Question 1

What was the main reason for the end of the Cold War?

Accepted Answer

The main reason was the internal collapse of the Soviet Union, driven by economic stagnation, nationalist movements in Eastern Europe and Soviet republics, and Gorbachev's reforms of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring). These reforms weakened the Communist Party's control and allowed popular uprisings, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. While US pressure (e.g., Reagan's military buildup) played a role, it was not the decisive factor.

Question 2

How did détente change the Cold War?

Accepted Answer

Détente marked a shift from open hostility to negotiation and cooperation. Key achievements included the SALT I and II treaties, which limited nuclear weapons, and the Helsinki Accords of 1975, which recognised post-war borders and promoted human rights. However, détente was fragile; it ended after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, leading to a renewed arms race and the 'Second Cold War'.

Question 3

What was the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall?

Accepted Answer

The fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 was a powerful symbol of the end of Cold War divisions. It resulted from mass protests in East Germany and the Hungarian government's decision to open its border with Austria. The wall's collapse led to the reunification of Germany in 1990 and encouraged anti-communist revolutions across Eastern Europe, ultimately contributing to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Question 4

Why did Gorbachev introduce glasnost and perestroika?

Accepted Answer

Gorbachev introduced these reforms to revive the Soviet economy and modernise the political system. Perestroika aimed to decentralise the economy and introduce limited market mechanisms, while glasnost allowed greater freedom of speech and press to expose corruption and inefficiency. However, these reforms spiralled out of control, as they encouraged nationalist movements and criticism of the Communist Party, leading to the USSR's collapse.

Question 5

What was the 'Second Cold War'?

Accepted Answer

The 'Second Cold War' refers to the renewed hostility between the US and USSR in the early 1980s. It was triggered by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979), the US boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, and Reagan's aggressive rhetoric (calling the USSR an 'evil empire'). The US also deployed Pershing II missiles in Europe and proposed the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), escalating the arms race. Tensions only eased after Gorbachev came to power in 1985.

Question 6

How did the Soviet war in Afghanistan affect the Cold War?

Accepted Answer

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 ended the period of détente and led to a sharp increase in Cold War tensions. The US responded by arming the Mujahideen rebels, boycotting the 1980 Olympics, and increasing military spending. The war drained Soviet resources, damaged its international reputation, and contributed to the economic problems that later forced Gorbachev to implement reforms. It also radicalised Islamist groups, with long-term consequences beyond the Cold War.

Transformation of the Cold War

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