1. Cold War
End of Cold War

2. Cold War Ends - Causes Soviet Union
a. Increasing Soviet military expenses to
compete with the United States
b. Economic inefficiency
Eastern European countries (communist block) wanted independence  U.S. encouraged dissidents (people who wanted independence) in communist countries (Poland)

3. Collapse of the Soviet Union- Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan (President of the U.S.)
Challenged moral legitimacy of the
Soviet Union (“Mr. Gorbachev, tear
down this wall”).
2. Increased U.S. military and economic pressure on the Soviet Union

4. Collapse of the Soviet Union- Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev – President of the (Soviet Union)
Allowed people to criticize the government without fear. (Glanost)
For the first time since 1917, people were allowed to own small businesses. (perestrokia) .
Last President of the Soviet Union and many of the changes he made helped to end the Soviet influence in Eastern Europe.

5. Collapse of the Soviet Union
Margaret Thatcher
British Prime Minister
Promoted free trade and less government
Fostered a close relationship with the United States and supported U.S. foreign policy
Asserted Britain’s military power in world affairs
Helped to end the Cold War.

6. Collapse of the Soviet Union
Establishment of independent states in Eastern Europe and the breakup of the Soviet Union
Movement toward a free market economy
Fall of Berlin wall and reunification of Germany

7. Break up of U.S.S.R.

8. Expansion of NATO