncommon for housewives in Moscow to queue for up

to five hours simply to get a packet of sausages

• Many of the Soviet people had lost faith in the

Communist Party.

• perestroika (restructuring) - economic reforms

designed to make the Soviet economy more efficient

• glasnost (openness) - censorship of the press was

to be relaxed.

Gorbachev assumed that perestroika and glasnost would strengthen the power of the Soviet

Communist Party. Indeed, although Gorbachev

talked about reform, he was very slow to allow

democratic elections in Russia.

– A booming economy return

– excellent computer technology

– excellent space technology

– highly are quick to conventional military forces

– international reputation as "leaders of the free world"

– NATO allies

– A booming economy return

– excellent computer technology

– excellent space technology

– highly are quick to conventional military forces

– international reputation as "leaders of the free world"

– NATO allies

– Warsaw Pact allies.

– greater number of nuclear missiles than in the USA

– Warsaw Pact allies.

– greater number of nuclear missiles than in the USA

-Fewer nuclear missiles than the USSR.

– Warsaw Pact allies.

– greater number of nuclear missiles than in the USA

-Fewer nuclear missiles than the USSR.

– Committed to an expensive war in Afghanistan

– failing economy

– old-fashioned technology

– reputation ruined by Chernobyl crisis

– Warsaw Pact allies.

– greater number of nuclear missiles than in the USA

-Fewer nuclear missiles than the USSR.

– Committed to an expensive war in Afghanistan

– failing economy

– old-fashioned technology

– reputation ruined by Chernobyl crisis

1985

Reagan was clearly in the stronger position.

Nonetheless, his aims were fairly limited.

Reagan's aim for the conference was to persuade Gorbachev that he sincerely desired

peace between the two superpowers.

Reagan was clearly in the stronger position.

Nonetheless, his aims were fairly limited.

Reagan's aim for the conference was to persuade Gorbachev that he sincerely desired

peace between the two superpowers.

Gorbachev, although in a weaker position, was

hoping to persuade Reagan to drop his plans for SDI. . Gorbachev was also keen to establish a working relationship with the American

president.

Reagan was clearly in the stronger position.

Nonetheless, his aims were fairly limited.

Reagan's aim for the conference was to persuade Gorbachev that he sincerely desired

peace between the two superpowers.

Gorbachev, although in a weaker position, was

hoping to persuade Reagan to drop his plans for SDI. . Gorbachev was also keen to establish a working relationship with the American

president.

Indeed, prior to the meeting, he sacked the long-serving Soviet foreign minister, Andrei Gromyko, and appointed Eduard Shevardnadze as his replacement.

This move signalled an end to the aggressive foreign policy that had been pursued by

Gromyko.

Reagan was clearly in the stronger position.

Nonetheless, his aims were fairly limited.

Reagan's aim for the conference was to persuade Gorbachev that he sincerely desired

peace between the two superpowers.

Gorbachev, although in a weaker position, was

hoping to persuade Reagan to drop his plans for SDI. . Gorbachev was also keen to establish a working relationship with the American

president.

Indeed, prior to the meeting, he sacked the long-serving Soviet foreign minister, Andrei Gromyko, and appointed Eduard Shevardnadze as his replacement.

This move signalled an end to the aggressive foreign policy that had been pursued by

Gromyko.

The Geneva meeting was significant because the two leaders were able to talk faceto-face and develop a personal relationship. However, no formal agreement on arms control was reached.

October 1986

October 1986

The Reykjavik meeting of October 1986 was much more ambitious. Reagan proposed scrapping all ballistic nuclear missiles. Gorbachev, however, was unwilling to agree to

these proposals because Reagan refused to drop his SDI project.

He could see public opinion was against another arms race. He wanted to save the money that and arms race would cost the USA. He also did not want the USA to be seen as a brutal Billy had already been large-scale demonstrations across western Europe against the siting of US missiles there.

He could see there was widespread approval of Gorbachev and his changes in the USSR. There was such enthusiasm for Gorbachevs reforms that a new word was invented to describe.it: 'Gorbymania'. This spread from the USSR through the Eastern European states to many other countries, including the USA. Gorbachev was the first ruler of the USSR to gain significant public approval in the USA. He had also won the approval of other heads of state, including the British prime minister,Margaret Thatcher.

He got on with Gorbachev and seems to have believed that Gorbachev wanted reforms in the USSR and an end to the Cold War. Once Reagan

had decided to try for detente, he made sure that he got the publicity

right. For example, when he and Gorbachev met. he made sure that they, and their wives, looked as if they genuinely got on.

He got on with Gorbachev and seems to have believed that Gorbachev wanted reforms in the USSR and an end to the Cold War. Once Reagan

had decided to try for detente, he made sure that he got the publicity right. For example, when he and Gorbachev met. he made sure that they, and their wives, looked as if they genuinely got on.

Following the Reykjavik meeting, American and soviet diplomats continued to try and draft an arms reduction treaty.

Washington in December 1987

The treaty eliminated all nuclear missiles within a range of 500–5500 km (310–3400 miles)

– It was the first treaty to reduce the number of nuclear missiles that the superpowers possessed (It therefore went much further than SALT 1that simple limited the growth of Russian and American nuclear stockpiles)

-during the next four years, the two sides of destroyed hundreds of missiles and strict procedures are put in place to task inspectors to ensure the treaty was followed. It was a great success

– It was the first treaty to reduce the number of nuclear missiles that the superpowers possessed (It therefore went much further than SALT 1that simple limited the growth of Russian and American nuclear stockpiles)

-during the next four years, the two sides of destroyed hundreds of missiles and strict procedures are put in place to task inspectors to ensure the treaty was followed. It was a great success.

• Gorbachev came to see that nuclear weapons were highly expensive but added nothing to Soviet security. • Reagan persuaded Gorbachev that the USA had no intention of invading

the USSR.

Gorbachev realised that the Soviet economy could never recover as long as

it was spending so much money on nuclear weapons. • Gorbachev believed that disarmament would win him popularity in the

West and that this would allow him to make profitable trade deals between

the USSR and the West. • Gorbachev believed that political and economic measures would be more effective in guaranteeing Russia's security than military strength. •

• Gorbachev came to see that nuclear weapons were highly expensive but added nothing to Soviet security.

• Reagan persuaded Gorbachev that the USA had no intention of invading

the USSR.

Gorbachev realised that the Soviet economy could never recover as long as

it was spending so much money on nuclear weapons.

• Gorbachev believed that disarmament would win him popularity in the

West and that this would allow him to make profitable trade deals between

the USSR and the West.

• Gorbachev believed that political and economic measures would be more effective in guaranteeing Russia's security than military strength.

Gorbachev had refused to agreeto an'arms treaty in Reykjavik because

Reagan refused to drop his plans for SDL'Nonetheless, a year later he signed the INF Treaty in spite of the fact that Reagan was still committed to SDI.

Gorbachev had refused to agree to an arms treaty in Reykjavik because Reagan refused to drop his plans for SDL'Nonetheless, a year later he signed the INF Treaty in spite of the fact that Reagan was still committed to SDI.

Gorbachev had refused to agree to an arms treaty in Reykjavik because Reagan refused to drop his plans for SDL'Nonetheless, a year later he signed the INF Treaty in spite of the fact that Reagan was still committed to SDI.

– 1988 Moscow ,Ronald Reagan ,Gorbachev

-1989 Malta summit George Bush ,Gorbachev

In 1988, Ronald Reagan went to Moscow for the first time for a Summit conference. They agrees to work towards disarmament of both nuclear and conventional arms.The summit fixed no targets, but it eased the tension is created by Afghanistan and opened the way to the agreements that took place after Reagan left the presidency.

In 1988, Ronald Reagan went to Moscow for the first time for a Summit conference. They agrees to work towards disarmament of both nuclear and conventional arms.The summit fixed no targets, but it eased the tension is created by Afghanistan and opened the way to the agreements that took place after Reagan left the presidency.

JThe Malta Summit, 1989

The summit was a meeting between US President George Bush ,

Gorbachev. This meeting began work on the agreements that were to be CFE

(1990) and START I (1991)

The Malta Summit, 1989

The summit was a meeting between US President George Bush ,

Gorbachev. This meeting began work on the agreements that were to be CFE

(1990) and START I (1991)

The Malta Summit, 1989

The summit was a meeting between US President George Bush ,

Gorbachev. This meeting began work on the agreements that were to be CFE

(1990) and START I (1991)

The CFE Agreement, 1990

This agreement, signed by Bush and Gorbachev, set limits to the non-nuclear forces that the Warsaw Pact and NATO could have in Europe. Negotiations for this began in 1989 and the process was made difficult because the USSR was

beginning to/break up at the time. This meant that, for example, Hungary was part of the Warsaw Pact when negotiations began, but had left by the time the Treaty was ready to be signed.

The Malta Summit, 1989

The summit was a meeting between US President George Bush ,

Gorbachev. This meeting began work on the agreements that were to be CFE

(1990) and START I (1991)

The CFE Agreement, 1990

This agreement, signed by Bush and Gorbachev, set limits to the non-nuclear forces that the Warsaw Pact and NATO could have in Europe. Negotiations for this began in 1989 and the process was made difficult because the USSR was

beginning to/break up at the time. This meant that, for example, Hungary was part of the Warsaw Pact when negotiations began, but had left by the time the Treaty was ready to be signed.

Signed by Bush and Gorbachev, with pens made from scrapped nuclear missiles, this set limits to the numbers of nuclear weapons. Both sides agreed

to reduce their holdings of nuclear warheads by about a third, by destroying

them. It also agreed that both sides would continue to reduce. It did not'agree on all kinds of nuclear weapons (the agreement did not cover some nuclear submarines or space weapons), but covered most of them.

In December 1988, he announced

that ideology should play a smaller role in Soviet foreign affairs. In

practice, this meant that the USSR would no longer favour trade with communist states over trade with capitalist countries.

Gorbachev was keen for Eastern

European states to enjoy perestroika and glasnost.

Gorbachev withdrew Soviet troops

from Eastern European bases in order to save money.

Gorbachev had never intended to weaken communist control of it in Europe. Once again, his desire was to strengthen Communism by reform.

Gorbachev had never intended to weaken communist control of it in Europe. Once again, his desire was to strengthen Communism by reform.

Want to reform had started in the Eastern Block,he was unable to contain it. The Eastern Bloc had previously relied on the Soviet army to prop up their pro-Moscow regimes. There would not be another invasion of Hungary or Czechoslovakia, so the

Eastern European governments were weakened. ^

Want to reform had started in the Eastern Block,he was unable to contain it. The Eastern Bloc had previously relied on the Soviet army to prop up their pro-Moscow regimes. There would not be another invasion of Hungary or Czechoslovakia, so the

Eastern European governments were weakened.

East Germany was slow to embrace

perestroi'ka and glasnost Indeed, the East German government even

banned Russian publications during the 1980s because

they were too liberal.

East Germany was slow to embrace

perestroi'ka and glasnost Indeed, the East German government even

banned Russian publications during the 1980s because

they were too liberal.

However, the communist government was unable to contain its citizens' desire for freedom once neighbouring states had abandoned communism.

As soon as democratic elections were announced in

Hungary there was a mass movement of East German citizens through Hungary to West Germany. As a result.

the East German government was forced to announce much greater freedom of travel for East German citizens.

As part of this decision, on 9 November the East German

government announced that East Germans would be allowed to cross the border with West Berlin.

On hearing this news, thousands of East Berliners flooded the checkpoints

in the wall, demanding entry into West Berlin. The border

guards let them pass - the Berlin Wall had fallen. Many

people started to chip away and dismantle parts of the wall, and ten new border crossings were created by the

East German government in the following days. Many

people were reunited with friends and relatives thay had

been separated from since the wall had been built 30 years

before. The opening of the Berlin Wall was the first step

towards the reunification of Germany.

The end of the Warsaw Pact

As the Eastern Bloc disintegrated, it became obvious

that the Warsaw Pact could not survive. The Pact was an alliance that united the communist states of Eastern Europe against the capitalist states in the West. However, as first

Poland, then Hungary and finally East Germany all rejected communism, the Pact no longer served any purpose.

Military co-operation ceased in early 1990 and the Warsaw

Pact was formally dissolved in July 1991.

Gorbachev was treated with suspicion and cynicism. Leading members of the Communist Party believe that perestroika and glasnost had a weakened communism rather than reviving it.

Gorbachev was the darling of the west and was well respected due to his willingness to reform and the fact that his policies had led to the breakup of Eastern Europe

Gorbachev was the darling of the west and was well respected due to his willingness to reform and the fact that his policies had led to the breakup of Eastern Europe.

A group of senior call me as government officials known as the "Gang of eight" – organised to which removed Gorbachev from power.

A group of senior call me as government officials known as the "Gang of eight" – organised to which removed Gorbachev from power.

Initially the coup was successful. Gorbachev, was away from the capital at the time and was prevented from returning to Moscow.

A group of senior call me as government officials known as the "Gang of eight" – organised to which removed Gorbachev from power.

Initially the coup was successful. Gorbachev, was away from the capital at the time and was prevented from returning to Moscow.

The new government declared a state of emergency which overturned the freedom gained during perestroika and glasnost.

A group of senior call me as government officials known as the "Gang of eight" – organised to which removed Gorbachev from power.

Initially the coup was successful. Gorbachev, was away from the capital at the time and was prevented from returning to Moscow.

The new government declared a state of emergency which overturned the freedom gained during perestroika and glasnost.

The new government's goal was to restore the power of the Soviet union and secure the future of the Communist government.

The end of the Warsaw Pact

As the Eastern Bloc disintegrated, it became obvious

that the Warsaw Pact could not survive. The Pact was an alliance that united the communist states of Eastern Europe against the capitalist states in the West. However, as first

Poland, then Hungary and finally East Germany all rejected communism, the Pact no longer served any purpose.

Military co-operation ceased in early 1990 and the Warsaw

Pact was formally dissolved in July 1991.

December 1991

December 1991

1990 this was accepted by the USSR. Leading to copycat demands all across the Soviet union.