APUSH: Period 9, 1980-Present - The End of the Cold War, Fall of the Berlin Wall, Collapse of the Soviet Union

Why This Matters

The end of the Cold War marked a significant shift in the global balance of power, signaling the decline of Soviet communism and the rise of the United States as the world's sole superpower. This period, spanning from the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, is crucial for understanding the larger theme of Politics and Power in AP History. The end of the Cold War not only reshaped the international landscape but also had far-reaching consequences for global politics, economies, and societies.

Key Events & People

• Mikhail Gorbachev (General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, 1985-1991): Implemented reforms such as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) to revitalize the Soviet economy and increase transparency.
• Ronald Reagan (President of the United States, 1981-1989): Advocated for a strong military and economic stance against the Soviet Union, famously declaring "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"
• The Berlin Wall (constructed in 1961, fell in 1989): A physical barrier separating East and West Berlin, symbolizing the division of Europe and the Cold War.
• The Soviet Union's Economic Crisis (late 1980s): A severe economic downturn caused by inefficient state planning, corruption, and a decline in oil prices.
• The Polish Solidarity Movement (founded in 1980): A trade union that advocated for democratic reforms and human rights in Poland, contributing to the eventual collapse of communism.
• The Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989): A costly and unpopular conflict that drained the Soviet economy and eroded public support for the government.
• The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (signed in 1987): A landmark arms control agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union, limiting the deployment of intermediate-range missiles.
• The Velvet Revolution (1989): A peaceful revolution in Czechoslovakia that led to the overthrow of the communist government and the establishment of a democratic regime.
• Boris Yeltsin (President of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, 1991): A key figure in the collapse of the Soviet Union, who advocated for democratic reforms and eventually became the first president of the Russian Federation.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Soviet Union's economic crisis and military overextension led to widespread discontent and a loss of legitimacy for the communist government.
• Effect: The collapse of the Soviet Union's economy and military weakened the government's ability to maintain control over its territories.
• Long-term consequence: The end of the Soviet Union marked the beginning of a new era of globalization and the rise of the United States as the world's sole superpower.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Glasnost*: Openness and transparency in government and society, introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev to revitalize the Soviet economy and increase public participation.
• *Perestroika*: Restructuring and reform of the Soviet economy, aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing corruption.
• *Détente*: A period of reduced tensions and improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by diplomatic efforts and arms control agreements.
• *Brezhnev Doctrine*: A policy introduced by Leonid Brezhnev, stating that the Soviet Union had the right to intervene in the affairs of socialist states to maintain communist rule.
• *Reagan Doctrine*: A policy introduced by Ronald Reagan, advocating for the support of anti-communist movements and governments around the world.
• *Soviet-Afghan War*: A costly and unpopular conflict that drained the Soviet economy and eroded public support for the government.
• *Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty*: A landmark arms control agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union, limiting the deployment of intermediate-range missiles.
• *Velvet Revolution*: A peaceful revolution in Czechoslovakia that led to the overthrow of the communist government and the establishment of a democratic regime.
• *Boris Yeltsin*: A key figure in the collapse of the Soviet Union, who advocated for democratic reforms and eventually became the first president of the Russian Federation.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Berlin Wall was built in 1945, not 1961.
• Correction: The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 to separate East and West Berlin, symbolizing the division of Europe and the Cold War.
• What students often get wrong: Mikhail Gorbachev was the leader of the Soviet Union during the entire Cold War period.
• Correction: Mikhail Gorbachev became General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1985, marking a significant shift in Soviet policy and the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
• What students often get wrong: The Soviet Union collapsed due to a single event or person.
• Correction: The collapse of the Soviet Union was the result of a complex interplay of factors, including economic crisis, military overextension, and widespread discontent among the Soviet people.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of Mikhail Gorbachev in the collapse of the Soviet Union. Be sure to include specific evidence from his speeches, policies, and actions.
• Possible document-based question: Evaluate the impact of the Soviet-Afghan War on the Soviet Union's economy and military. Use specific evidence from Soviet documents, speeches, and news articles to support your argument.
• Possible essay prompt: Compare and contrast the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Be sure to include specific evidence from the events, speeches, and policies of key figures involved.

Quick Self-Check

1. What was the name of the policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev to revitalize the Soviet economy and increase transparency? a) Glasnost b) Perestroika c) Détente d) Brezhnev Doctrine

Answer: a) Glasnost

Explanation: Glasnost was a policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev to increase openness and transparency in government and society.

1. Which treaty was signed in 1987 between the United States and the Soviet Union, limiting the deployment of intermediate-range missiles? a) Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty b) Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty c) Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty d) Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Answer: a) Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty

Explanation: The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was a landmark arms control agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union, limiting the deployment of intermediate-range missiles.

1. Who became the first president of the Russian Federation after the collapse of the Soviet Union? a) Boris Yeltsin b) Mikhail Gorbachev c) Vladimir Putin d) Leonid Brezhnev

Answer: a) Boris Yeltsin

Explanation: Boris Yeltsin became the first president of the Russian Federation after the collapse of the Soviet Union, marking a significant shift in Russian politics and the beginning of a new era of globalization.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, not 1989.
• The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 to separate East and West Berlin.
• Mikhail Gorbachev introduced the policies of glasnost and perestroika to revitalize the Soviet economy and increase transparency.
• The Soviet-Afghan War was a costly and unpopular conflict that drained the Soviet economy and eroded public support for the government.
• The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed in 1987 between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• Boris Yeltsin became the first president of the Russian Federation after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
• The Velvet Revolution was a peaceful revolution in Czechoslovakia that led to the overthrow of the communist government and the establishment of a democratic regime.
• The Brezhnev Doctrine stated that the Soviet Union had the right to intervene in the affairs of socialist states to maintain communist rule.
• The Reagan Doctrine advocated for the support of anti-communist movements and governments around the world.
• The Soviet Union's economic crisis and military overextension led to widespread discontent and a loss of legitimacy for the communist government.