All Flashcards
What happened during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?
The USSR got bogged down in Afghanistan, trying to prop up a communist government against the Mujahideen resistance.
What happened with Gorbachev's Perestroika?
Economic restructuring that introduced some free-market policies in the Soviet Union.
What happened with Gorbachev's Glasnost?
A policy of “openness” that allowed for freedom of the press and assembly in the Soviet Union.
What was the Fall of the Berlin Wall?
A symbolic event showing the end of Soviet control in Eastern Europe and the beginning of the end of the Cold War in 1989.
What was the Failed Coup against Gorbachev?
Hardline communists tried to overthrow Gorbachev, but the coup failed, further weakening the Soviet government.
What was the result of the Collapse of the USSR?
The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991 due to economic problems and political instability, leading to Boris Yeltsin becoming president of the Russian Federation.
What was the Arms Race?
The US and USSR poured massive amounts of money into military tech, especially nuclear weapons, atom bombs, and ballistic missiles.
What was the Space Race?
The US and USSR competing for technological dominance in space exploration.
What happened after the Soviet Union dissolved?
Boris Yeltsin became president of the new Russian Federation.
What was the significance of the Berlin Wall?
It was a physical and ideological barrier that divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989.
What were the causes and effects of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?
Cause: The USSR wanted to prop up a communist government. Effect: It became a major economic drain and contributed to the USSR's collapse.
What were the causes and effects of Gorbachev's reforms?
Cause: An ailing Soviet Union. Effect: Unleashed nationalist sentiments and demands for independence.
What were the causes and effects of the Fall of the Berlin Wall?
Cause: Growing discontent and reforms in Eastern Europe. Effect: Showed the end of Soviet control and the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
What were the causes and effects of the Arms Race?
Cause: Competition for ideological superiority. Effect: Put a huge strain on both the US and Soviet economies.
What were the causes and effects of the Failed Coup against Gorbachev?
Cause: Hardline communists wanting to maintain control. Effect: Further weakened the Soviet government.
What were the causes and effects of the rise of Nationalism?
Cause: Gorbachev's reforms and weakening Soviet control. Effect: Countries sought independence, contributing to the USSR's collapse.
What is the definition of Arms Race?
A competition between nations to have the most powerful armaments.
What is the definition of Space Race?
A competition between nations regarding achievements in space exploration.
What is the definition of Perestroika?
Economic restructuring in the Soviet Union, introducing free-market policies.
What is the definition of Glasnost?
Policy of “openness” in the Soviet Union, allowing freedom of press and assembly.
What is the definition of Nationalism?
Loyalty and devotion to a nation; can lead to independence movements.
What is the definition of Mujahideen?
Muslim volunteers who fought against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.
Define Cold War
A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies.
Define Soviet Bloc
The Eastern European countries that were politically and economically aligned with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
What is meant by 'Economic Drain'?
The depletion of a country's financial resources due to a costly conflict or policy.
Define Ideological Superiority
The belief that one's political or economic system is better than others.