LEARNING INTENTIONS

• Describe the main factors which led to the end of the Cold War

• Explain which factor you feel is most important and why

The collapse of the Soviet Union and end of the Cold War are huge events in history. However what caused the downfall of such a powerful

empire?

Historians who discuss the end of the Cold War tend to focus on three main themes:

• Events inside the Soviet Union

• Events outside the Soviet Union

• Key people

Many people argue that events within the Soviet Union were ultimately

what caused it to collapse.

This includes issues relating to politics, people

and money.

The 1980s saw huge political change in the Soviet Union.

New leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s decision to introduce reforms

began to undermine the way that the USSR had previously been run.

These changes included a greater openness and also a decision not to use military force on

other Soviet countries.

All of this inspired people in the USSR to seek greater control. They were also tired of living poor lives.

Money may have played an important role too.

The USSR had committed too many resources to the military and other

countries such as Afghanistan.

Essentially they could not afford to continue.

Many people credit issues outside the

Soviet Union, including the USA’s

actions.

Also, the revolutions led by people in the

Eastern Bloc had a big influence too.

During the 1980s, the USA built a range of

new weapons, which the USSR could not afford

to match.

US President Ronald Reagan also made it

clear that he aimed to end the ‘evil empire’.

There is also a belief that people within the USSR grew tired of the

lives they led.

As more and more people protested and demanded change, it became hard to stop

this. Some people say TV did it!

Public figures such as

politicians were certainly

important during the Cold War?

However did they help end it?

One of the most obvious people to link

with the end was Mikhail Gorbachev.

As USSR leader he introduced many reforms which

significantly changed it.

A greater openness, more democracy,

changing the economy; all of these massively

changed the Soviet Union.

Others however argue that he did not choose to do these but was forced by events

elsewhere.

US President Ronald Reagan is sometimes given credit too.

Reagan was very anti-Communist. He gave

support to Afghanistan and had an influence in Poland too. These issues hurt the USSR.

However many argue that Reagan might have actually delayed the

Cold War’s end.

By being so aggressive he forced the USSR to

carry on. He also supported many

undemocratic regimes.

UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was a big supporter and friend of Ronald

Reagan.

She had good relations with Gorbachev.

Thatcher also helped by allowing the USA to base nuclear missiles

in the UK.

However Thatcher’s influence is

largely limited.

Her main power came from her

friendship with Ronald Reagan,

suggesting he has a major role.

Another key person might have been

Pope John Paul II.

John Paul II, from Poland, gave many speeches which

hugely influenced mostly Catholic

Poland. He was very helpful to Solidarity.

The Pope’s role in Poland was very

important in changing the country. This had

a knock-on effect elsewhere.

However his influence is limited in other countries, reducing his overall role.