International relations during the cold war, key events

Causes - Churchill was not prime minister but leader of the opposition.

Events - Winton Churchill gave a speech in America where he discussed the theory that an imagenary line had been drawn across Europe, splitting communism and capitalism. He said "an iron curtain has descended across the continent".  Was agreed by both Trumen and Churchill. He singled out the Soiet Union to be the biggest threat to world peace.

Consequences - This 'war of words' created great tension between the superpowers and Stalin responded by saying, "Mr Churchill now adopts the position of the warmonger". He then stepped up his campaign of aniti-western propaganda and this marked the point when the two sides were more opponents than allies. It showed that Chuchill was no longer trying to be friends with the USSR.  Hightened the relationship between Britain and the USA, he described their relationship as, "a special relationship".

Causes - To prevent the establishment of a seperae state in Western Germany. They did not want to invade incase of American revolt and nuclear war. Wanted to prove that a divided Germany would not work. Wanted to cut off the capital so that it could not control western Berlin, the main section of Trizonia would no longer be able to communicate with the capital. In June 1948, Britain, France and America united their zones into a new country, West Germany. On 23 June 1948, they introduced a new currency, which they said would help trade. In April 1948, Russia imposed a partial blockade of west Berlin - allied transport into the city had to apply for a permit and was inspected.

Events - Stalin set up a miltary blockade around west Berlin in June 1948. He cut off the road, rail and canal traffic in an attempt to starve west Berlin.

Consequences - The berlin airlift. The Berlin Blockade lasted 10 months (ended May 1949). America sent 70 cargo planes and airlifted between 600-1000 tonnes of food and supplies everyday. The British helped and by January 1949, 170 000 tonne of supplies were airlifted in a month. This was know as Operation Vittles. They built a new airport where planes landed every 10 minutes, called Tempelholf.  Led to the Federal Republic of Germany in September 1949, the German Democratic Republic a month late and eventually Nato.

Causes - The Soviet union had invaded Hungary in 1944 and in 1949 imposed an oppressive reign through Comiform: Hungary's land was redistributed,  Hungary was deprived of food whilst their coal, oil and wheat was shipped to Russia, non-communist parties were abolished and Russian officials controlled the government. The economy was controlled through Comecon so they could not recieve Marshall Aid. Also, consessions were granted to the Poles, which looked like a sign things were changing.

The death of Stalin lead to de-salinisation through Krushchev and a contrast to Mantyas Rakosi's dictatorship.

Events - From the hope of freedom, demostrations and protests took place in Budapest. Many students also rioted, throwing petrol bombs and grenades at Soviet troops.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences - On 24 October 1956, Imre Nagy  took over as prime minister.  Nagy asked Khrushchev to move the Russian troops out. Khrushchev agreed and on 28 October 1956, the Russian army pulled out of Budapest.   For five days, there was freedom in Hungary. He proposed the following reforms</span>

• Government control of the press to end
• Hungary would leave the Warsaw Pact
• Hungary would become nuetral and the communist government should be replaced
• Should ask the UN for protection against Russia

On 3 November 1956, Nagy announced that Hungary was going to leave the Warsaw Pact. On the 4th November 1956 the Soviets crushed the revolt, sending in 200 000 Soviet troops and 6000 tanks. After 2 weeks of fighting 20 000 Hungarians were killed and 200 000 escaped to Austria.

Nagy was arrested, accused of treason and executed in June 1958.

The USA had offered 20 million dollars worth of food and supplies but had not offered any military support, dicouraging any other country from uprising. The UN also did nothing to support the uprising

Janos Kadar was appointed leader and reastablished communist control and permitted them to remain in the Warsaw Pact. However he did negotiate the withdrawal of soviet troops once the crisis was over

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes - </span>Both leaders wanted secret reports from their embassadors to understand what their opponents were thinking and doing.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events -</span>

Long Telegram, February 1946 -  From the American ambassador in Moscow, reporting on Stalin's speech on the destruction of capitalism. It also reported that there could be no peace while Stalin opposed capitalism. He belived that the USSR would back down if met with resistance and that America could stop it spreading.

<span style="background-color: #ef5b60;">Novikov's Telagram, 1946- From Novikov, the Soviet embassador in Moscow, suggesting that America wanted to dominate the world and was preparing for war. It also said that the USA were no longer interestig in cooperation.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences -</span> Truman was worried that Stalin would be able to gain territory without needing a big army. He belived that Stalin would encourage more communist revolutions. Therefore on 12th Marth 1947 President Truman delivered a speach to the US Congress.

Causes - The Long Telegram

Events - Within a speach on 12th March 1947, Pesident Truman delivered a speach to the American congress in which he said:

• The world had a choice between communist tyranny and democratic freedom
• America would send troops and economic resouces to help governments that were threatened by communists. The US would provide $400 million to Greece and Turkey.
• Communism should be contained

Consequences - Suggested that America, rather than the UN, was responsible to protect the world. Divided the world into communism and capitalism, marking the end of the Grand Alliance. Set a goal for American policy: containment.

Marshal aid.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes - The idea of containment suggested in The Truman Doctrine. These were describes as "two halves of the same walnut".</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events - The US secretary of state, George Marshall, announced aid to Europe in a speach:</span>

• $13 billion of American money to rebuild economies in Europe, hoping to reduce the attraction of communism.
• European countries had to promise to trade freely with America to recieve this aid

Consequences <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">-</span>

• European leaders met at the Paris conference in 1948 to discuss it.
• 16 countires accepted the offer, calling it "a lifeline to sinking men"
• Between 1948 and 1952 the USA gave an additional $12.7 billion in aid.
• It was called "dollar imperialism" by the soviets as it was like America was trying to "buy" influence, it was not only seen as a divide but the first step to a millitary alliance.
• Undermined the role of the UN.
• Stalin extended his influence over Eatern Europe, turning some, such as Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary, into satalite states. (having control eventhough they are officially independent.). This worsened international relations.
• Cominform / comecon

[strong]<span class=\"underline\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">Cominform (1947)[/strong]</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes - Cominform was set up and was used to make sure Eatern European governments were loyal to the Soviet Union, especially as some wanted to accept Marshal aid.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events - An international organisation that represented Communist parties across Europe, which rejected Marshall aid organising strikes against it. It also investigated government ministers and emloyees, removing those who were not loyal.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences -Consolidated the USSR's power by stamping out opposition, ensuring loyalty.</span>

[strong]<span class=\"underline\">Comecon (1949)[/strong]</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes - Stalin's answer to the Marshall Plan as he needed to offer an alternative to the countries he had demanded boycott the Marshall Plan.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events - It was established in 1949 and encouraged the economic development of Eastern Europe by arranging trade and credit agreements between members.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences - minimised America's influence in Eastern Europe and and made sure economic recovery stayed inside each opponent's "sphere of influence", turned these spheres into official economic alliances.</span>

Led to millitary alliances - NATO and the Warsaw Pact

[strong]<span class=\"underline\">Nato (1949)[/strong]</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes - The Berlin Blockade was the first military confrontation in the Cold War and raised the possibility of a war. It was also a reaction to the communist takeover of Czechslovakia.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events -  In April 1949 NATO was set up as an alliance between America and many of the coutries in Western Europe, ageeing that if any member was under attack, all other would come to their defence.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences - Marked a significant development as it's specific aim wast to defend the West against Communism.</span>

[strong]<span class=\"underline\">The Warsaw Pact (1955)[/strong]</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes - A response to NATO as there was a real danger of an armed and powerful Germany on the borders of the East.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events - In 1955 the USSR ceated the Warsaw Pact, a millitary alliance of Eatern European contries mirroring NATO</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences -Europe was now slit into two.</span>

The Geneva Meeting (1959)

Did not reach a solution to the Berlin Crisis but paved the way for a face-to-face meeting between Krushchev and Eisenhower.

Camp David (1959)

Met face-to-face for the first time but did not decide on a solution. Krushchev dropped his 6 month ultimation.

The Paris Conference (1960)

No decision was made as Krushchev walked out after a U2 spy plane was shot down over Russia. Eventhough the pilot, Gary Powers, confessed to spying, America claimed it was a weather plane and refused to apologise.

The Vienna Conference (1961)

Krushchev met with the new president John F Kennedy and said they had 6 months to withdraw or his troops would declare war. Kennedy's reputation had suffered after the Bay of Pigs and he was relatively inexperienced. However, he did not back down and spent a further $3.2 billion on defence and $207 million on nuclear fallout shelters.

More East Germans decided to cross to the West before Krushchev closed the borders. On just one day, 40 000 East Germans crossed to the West.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes - </span>

• The division of Berlin, especially as it was in a Soviet zone but hat become part of NATO.
• The refugee problem - 1/6th of the population moved from East to West between 1949 and 1961 due to greater freedom and wealth. Many of these were highly skilled and do it threatened the East's economy. It was a propoganda disaster for Krushchev. In response Krushchev demanded that Berlin should be demilitarised and Berlin should become a free city. He gave American troops 6 months to get out. Eisenhower then called the 4 summit meetings to dicuss the problem.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events - America had almost 20 times more nuclear weapons than the USSR so Krushchev decided to focuss on the refugee crisis. On 12th August 1961 the Berlin Wall was built around West Berlin, developing into a structure of mines dogs and watch-towers. By summer the 27 mile long wall was finished</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences -</span>

• Ended the refugee and Berlin crisis and eased tension in Europe.
• Avoided war and allowed Krushchev to appear strong as the USA had done nothing to stop it.
• It became a powerful symbol of the division and put into effect Churchill's "iron curtain" metaphor.
• Kennedy toured Berlin and was treated like a hero, giving his "Ich bin ein Berliner" speach.
• Americans used it for propaganda purposes.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes - President Eisenhower decided that the best way to solve the crisis was for the CIA to assasinate Castro, therefore he hatched a plan to overthrow the government. Kennedy believed Castro's government was unpopular and therefore assumed that the Cuban people would join the revolution and that it would be succsesful.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events - In April 1961 they invaded. The people sent over were 1400 CIA trained Cuban exiles so that it would look like a Cuban counter-revolution. However, they had little military experience and were faced with 20 000 soldiers ready and waiting to attack. America did not want to look involved so could not send more troops over and so the americans were defeated in two days.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Conequences -</span>

• Became a public hulmiliation for the USA and Castro used journalists to broadcast the victory.
• It looked like the USA was acting in the same way as the Soviet Union.
• Castro claimed communism was popular as the Cuban people had supported their leader.
• It led to stronger relations between the Soviet Union and Cuba. In August 1961 Krushchev decided to station Russian missiles in Cuba meaning that Krushchev would be able to attack America without inter-continental ballistic missiles. On 25th Setember 1962 Krushchev sent 114 Soviet ships to Cuba carrying a secret cargo of nuclear warheads and long-range missiles.

Causes - President Eisenhower decided that the best way to solve the crisis was for the CIA to assasinate Castro,therfore he hatched a plan to overthrow the government. Kennedy believed Castro's government was unpopular and therfore assumed that the Cuban people would join the revolution and that it would be succsesful.

Events - In April 1961 they invaded. The people sent over were 1400 CIA trained Cuban exiles so that it would look like a Cuban counter-revolution. However they had little military experience and were faced with 20 000 soldier ready and waiting to attack. America did not want to look involved so could not send more troops over and so the americans were defeated in two days.

Conequences -

• Became a public hulmiliation for the USA and Castro used journalists to broadcast the victory.
• It looked like the USA was acting in the same way as the Soviet Union.
• Castro cliamed communism was popular as the Cuban people had suported their leader.
• It led to stronger relations between the Soviet Union and Cuba. In August 1961 Krushchev decided to station Russian missiles in Cuba meaning that Krushchev would be able to attack America without inter-continental ballistic missiles. On 25th Setember 1962 Krushchev sent 114 Soviet ships to Cuba carrying a secret cargo of nuclear warheads and long-range missiles.

Causes - In the 1950s, Cuba was led by the oppressive and corrupt military dictator Fulgencio Batista. He agreed to almost all American policies and they ended up owning most of Cuban companies and taking advantage of its economy.

Events - The Cuban revolution of 1959 overthrew the pro-American government and Fidel Castro took over, leading a more nationalist government and taking over American property in Cuba.

Consequences - In response, America banned import of Cuban sugar, threatening to bankrupt the Cuban economy. Consequently, Castro turned to the USSR for help who agreed to give economic aid to Cuba and arms. In January 1961, the USA broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba.

• <span>16^th October – Kennedy is informed of Khrushchev’s plans to place nuclear missiles on Cuba.</span>
• 20^th October – Kennedy decides to impose a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent further missiles reaching Cuba.
• 22^nd October – Kennedy gives a public address officially declaring the blockade and calling on Khrushchev to recall his ships.
• 23^rd October – Khrushchev sends a letter to Kennedy stating that Russian ships will break through the blockade.
• 24^th October – Khrushchev issues a statement that the USSR is prepared to launch nuclear weapons if America goes to war
• 25^th October – American and Soviet armed forces are on the highest level of alert, they are told to prepare for war. Kennedy writes to Khrushchev asking him to withdraw his missiles from Cuba
• 26^th October – Khrushchev responds to Kennedy’s letter, saying that he will withdraw soviet missiles in return for a guarantee that the USA will not invade Cuba.
• 27^th October – Khrushchev receives intelligence that the USA are planning to invade Cuba within 24 hours. He proposes a deal: the USSR will withdraw missiles from Cuba is the USA will agree never to invade Cuba and to remove their missiles from Turkey. An American spy plane is shot down over Cuba. American ‘hawks’ demand retaliation. Robert Kennedy (Kennedy’s brother and chief advisor) approaches the Russian ambassador accepting Khrushchev’s deal but demands that the withdrawal of American troops from Turkey is kept secret.
• 28^th October [span]–Khrushchev accepts the secret deal.
  [/span]

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes - The missiles placed in Cuba. On 14th October 1962 an American spy plane took pictures of missile launches sites in Cuba.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events - Kennedy was informed of a fleet of ships sailing to Cuba which started the "thirteen days" which was the period of height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, known as brinkmanship.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences -</span>

• A reduction of Krushchev's authority as the removal of Turkey's missiles was kept a secret.
• In June 1963 the "hotline" was set up between Washington and Moscow.
• The Limited Test Ban Treaty was signed in 1963, banning the testing of all nuclear weapons in space, in the sea and above ground.
• Kennedy's peace talk led to dentente.
• The USSR was determined not to be pushed around by the USA again and so came to an equal standing on in the arms race.
• MAD
• The French decided to leave NATO
• The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 which banned all nuclear weapons being placed in space or in orbit by either superpower.
• The nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968 stoped the superpowers conflict to other parts of the world.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events - The Prague Spring is used to describe the reforms brought in by Dubcek in April 1968. These included:</span>

• A relaxation of press cencorship
• The legalisation of groups who opposed the governement, the acceptance of critism and a 10 year plan allowing free elections to take place.
• Fewer travel restrictions and greater trade with other countries.
• More power was given to regional governments and the Czech parliament
• The introduction of 12 market socialism" which reintroduced some parts of capitalism into the economy.

Dubcek said that his aim was to allow the "wildest possible democracy in the social and political life of Czechoslovakia. This was welcomed by students, intellectuals, workers and younger members of the communist party however others, including Brezhnev, were horrorfied.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences - The Polish and East German leaders pressured Brezhnev to take action so that this policy would not spread. Brezhnev tried to persuade Dubcek that the reforms had gone too far but Dubceck did not respond. Therefore, on 20th August, Brezhnev ordered a full-scale invasion on Czechslovakia in order to overthrow Dubcek. 500 000 Warsaw Pact troops overthrew the goverment with very little opposition exept non-violent protests. Dubceck was taken to Moscow and forced to sign the Moscow protocol which committed the Czech government to "protect socialism" by reintroducing press censorship and removing political opposition. He was replaced by Gustav Husak. The invasion led to greater Soviet control, especailly as the American's had offered no millitary support.</span>

Some communist parties in Western European countries such as Italy and France declard themseleves independent of the Soviet Communist Party.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes -</span>

• The USA could spend less money on weapons and more on trying to solve the social problems causng riots.
• The USSR was facing economic problems and wanted to cut spending.
• Germany was folowiing a policy of "Ostpolik" which involved building better relations within the country.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events - A relaxation of tensions whithin the cold war where there was a period of peace between the USA and the USSR</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences - In May 1972 the SALT 1 treaty was signed by the USSR and the USA. It agreed that neither side would produce any more strategic ballistic missiles and that anti-ballistic missiles were only allowed at two sites containing no more than 100 missiles. There would also by a five-year freeze on the total number of ICBM and SLBM launches. Submarines carrying nuclear weapons would only be introduced when existing stocks of intercontinental ballistic missiles became obsolete. Each side was permitted to check on the other using satalites and both agreed to make every effort to aviod war.</span>

In 1972 President Nixon was the first US President to visit the Soviet Union since Yalta, this led to the Helsinki agreements in Finland: The West recognised the frontiers of Eastern Europe and the Soviet influence in Europe; the Soviets agreed to buy US grain and to export oil to the West.The Soviet union accepted the existence of West Germany, there was a call for closer economic, sceintific and cultural links. West Germany officially recognised East Germany . All countries agreed to improve human rights.

• USA government believed the Soviet government could not be trusted as they were supporting communist groups in places like Angola.
• Islamic militants took American diplomants hostage for 444 days in Tehran and many wanted to see America restored as a powerful nation.
• Carter's advisers, such as Zbigniew Brzezinski, were calling for a stronger stance.
• The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

[strong]<span class=\"underline\">Before the invasion.[/strong]</span>

• A socialist goverment came into power in 1978 through a revolution and imposed a communist-style reform programme. Many were not happy about this, especially as the government had become an ally of the USSR.
• A civil war was started between the government and islamic fighters, leading to Mohammed Taraki (the President and leader of the revolution) accepting Amin as Prime Minister, however he became a rival and haed of the army.
• Taraki was assasinated in October 1979 by Amin supporters and Amin became President.

Causes -

• [span]Russian reports believed that Amin was trying to make a deal with America and
  the USSR did not trust him, thinking he was an American spy.[/span]
• Amin was unpopular with many Muslims and Brezhnev did not want them to take control.
• Brezhnev feared the "Islamic domino effect" - if Afganistan became an Islamic State many Soviet republics nearby would do the same. This had already happened in Iran by January 1979.
• The Soviets feared Mujahideen (Islamic fundamentalists). They declared jihad (a holy war) on the supporters of Amin including the Russians.
• The Middle East was an oil-rich area that the Soviets could take advantage of.
• Brezhnev did not forsee any opposition from the USA as they had not responded to the "Prague Spring" invasion.
• Afgan communist Babrak Kamal told the USSR that with their help he could form a new government.

Events - 350 aircraft and 50 000 Soviet troops were sent to restore order in December 1979. The invasion began on Christmas day in 1979. The Soviets killed Amin and placed Kamal as President of Afganistan, who held his post until 1986 through the aid of 85 000 Russian soldiers (as many Afgan soldiers had deserted to Mujahideen)

Consequences - 15 000 Russian soldiers and 1.5 million people died during the 10 year battle and it caused a huge economic burden on the USSR. President Carter called it "the biggest threat to world peace since the end of the Second World War". Superpower relations were at their lowest since the Cuban Missile Crisis.

• The Carter Doctine - 1800 marines were sent by the USA to protect oil routes.
• Cia - provided weapons and funds for the Mujahideen
• Trade - President Carter imposed economic sanctions stopping almost all trade with the Soviet Union, the export of 17 million tons of grain was halted.
• Relations - Carter ended diplomatic relations with the USSR, ending Detente
• Salt II - Carter withdrew his support. Salt 11 would have put retrictions on missile launches and strateguc bombers and banned testing or deploying new types of ICBM.
• Los angeles Olympic games - The USSR and 14 othe countires refused to attend.
• Moscow Olympic games - Carter led a boycott and 60 countries followed.
• Aid - The USA promised military aid to all countires bordering Afganistan.
• Alliances - The USA formed and alliance with China and Israel to support Afgan rebels.

Causes - Detente had collapsed under Carter and Reagen believed it was time for America to start fighting again. He rejected the idea of "peaceful coexistence" and said he could imagine a "limited nuclear war in Europe". During his "Evil Empire speach" in March 1983 Reagan argued that the Cold War was a moral war and America had a duty to invest in it to take down the "evil" USSR. He persuaded the US Congress to boost America's armed forces by spending more. In 1982 13% more was spent on new weapons.

Events - Used to decribe the period between 1979 and 1985.

• Regen persuaded the US Congress to boost America's armed forces by spending more. In 1982 13% more was spent on new weapons.
• He announced the "Reagen Doctrine", the USA would support anti-communist groups trying to overthrow communist governments.
• The "Star Wars" programme

Causes - Ronald Reagan wanted to force the USSR to disarm.

Events - Reagan introduced the SDI (Strategic Defence Initiative) in 1983, later known as "Star Wars". Satallites would be equipped with powerful lasers which would intercept Soviet missiles in space and destroy them. This would cause the USSR's weapons to become useless and Reagan believed it would force them to disarm. This put America ahead of the arms race and broke the rules of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. Reagan did not admit it was years from being ready.

Consequences -

• The Soviet Union could no longer compete in the arms race, especially as America had won the race to the moon in 1969 and had developed a space shuttle. The "space race" had turned into an "arms race".
• Weakened Superpower relationships especially as Soviet economy was not producing enough wealth to fund development and America's computer technology was blooming. Reagan wated them to compete and collapse their own economy.
• The Soviet Union felt that the USA was preparing to attack.

Causes -

• Mikhael Gorbachev became USSR leader in 1985. He had little foreign policy experience and formed quick judgments. He underestimated Reagan, commenting: "Reagan is not a class enemy: he is extremely primitive. He looks like a caveman and is mentally retarded."
• The Chernobyl Crisis in April 1986: the reactor in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine exploded. 31 people died and Gorbachev denied there had been a release of dangerous radiation, the West refused to believe this. Chernobyl became an international symbol of the crisis in the Soviet Union.
• The Soviet were facing many economic problems and were dominated by shortages. There was barely any industrial growth whilst the USA's economy and standard of living was high. This lead to unrest in some satalite states e.g. the trade union "Solidarity".

Gorbachev dropped the Brezhnev Doctrine and wanted to withdraw from Afganistan. He also brough in two programmes of reform:

• Perestroika - reforms to make the economy more efficient.
• Glasnost - relaxation of the censorsip of the press.

Geneva Summit meeting in November 1985 - Reagan wanted peace between the powers and Gorbachev wanted Reagan to stop his plans for SDI and wanted stronger relations.

Just before the conference, Gorbachev had sacked his foreign minister Andrei Gromyko and replaced him with Eduard Shevardnadze, showing an end to Gromyko's aggressive foreign policy.

Reykjavik meeting of October 1986 - Reagan wanted to scrap all balistic nuclear missiles, however Gorbachev refused as long as the SDI project was still underway.

Washingtom Summit meeting of December 1987 - The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty was signed. This got rid of all nuclear weapons with a range of 500-5500 kilometres, causing both sides to destroy hundreds of missiles.

Reagan

• He recognised the American people were against another arms race and it would be very exensive. He did not want to be seen as a bully and started refering to 1984 as "a year for opportunity for peace"
• There was widespread approval of Gobachev, even in the US and Britain.
• Reagan and Gorbachev got on quite well and this was portrayed heavily in the media.

Gorbachev

• He realised the economy could never recover whilst he was spending so much on weapons.
• Reagan persuaded Gobachev that he had no intention of invasion.
• Gorbachev hoped that accepting the treaty would increase his popularity and perhaps lead to more trade agreements.
• Gorbachev realised that the USA's economic and political agreements would provide greater security than military strength could.

Moscow Summit, 1988 - Reagan visited Moscow for the first time. There was an agreement to work towards the disarment of nuclear and conventional weapons.

Malta Summit, 1989 - Both President Bush and Gorbachev started work on the CFE agreement of 1990 and Start 1 of 1991. This officially marked the end of the Cold War. Gorbachev said, "I assure the President of the United States that I will never start a hot war against the USA."

CFE Agreement, 1990 - Signed by Bush and Gorbachev, limiting the forces that NATO and the Warsaw Pact could have in Europe. This was difficult as the USSR was beginning to break up.

Start 1, 1991 - Signed by Bush and Gorbachev, with pens made from scrapped nuclear weapons, setting limits on the number of nuclear weapons (each side had to destroy 1/3). However it did not cover all weapons as it excluded nuclear submarines and space weapons.

Causes -

• Gorbachev announced that idealogy should be less important when explaining relationships between countires, and it should not affect trading preferences.
• Gorbachev was keen for Eastern Europe to enjoy the benefits of Perestroika and Glasnost.
• Gorbachev withdrew soldiers from Eastern Europe to save money.
• Through Glasnost, more people openly critisised the government; Eastern European government no longer relied on soviet soldiers to keep them in control; without trade links, there was less reason for them to rely on the USSR, opening link with capitalist countries. This all led to weaker Soviet control.
• Satelities were now free to choose how they would be governed, encouraging them to bring about more individual freedoms and a higher standard of living.
• Without Communist government it was easy to question the need for the Warsaw Pact.

Events - In 1989 the Berlin wall was taken down, marking the end of Soviet control and the Cold War. Many friends and family were reunited after 30 year of seperation.

The Warsaw Pact was dissolved in July 1991, leading to all its members abandoning communism.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Causes -</span>

• He was treated with suspicion.
• Leading communist members did't like Perestroika and Glasnost, or that he'd rejected the Brezhnev Doctine in 1988.
• The economic reform produced no immediate effects and the USSR were still suffering from economic problems.
• In 1989 he had rejected that members of the Warsaw Pact could make changes to their own countries without expecting interference, the Sinatra Doctrine.
• The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia declared themselves independant of the Soviet Union during 1990.

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Events - The Gang of Eight, a group of senion communist government officials, prevented Gorbachev from returning to Moscow and he was held hostage in his own holiday home in the Crimea. Moscow went into a state of emergency, abandoning Perestroika and Glasnost, and placing tanks and troops in the streets. This lasted for three days, however Boris Yeltsin (future prisident) led demonstrations against the coup and Gorbachev returned home as leader on 21st August. He attempted to give republics greater freedoms but many wanted complete independence. Others took this opportunity to form the Commonwealth Independent states, which 12 countries joined.</span>

<span style="background-color: #ffc133;">Consequences - Gorbachev announced the dissolution of the Soviet Union and his resignment of President on 25th Decemer 1991, making America the only superpower. Yeltsin had also disbanded the Communist Party in Russia and the idealogical battle between the East and West and the arms race was officially over.</span>