This summary is a in-depth and complete analysis and summary of the ends the Cold War and new world order 1989- present as prescribed in the 2021 History SAGS. Part of the grade 12 IEB History syllabus - Topic 6
THE END OF THE COLD WAR
BREZHNEV DOCTRINE GLASNOT
1968 foreign policy that gave the Soviet union complete power
This is the POLICY OF
over the satellite states in the Eastern bloc, the USSR could
OPENNESS AND WILLINGNESS
send troop to quell any uprising or attempted revolution in
to engage closer relations with
eastern European Communist State to prevent the spread of
the WEST
capitalism
PERETROKIA DEMOCRATSATION
RESTRUCTURING of the USSR government and Democratization is 'the transition to a more
economic system on the 1980s - REFORMS democratic system of government.'
The USSR was lead by an authoritarian communist government from 1918. During the decades of
communism that followed the government convinced the Russian people that no other political
system was better and that was no need for SOCIAL or POLITCAL CHANGE – note the BREZHEV
DOTRINE and its influence here
GORBACHEVS REFORMS IN THE SOVIET UNION
REFORM IMPACT OF REFORM
This led to the end of the cold war as
1 Withdrew soviet troops from Afghanistan 1 relations with the western countries
improved
It became clear that the soviet union was unwilling and unable to go to war with the west and
began to pursue improved relations to decrease tensions in to avoid a war that they would lose
Began talks with the US government over
Meetings took place between
2 disarmament and the de-escalation of 2
GOVRBACHEV and US president REAGAN
REGANS arms race
The USSR changed their approach to the This lead to the eventual break up of the
satellite states of eastern Europe – as they soviet unions and the collapse of the USSR
3 3
introduced reforms and restructuring of as they decentralised their leadership and
the government in Russia power in Eastern Europe
RESAONS FOR REFORM IN THE USSR
The economy was in trouble and
The USSR was bankrupt
facing collapse
Mikhail Gorbachev – the arms race with
came into power in the USA had
There were growing social
1985 overstretched the
problems and INDUSTRIAL +
budget
AGRICULTURAL production
declined
REAGANS SECOND COLD WAR - The beginning of Ronald Reagan’s presidency was characterised
by much more hostile relations with the Soviet Union
Reagan spent much more money on
1 Reagan’s rhetoric was much more hostile 2
defence
The ‘Reagan Doctrine’ stated that the USA would not only support established anti-
3 communist groups but also anti-communist groups trying to overthrow communist
governments
, The Second Cold War 1979 – 1985
RONALD REAGAN
The international media were not convinced that
Ronald Reagan became President of the USA in
he was suitable to be President: Reagan was
1981. He was famous in starring in low-budget
portrayed as a modern-day cowboy, ignorant in
movies including Bedtime for Bonzo (1951).
foreign affairs.
French and British commentators were
concerned with Reagan’s comments regarding Reagan wanted to win the Cold War and not
the possibility of “a limited nuclear war in coexist peacefully with the USSR as an American.
Europe”.
Evil Empire – THE SOVIET UNION
He denounced the USSR as an “evil empire” and pitched the Cold War as a struggle “between right
and wrong and good and evil”.
Reagan Doctrine:
In his 1985 State of the Union address, The Reagan Doctrine epitomised how Reagan believed
Reagan declared that the USA would that the USA and USSR could not coexist peacefully. It
support anti-communist guerrillas and echoed earlier containment doctrines but it went
resistance movements internationally, further, being aimed at diminishing communism and not
as it was already doing in Afghanistan. simply preventing its spread.
Strategic Defence Initiative:
Reagan then proposed an initiative known as the The scheme was soon nicknamed ‘Star
Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI), which included Wars’. Reagan believed that it would
installing lasers on satellites in space to intercept and render Soviet missiles useless and
destroy Soviet nuclear missiles before they could land thereby force the USSR to disarm,
on American soil. ending the Cold War.
SDI was a complete break from détente and the treaties signed during it
Why the USSR was worried about SDI:
The USA was already The USSR’s economy The war in
Reagan’s schemes bluntly
well ahead in space was not producing Afghanistan was also
meant that the USSR
technology and enough wealth to proving too costly for
could no longer compete
computer technology fund further large- further large-scale
in the arms race.
already. scale endeavours. endeavours.
The USSR had outdated technology even though it had more nuclear missiles than the USA.
GORBACHEV
After the death of Brezhnev in November 1982, So when 54-year-old Mikhail Gorbachev
the USSR elected a leader who died within a few became General Secretary, he quickly became
months in office; a second one followed him. popular for his energy and youthfulness.
The problems facing the USSR: Gorbachev’s reforms to solve them:
An inefficient economy resulting in resource
PERESTROIKA (restructuring) of the economy.
shortages and low standards of living.
Disillusionment between the people and the
GLASNOST (openness) of the society.
Party.
Gorbachev quickly became popular with international ‘Gorbymania’ for his reforms, although they
ultimately accelerated the collapse of the USSR.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller akinyilester. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R120,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
