Lesson 15: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and consequences

• What was the period of relaxed tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union in the 1970s called?

  Détente
• What event marked the end of Détente between the USA and the Soviet Union?

  The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979
• Who were the leaders of the USA and the Soviet Union during the invasion of Afghanistan?

  President Carter and Brezhnev
• Why was Afghanistan considered an important neighbor to the Soviet Union?


  It was the Southern neighbor of the Soviet Union
• What was the Soviet Union's concern regarding Muslim Fundamentalism in Afghanistan?

  It could spread across the border into the Soviet Union
• When did Soviet troops invade Afghanistan?

  24th December 1979
• Who was the Afghan leader removed by the Soviet Union during the invasion?

  Amin
• Who replaced Amin as the Afghan leader?

  Kamal
• How long did the Soviet Union remain in Afghanistan?

  20 years
• What justification did the Soviets give for their invasion of Afghanistan?

  To protect their border from foreign invasion
• How did the Americans perceive the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

  As an example of Soviet aggression
• What did President Carter claim about the Soviet invasion?

  It was the biggest threat to world peace
• What treaty did Carter refuse to sign in response to the invasion?

  The SALT II treaty
• What action did Carter take regarding American military spending?

  He increased spending on weapons
• What did Carter state about American military action in the Middle East?

  America would use force if interests were threatened
• What economic measure did Carter impose on the Soviet Union?

  Economic sanctions
• Who were the Islamic fighters that received support from the USA?

  The Mujahedeen
• Who was one notable individual that benefited from the support given to the Mujahedeen?

  Osama Bin Laden
• What was the impact of the invasion on Détente?

  Détente was finished
• What did some historians believe about the American reaction to the invasion?

  It was an over-reaction to become aggressive
• Who won the 1980 Presidential Election?

  Ronald Reagan
• What did Reagan argue about Carter's approach to the Soviet Union?

  Carter was too weak against the Soviet Union
• What was the USA's action regarding the 1980 Olympic Games?

  Led a boycott of the games in Moscow
• How many countries supported the USA's boycott of the 1980 Olympics?

  Over 60 countries
• What threat did American athletes face if they traveled to Moscow for the Olympics?

  Their passports would be taken away
• What was the Soviet Union's hope for the 1980 Olympic Games?

  To promote communism and showcase success
• What was the Soviet Union's reaction to the American boycott of the 1980 Olympics?

  It made them angry with America
• What was a short-term cause of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

  The Soviet Union's increasing involvement in Afghanistan
• What are the key terms related to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

  • Muslim Fundamentalism: Extreme believers in Islam
  • Mujahedeen: The Islamic fighters/army
  • Pro-Soviet Government: Supports Communism
  • Amin: Afghan leader in 1979
  • Kamal: Pro-Soviet leader installed by Soviets
  • Economic Sanctions: Trade bans to halt a country's economy
  • Boycott: Refusal to participate in an event
• What was the geographical relationship between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan?

  Afghanistan was the Southern neighbor
• What was the Soviet Union's strategy regarding Afghanistan in the context of Muslim Fundamentalism?

  To use Afghanistan as a buffer against Islam