Lesson 17: Mikhail Gorbachev and the fall of soviet control

• What were the economic problems in the Soviet Union?

  Economic problems and poverty
• What human rights issues existed in the Soviet Union?

  Human rights violations and secret police
• How did the Soviet Union use secret police?

  To interrogate, punish, and imprison without trial
• What was a political problem in the Soviet Union?

  Poor leadership and instability
• How many leaders did the Soviet Union have between 1982-1985?

  Three leaders
• What was the Chernobyl disaster?

  A nuclear disaster releasing massive radiation
• How much radiation was released during the Chernobyl disaster?

  200 times more than Hiroshima
• What did Gorbachev's new policies aim to do?

  Engage more with the Soviet people
• What is the term for Gorbachev's policy of restructuring?

  Pere stroika
• What does Glasnost refer to?

  Openness and transparency in government
• What did Gorbachev end regarding the Soviet Union's military actions?

  He ended the Brezhnev Doctrine
• What was Gorbachev's stance on military action against Soviet countries?

  He stated they wouldn't be punished
• What did Gorbachev promise to reduce spending on?

  Nuclear weapons, arms, and defense
• When did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan?

  In 1979
• How long did the Soviet Union fight in Afghanistan?

  Over 10 years
• What was a consequence of Gorbachev's policies?

  Improved relations with the US
• What was significant about the Geneva Summit in 1985?

  Gorbachev and Reagan met for the first time
• What agreement was made at the Washington Summit in 1987?

  To destroy nuclear weapons
• What treaty was signed regarding nuclear forces?

  Intermediate Range Nuclear Force Treaty (INF)
• What did the INF Treaty require both countries to do?

  Remove and destroy nuclear weapons
• What did Gorbachev announce at the Moscow Summit in 1988?

  Reduction of Warsaw Pact troops
• What marked the end of the Cold War?

  The Malta Summit in 1989
• How did the US respond to Gorbachev's new thinking?

  Improved relations and negotiation
• Who was elected as the American president in 1981?

  Ronald Reagan
• What was the period called when Reagan was tough on Communism?

  Second Cold War
• What change did Reagan make in response to Gorbachev?

  He worked to end the Cold War
• What were Gorbachev's main policies and their impacts?

  • Perestroika: Restructuring the economy
  • Glasnost: Openness in government
  • Ending the Brezhnev Doctrine: Reduced military intervention
  • Reduced spending on nuclear arms
  • Withdrew troops from Afghanistan
  • Improved US-Soviet relations
• What were the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster on the Soviet Union?

  • Exposed weaknesses in Soviet technology
  • Highlighted the need for reform
  • Increased public distrust in the government
  • Contributed to the collapse of Soviet control
• What were the key summit meetings between Gorbachev and US leaders?

  1. Geneva Summit 1985: First meeting
  2. Washington Summit 1987: Nuclear disarmament agreement
  3. Moscow Summit 1988: Troop reductions announced
  4. Malta Summit 1989: End of the Cold War