The Collapse of the Soviet Union and the End of the Cold War
The Role of Gorbachev: Perestroika and Glasnost
- Perestroika (Restructuring)
- Economic Reforms: Aimed to decentralize the economy and introduce market-like reforms.
- Challenges: Reforms were slow and met with resistance, leading to economic instability.
- Glasnost (Openness)
- Political Reforms: Encouraged transparency and freedom of expression.
- Impact: Exposed systemic corruption and inefficiencies, fueling public discontent.
Perestroika focused on economic restructuring, while Glasnost aimed to increase political transparency. Together, they unintentionally accelerated the Soviet Union's collapse by exposing deep-rooted issues.
The Role of the American Administration and the Arms Race
- Renewed Arms Race
- Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI): Proposed by President Reagan, it pressured the Soviet economy.
- Economic Strain: The USSR struggled to keep up with military spending.
- Diplomacy and Negotiation
- INF Treaty (1987): Eliminated intermediate-range nuclear missiles.
- Shift in Strategy: The U.S. combined military pressure with diplomatic engagement.
When analyzing the arms race, consider how economic strain from military spending contributed to the Soviet Union's collapse.
Economic Problems Within the USSR
- Centralized Economy
- Inefficiency: State-controlled industries lacked innovation and productivity.
- Debt and Shortages: The USSR faced mounting debt and severe shortages of consumer goods.
- Reforms and Their Consequences
