Why did the Cold War end?

Why did the Cold War end?

1. 6.1: The collapse of Détente

   • 1970s → associated with Détente
     • Détente = relaxing of tensions/hostility
     • More contact between leaders
     • Number of agreements made
   • Détente
     • = General easing of tension in relations between the superpowers
     • SALT I, 1972
       • SALT = Strategic Arms Limitations Talks
       • Negotiation talks to control arms race began in 1969
       • USA + USSR agreed keep number of nuclear weapons within strict limits + begin further talks
     • Co-operation in space, 1975
       • Throughout 1960s, USA and USSR had been rivals in "space race"
       • American and Soviet cosmonauts docked spacecrafts together in orbit around the Earth
         • One of most visible signs of Detente in action
         • Gave further impetus for superpower co-operation
     • The Helsinki Conference, August 1975
       • 4 agreements made:
         • Western powers recognised frontiers of Eastern Europe + Soviet influence in that area
         • West Germany officially recognised East Germany
         • Trade agreements between USA + USSR
         • All countries agreed to improve human rights throughout the world
   • Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, 1979
     • Relations damaged – important turning point: end of Détente + resumption of Cold War
     • REASONS
       • USSR concerned about Muslim revolution in Iran, could have spread to Muslim areas in USSR
       • Political situation in Afghanistan very unstable – USSR want to maintain influence
       • Afghanistan close to Middle East oil reserves – USSR wanted to develop their interests in area
     • CONSEQUENCES
       • Soviet troops being killed by Mujahidin rebels
         • Mujahidin rebels = Afghan muslim freedom fighters
       • USA sent shipments of money, arms + equipment to Pakistan for the Mujahidin
         • Unwinnable for USSR + severe drain on finances
     • The Carter Doctrine
       • Carter's actions
         • Pulled USA out of Moscow Olympics
         • Told senate not to ratify SALT II treaty
           • SALT II was to limit number of nuclear weapons.
         • Cut trade with USSR
         • Alliance w/ China + Israel, support Mujahidin

2. 6.2: President Reagan and the US reaction

   • Period following invasion of Afghanistan = "Second Cold War"
   • The "evil empire"
     • Reagan succeeded Carter as US President
       • Saw Détente as disaster, rejected idea of peaceful co-existence
   • "Star Wars"
     • SDI, Strategic Defence Initiative
       • Intended to be anti-missile system – 'nuclear umbrella' against Soviet missiles
         • Turning point in arms race – USA in advantage, USSR couldn't compete
           • Not enough wealth to finance dev. of space weapons
           • Well behind USA in computer science
   • The Olympic Games
     • Olympics of 1980 and 1984 further worsened relations
     • USA boycotted Moscow Olympics, 1980, 60 countries did the same
     • USSR + 14 other Communist countries retaliated at LA Olympics, 1984

3. 6.3: President Gorbachev and the end of the Cold War

   • March 1985, Gorbachev new USSR leader
   • Internal reforms
     • PERESTROIKA: change in economic policy – people could buy and sell at profit
     • GLASNOST: openness in gov. – people allowed to say what they believe in more open debate
     • The fall of the USSR
       • Gorbachev seen as weak within USSR
         • Promised reforms had not improved living standards + appeared to have simply allowed collapse of Soviet influence in EE
         • Some in USSR did not want reformed Communism, but abolition
       • 1991, East + West Berlin reunited
       • Era of Communism in EE was over
   • Ending the Cold War
     • Gorbachev was able to improve relations with USA + end Cold War
     • Weaknesses of USSR
       • Expensive war in Afghanistan – economy could not sustain increased defence spending
       • USA ahead in computer technology + arms race (SDI)
       • Growing discontent in satellite states against Communism + Soviet control – solidarity trade union movement in Poland
     • Gorbachev and Reagan
       • Met in Geneva, November 1985 – talked face-to-face, although no formal agreement on arms limitations
       • Met at Reykjavik, October 1986 – no formal agreement, Reagan refused to drop SDI project
       • SALT developed into START (Strategic Arms Reduction Talks)
         • Visit Washington 1988, Gorbachev proposed deep cuts in USA + USSR forces
     • INF Treaty, 1987
       • Removed all medium-range nuclear weapons from Europe
       • Gorbachev signed because
         • Would increase popularity in West
         • Soviet economy couldn't recover due to amount being spent on nuclear weapons
         • Reagan told Gorbachev he had no intention of invading the USSR
     • The break-up of Eastern Europe
       • 1989: END OF COLD WAR
         • Communist countries became increasingly discontented during the 1980s, gradually became clearer that USSR had neither will or power to prevent changes in these nations' govs.
         • Fall of Berlin Wall, 9th November 1989
           • Symbolic of end of the Cold War
         • POLAND: free elections + Walesa, 1st non-communist leader in Eastern Europe, since 1945
         • CZECHO.: anti-communist demonstrations + new leader Havel + free elections 1990