The Cold War Thaws

Soviet Policy in Eastern Europe and China Destalinization and Rumblings of Protest Nikita Khrushchev—leader of Soviet Union after Stalin dies (1953) Khrushchev condemns Stalin Remove statues. Same in the U.S. such as? ; Soviets & West can peacefully compete Citizens of Soviet-controlled governments begin protesting communism The Revolt in Czechoslovakia Leonid Brezhnev—Soviet leader after Khrushchev—represses dissent In Czechoslovakia, the Communist leader, Dubcek, loosen restrictions on speech & press = Prague Spring.

continued Soviet Policy in Eastern Europe and China The Soviet-Chinese Split In 1950, Mao and Stalin sign a 30-year friendship treaty, but tensions grow Chinese and Soviets each want to lead world communism Khrushchev ends economic aid and refuses to share nuclear secrets Soviets and Chinese fight small skirmishes across the border Today, Russia & China have decent relations

From Brinkmanship to Détente Brinkmanship Breaks Down Brinkmanship causes repeated crises; nuclear war a constant threat John F. Kennedy—U.S. president during the Cuban Missile crisis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W50RNAbmy3M&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1 REPLACE MR. E Lyndon Johnson—president who increases U.S. involvement in Vietnam Kept relations tense w/ the Soviet Union

The United States Turns to Détente Vietnam-era turmoil fuels desire for less confrontational policy Détente—policy of reducing Cold War tensions to avoid conflict Richard M. Nixon—U.S. president who launches détente Détente grows out of philosophy known as realpolitik “realistic politics”—recognizes need to be practical, flexible Nixon Visits Communist Powers Nixon (1st president) visits in 1972 Communist China and Soviet Union, signs SALT I Treaty SALT—Strategic Arms Limitation Talks—limit nuclear weapons Limiting # of ICBMs

The Collapse of Détente Policy Changes Nixon and Gerald Ford improve relations with Soviets and China Jimmy Carter has concerns about Soviet policies but signs SALT II Congress will not ratify SALT II due to Soviet invasion of Afghanistan Reagan Takes an Anti-Communist Stance Ronald Reagan—anti-Communist U.S. president takes office in 1981 Increases military defense spending, proposes a missile defense program called “STAR WARS” – SDI – Strategic Defense Initiative In 1985, new Soviet leadership allows easing of Cold War tensions via Mikhael Gorbachev

PART 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MDFX-dNtsM

Germany Reunifies Fall of the Berlin Wall 1989 East Germany completely closes borders Protestors demand free travel and elections

The Collapse of the Soviet Union

A Younger Leader Mikhail Gorbachev Glasnost – “openness” (transparency) Churches reopen Political prisoners released Freedom of speech

Reforming Economy and Politics Issues Inefficient system of central planning No motivation

To solve issue Perestroika – economic restructuring Small businesses allowed Democratization – gradual opening of the political system Election of a new legislative body

Soviet Union Faces Turmoil Glasnost, Perestroika, and Democratization reform leads to Soviet Union Break up Minority groups demand self-rule In 1987 Reagan and Gorbachev sign the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. Banned nuclear missiles with ranges of 300 to 3,400 miles.

End of Soviet Union Gorbachev resigns on Dec. 25, 1991 The Soviet Union collapses Republics declare independence