All Flashcards
Define De-Stalinization.
Political reform in the Soviet Union after Stalin's death involving the condemnation of his crimes and the dismantling of his cult of personality.
What is Brezhnev Stagnation?
Period of economic, political, and social stagnation in the Soviet Union during Brezhnev's rule, characterized by a lack of reform and innovation.
Define Glasnost.
Policy of openness and transparency introduced by Gorbachev, allowing for increased freedom of speech and press in the Soviet Union.
What is Perestroika?
Economic restructuring policy implemented by Gorbachev, aiming to decentralize economic decision-making and introduce market-oriented reforms.
Define Détente.
The easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries, during the Cold War.
What was the Holodomor?
A man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933 that killed millions of Ukrainians.
What was the 'Secret Speech'?
Khrushchev's speech denouncing Stalin's purges and cult of personality.
Define 'cult of personality'.
Arises when an individual uses mass media, propaganda, or other methods to create an idealized, heroic, and at times worshipful public image.
What was the Eastern Bloc?
The former communist states of Eastern and Central Europe.
What was the Soviet Union?
A socialist state on the Eurasian continent that existed from 1922 to 1991.
Who was Joseph Stalin?
Leader of the Soviet Union known for industrialization, Holodomor, and the use of secret police.
Who was Nikita Khrushchev?
Stalin's successor who initiated De-Stalinization.
Who was Leonid Brezhnev?
Soviet leader known for prioritizing stability and Détente, but also for the era of stagnation.
Who was Mikhail Gorbachev?
Soviet leader who introduced Glasnost and Perestroika, ultimately leading to the USSR's collapse.
What was Stalin's role in industrialization?
He implemented rapid industrialization, though it was brutal and came at a high human cost.
What was Khrushchev's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis?
He was the leader of the Soviet Union during the crisis, which brought the world close to nuclear war.
What was Brezhnev's role in Détente?
He sought to ease tensions with the U.S. through Détente.
What was Gorbachev's role in the end of the Cold War?
He worked with Reagan to limit nuclear weapons, contributing to the end of the Cold War.
What was Gorbachev's role in Glasnost?
He introduced Glasnost, increasing freedom of speech and press.
What was Gorbachev's role in Perestroika?
He introduced Perestroika, decentralizing economic decision-making.
Compare Khrushchev and Brezhnev's leadership styles.
Khrushchev: Reformist, De-Stalinization. Brezhnev: Conservative, prioritized stability.
Compare Glasnost and Perestroika.
Glasnost: Openness, freedom of speech. Perestroika: Economic restructuring.
Compare Stalin's rule and Brezhnev's rule.
Stalin: Repressive, rapid industrialization. Brezhnev: Stagnation, stability.
Compare the impacts of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Soviet-Afghan War.
Cuban Missile Crisis: Brink of nuclear war, increased tensions. Soviet-Afghan War: Drain on Soviet resources, contributed to decline.
Compare the goals of De-Stalinization and Perestroika.
De-Stalinization: To dismantle Stalin's legacy. Perestroika: To restructure the Soviet economy.
Compare the effects of Glasnost and Perestroika.
Glasnost: Increased freedom but also criticism. Perestroika: Decentralization but also economic problems.
Compare the leadership of Khrushchev and Gorbachev.
Khrushchev: De-Stalinization, but still authoritarian. Gorbachev: More democratic, Glasnost and Perestroika.
Compare the economic policies of Stalin and Brezhnev.
Stalin: Rapid industrialization, collectivization. Brezhnev: Stagnation, lack of reform.
Compare the foreign policies of Brezhnev and Gorbachev.
Brezhnev: Détente, intervention in Afghanistan. Gorbachev: End of the Cold War, arms control.
Compare the outcomes of Khrushchev's reforms and Gorbachev's reforms.
Khrushchev: Limited success, resistance. Gorbachev: Led to the collapse of the USSR.