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Why did the Cold War end??

USSR problems and Gorbachevs Role:

GORBIMANIA: GORBIE :

Gorbachevs New thinking -> Internal Change was Gorbachevs main concern. Changes in
foreign policy were ment to help perestroika succeed. Eventhough Gorbachevs domestic
policy was not clear , he did intend to end the Cold War, encourage rise of reformers in
Eastern Europe through his policy of non-intervention ( As he abandoned Brezhnev Doctrine
in March 1985 and (upholding communist governments cost the USSR- $40 Billion a year)
and Pulled out of the Afghan War 1988 ( Cost USSR $8 Billion annually)). His belief that a
degree of liberalization would rejuvenate socialism in Eastern Europe. COMMON
EUROPEAN HOME
Wanted to overcome division of Europe he believed in a Pan-European security system
which would replace NATO and Warsaw Pact.
In order to finance perestoika, he wanted to divert funds from the military -> EASING OF US-
SOVIET MILITARY RIVALRY. It ment that the Soviet Union no longer felt obligated to support
3rd World socialist movements or regimes THEREFORE in Europe it meant that USSR was
politically friendlier!
Willingess to cooperate with the West and Reagan -> START, INF treaty signed in
Washington 1987 and both sides agreed to verification procedures ( eventhough SDI was still
an issue and was technically violating ABM treaty of 1972), agreed to the zero-zero option
on deployment of SS-20S,Pershing and Cruise missiles in Europe in February 1987. Soviet
withdrawl from Afghanistan in February 1988. Contrast to Gerontocracy as Reagan and
Gorbachev held summits every year from 1985-1988.
Policy of non-intervention in Eastern Europe-> SINATRA DOCTRINE
December 1988 Reduction of Soviet troops by 500,00 over next 2 years and
withdrawal from GDR, Czechoslovakia and Hungary.
Abandonment of Brezhnev Doctrine March 1985
Legalisation of Solidarity in Poland January 1989. August 1989 first elected non-
communist prime minister
Pushed GDR to form closer ties with West Germany . He also accepted reunification of
Germany and its NTO membership in September 1990.
COLD WAR BEGAN IN EASTERN EUROPE AND ENDED IN EASTERN EUROPE

GORBACHEVS ACHIEVEMENTS:
Stabilize and reduce any danger from US-Soviet rivalry in the development and
deployment of Nuclear forces. ( START and INF treaty)
Defuse major tensions in US-Soviet competition for Influence or advantage in Third
World ( Withdrawal from Afghanistan and settlements in Southern Africa)
Soviet participation in the international community (progress in USSRs recognition of
Human rights)
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USSR Problems:

No new innovations/changes/reforms Gerontocracy( Chernenko, Andropov and Brezhnev).

USSR was increasingly dependent on imported grain and foreign technology. State
controlled industries of Eastern Europe were inefficient and concentrated on heavy industry
rather than consumer goods. ( No improvements in living/working standards). Prior events
such as Hungary 1956 shows nationalism and discontent in Eastern Europe.
Republics such as Estonia,Latvia and Lithuania wanted their independence ( given it
after WW1 then taken away). In 1988 and 1989 Armenians in Karabakh demanded
independence from control.
USSR was not benefitting Eastern Europe economically or technologically.
USSR could no longer support Eastern Europe -> In need of Western aid/loans and
cooperation.
Centralized ,isolated, highly militarized character of the economy since late 1920s -> No
new innovations or technological progress.
Stagnating Economy -> Isolated from world economy . Containment only deepened Soviet
isolation. East- West trade was constrained e.g economic sanctions on both Poland and
USSR , after martial Law was declared August 1981.
GLASNOST AND DEMOCRATISATION - Allowed criticism of Soviet regime and communism/
less censorship / hard-liners and reformers more inclined to criticize