#The End of the Cold War & Collapse of the Soviet Union: A Last-Minute Review 🚀

Hey there, future AP World History master! Let's make sure you're totally prepped for the exam. This guide is designed to be your ultimate resource, hitting all the key points you need to know about the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union. Let's dive in!

#The Cold War Thaws: Seeds of Change 🌱

#U.S. Technological and Military Advances

• Arms Race: The U.S. poured massive amounts of money into military tech, especially nuclear weapons, atom bombs, and ballistic missiles. This intense competition put a huge strain on both economies.
• Space Race: Don't forget about the space race! It was a huge part of the Cold War rivalry, with both the U.S. and USSR competing for technological dominance.

#Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979) 🇦🇫

• Soviet Involvement: The USSR got bogged down in Afghanistan, trying to prop up a communist government. This was a major turning point.
• Mujahideen Resistance: The Afghan resistance, supported by Muslim volunteers from other countries, fought fiercely against the Soviets. This conflict became the USSR's version of the Vietnam War.
• Economic Drain: The war in Afghanistan was a huge drain on the Soviet economy, contributing to its eventual collapse.

#The Collapse of the Soviet Union 💥

#Gorbachev's Reforms

• Mikhail Gorbachev: Became leader in 1989 and introduced key reforms to try and save the ailing Soviet Union.
• Perestroika: This was the economic restructuring that introduced some free-market policies. Think of it as a move towards a more capitalist economy.
• Glasnost: This policy of “openness” allowed for freedom of the press and assembly. It gave people a voice, but it also led to protests and demands for independence.

...