Leader of the Soviet Union who introduced Perestroika and Glasnost reforms.

Became president of the new Russian Federation after the Soviet Union dissolved.

Afghan resistance fighters, supported by Muslim volunteers, who fought against the Soviets in Afghanistan.

A competition between nations to have the most powerful armaments.

A competition between nations regarding achievements in space exploration.

Economic restructuring in the Soviet Union, introducing free-market policies.

Policy of “openness” in the Soviet Union, allowing freedom of press and assembly.

Loyalty and devotion to a nation; can lead to independence movements.

Muslim volunteers who fought against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies.

The Eastern European countries that were politically and economically aligned with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The depletion of a country's financial resources due to a costly conflict or policy.

The belief that one's political or economic system is better than others.

Cause: The USSR wanted to prop up a communist government. Effect: It became a major economic drain and contributed to the USSR's collapse.

Cause: An ailing Soviet Union. Effect: Unleashed nationalist sentiments and demands for independence.

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.

Cause: Competition for ideological superiority. Effect: Put a huge strain on both the US and Soviet economies.

Cause: Hardline communists wanting to maintain control. Effect: Further weakened the Soviet government.

Cause: Gorbachev's reforms and weakening Soviet control. Effect: Countries sought independence, contributing to the USSR's collapse.