End of e Cold W
Causes of the Collapse of the USSR
1. Economic Weaknesses
• Centrally planned economy — inefficient, bureaucratic, no innovation
• Stagnation since Joseph Stalin
• Behind West in technology
• Poor quality goods + shortages
• No incentives — low productivity
• High alcoholism — reduced output
• Heavy debt + overspending
2. Afghanistan War (1979–1989)
• USSR invaded to protect influence
• Faced resistance (mujahedeen backed by USA)
• Lowered morale + worsened economy
3. Arms Race
• Ronald Reagan increased US military spending
• New tech (SDI “Star Wars”, missiles, submarines)
• USSR couldn’t keep up — economic strain
• Accelerated collapse
Role of Mikhail Gorbachev
Perestroika (Economic restructuring)
• Limited private business + decentralisation
• Reduced state control
• Led to inflation, shortages, bankruptcies
Glasnost (Openness)
• Freedom of speech + media
• Exposed corruption + increased criticism
Democratisation
• Multi-party elections allowed
• Weakened Communist Party control
Détente
• Improved US relations — reduced military spending
• Withdrew from Afghanistan
End of Brezhnev Doctrine: USSR stopped controlling Eastern Europe, satellites choose own systems
Causes of the Collapse of the USSR
1. Economic Weaknesses
• Centrally planned economy — inefficient, bureaucratic, no innovation
• Stagnation since Joseph Stalin
• Behind West in technology
• Poor quality goods + shortages
• No incentives — low productivity
• High alcoholism — reduced output
• Heavy debt + overspending
2. Afghanistan War (1979–1989)
• USSR invaded to protect influence
• Faced resistance (mujahedeen backed by USA)
• Lowered morale + worsened economy
3. Arms Race
• Ronald Reagan increased US military spending
• New tech (SDI “Star Wars”, missiles, submarines)
• USSR couldn’t keep up — economic strain
• Accelerated collapse
Role of Mikhail Gorbachev
Perestroika (Economic restructuring)
• Limited private business + decentralisation
• Reduced state control
• Led to inflation, shortages, bankruptcies
Glasnost (Openness)
• Freedom of speech + media
• Exposed corruption + increased criticism
Democratisation
• Multi-party elections allowed
• Weakened Communist Party control
Détente
• Improved US relations — reduced military spending
• Withdrew from Afghanistan
End of Brezhnev Doctrine: USSR stopped controlling Eastern Europe, satellites choose own systems
