Transcript 5. T6 Detente Pol USSR

TOPIC #6 – The Collapse of Soviet Communism in Eastern Europe 1948 – 1989
62.How was the Hungarian Uprising of 1956 dealt with by the USSR? (4)
63.Why did the USSR try to dominate Eastern European countries after WWII? (6)
64.The Soviet grip on Eastern Europe was complete until the emergence of
‘Solidarity’ in Poland. Do you agree with this view? Explain your answer. (10)
65.Describe the events in Hungary in 1956. (4)
66.Why did the USSR invade Czechoslovakia in 1968? (6)
67.Gorbachev was responsible for the collapse of Soviet control in Eastern Europe.
How far do you agree with this statement. Explain your answer. (10)
68.Describe the effects of building the Berlin Wall on the people of Berlin. (4)
69.Why was the Berlin Wall built? (6)
70.There was never a real likelihood that either the Soviets or the Americans would turn the
Cold War into a ‘Hot War’ in Europe. Do you agree? Explain your answer. (10)
71. What was glasnost? (4)
72.Why was Solidarity formed in Poland? (6)
72a. Why did the Polish government clampdown on Solidarity in December 1981? (6)
73. How far was the collapse of Soviet Communism due to the reforms of
Gorbachev? Explain your answer. (10)
SOURCE
2
Eastern Europe, 1948–56.
KD ANSWERS:
2. Cold War thaw in the 1970s: (7)
There were a number of factors that led to a thaw in
relations between the USA and USSR.
Helsinki conference, August 1975.
• All countries recognised the borders set out after the Second World
War, including the division of Germany. They agreed to respect
human rights – e.g. freedom of speech, freedom to move from one
country to another.
(Does that remind you of the Locarno Treaties of 1925? – p. 240)
High hand shake!
• American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts met up and shook
hands in space. This was quite literally the high point of détente.
(What does this prove or demonstrate / why important?)
KD ANSWERS:
3. Why did the Cold War freeze again in the 1980s? (7)

After a decade of détente, the distrust and hostility between the USA
and USSR returned and witnessed another freeze in the Cold War in
the 1980s.
Revolution in Iran:
The Iranian revolution changed the balance of power in the Middle
East and increased tension between the superpowers, who were
worried about how each other would react.
Civil wars in Nicaragua, El Salvador and in Angola:
Communist rebels (supported by Cuban and Soviet money and
expertise) tried to overthrow the governments of these states in South
America and Africa. The USA funded the governments against the
rebels. In Angola, the USA and the USSR helped to fund a long-running
civil war.
Human rights:
Jimmy Carter (US President, 1977–81) openly criticised the USSR’s
suppression of dissidents – people who spoke out against the
government in both the USSR and eastern Europe.
New nuclear weapons:
In 1977 the USSR began replacing out-of-date missiles in eastern
Europe with new SS-20 nuclear missiles. In response, President Carter
allowed the US military to develop the Cruise missile. By 1979 the USA
had stationed Pershing missiles in western Europe as an answer to the
SS-20s.
Collapse of SALT 2:
The main terms of the SALT 2 agreement had been set out as early as
1974. It was not until June 1979 that SALT 2 was finally signed. By
that time, relations between the USA and the USSR had deteriorated
so much that the US Congress refused to ratify SALT 2.
Afghanistan
In 1979 the pro-Soviet regime in Afghanistan was under serious threat
from its Muslim opponents, the Mujahideen. To protect the regime,
Soviet forces invaded. Western powers were alarmed and the USA
secretly began to send money, arms and equipment to Pakistan for the
Mujahideen. Portrayed in Charlie Wilson’s War
The Moscow and Los Angeles Olympics
In protest at Soviet involvement in the Afghan War, the USA boycotted
the 1980 Olympic games held in Moscow. In retaliation, the USSR and
eastern European teams boycotted the Los Angeles Olympics held four
years later.
Ronald Reagan:
In 1980, the USA elected Ronald Reagan as President.
Reagan made no secret of his dislike of Communism and the USSR,
calling it the Evil Empire. He supported anti-Communist forces in
Afghanistan and Nicaragua.
Reagan was helped by the fact that many of Europe’s leaders at this
time (including Britain’s Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher) supported
his tough line against the USSR.
His boldest plan was to escalate the arms race in order to end it. He
increased US defense spending by $32.6 billion.
DATE: September 30, 2014
TOPIC #6: Cold War and the 1970s - Intro to Poland and Solidarity
REVIEW:
Détente , Cold War thaw (1970s) and Cold War freeze (1980s)
OBJECTIVES:
9. Explain what happened to Cold War tensions in the 1970s and 1980s.
10. Describe the significance of ‘Solidarity’ in Poland for the decline of Soviet
influence in Eastern Europe?
11. Measure how far Gorbachev was responsible for the collapse of
Soviet control over Eastern Europe?
KD:
1. What was Solidarity? p. 412
2. How were protests in Poland different from those in Hungary and
Czechoslovakia? p. 412
3. What complaints did the Polish have during the 1970s? p. 412
4. Describe how Solidarity grew in the summer of 1980. p. 412
TOPIC #6:Intro to Poland and Solidarity
KD:
1. Solidarity was a new trade union set up in Poland in the summer of 1980.
2. Protests in Poland were different b/c they tended to be about wages or food
prices. They protested successfully in 1956 and 1970, but in both cases they
never tried to get rid of the government or challenge the USSR.
3. Complaints by the Polish during the 1970s:

Standard of living

Demand for consumer goods (Source 1 - queuing for food … shortages)

Governments handling of the economy/industry during crisis in 1979
(Source 1 – wanted joint control to manage the economy)

Government propaganda distorted the truth
4. Solidarity grows in the summer of 1980:

Government announced increases in the price of meat, but not wages, so workers
went on strike.

Lech Walesa leads workers at Gdansk shipyard, who put forward 21 demands (free
trade unions, right to strike, more pay, end censorship).

Aug 30 – government agrees to Solidarity’s 21 demands.

Through September and October, membership in Solidarity rises to 7 million. The
communist government officially recognises Solidarity. (Jan 1981 – 9.4 million)
TOPIC #6: Cold War - Poland and Solidarity
REVIEW:
Domino EFFECT is different from Domino Theory.
OBJECTIVE:
10. Describe the significance of ‘Solidarity’ in Poland for
the decline of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe?
KD: Read page 413.
1. Read source 4 on page 413. What are the Polish writers really
complaining about? Give examples / QTS.
2. Why did the Polish government agree to Solidarity’s demands in 1980?
3. Study the profile of Lech Walesa on page 413. What characteristics
made him a good leader for Solidarity?
TOPIC #6: Cold War - Poland and Solidarity
OBJECTIVE: 10. Describe the significance of ‘Solidarity’ in Poland for the decline of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe?
KD:
1. Source 4 – p. 413 – complaints:
•
Inequality between communist members and ordinary people –
hospitals, highways, shops, vacation houses
2. Polish government agrees to Solidarity’s demands:
Next slide.
TOPIC #6: Cold War - Poland and Solidarity
KD:
2. Polish government agrees to Solidarity’s demands:

Poland depended on these workers especially (skilled workers and
foremen in shipbuilding and heavy industry) and wanted to avoid a
general strike.

Was not immediately seen as a threat to the communist party. 30%
of Solidarity’s members were communists.

Lech Walesa was a careful negotiator and kept control of Solidarity
(radicals). He and communist leader Kania both wanted to avoid
Soviet involvement.

Solidarity was very popular and seen as trustworthy. The
government needed to be careful in its response.

Solidarity had the support of the Catholic Church (which most Poles
were members of). The Church and the government didn’t interfere
with each other.

The government played for time (martial law plan by Aug 25th) and
hoped Solidarity would splinter.

The USSR treated the Polish ‘crisis’ carefully because of the
attention and coverage it received in the West (Walesa interviews).
TOPIC #6: Cold War - Poland and Solidarity
KD:
3. Lech Walesa - characteristics making him a good leader:

Very skilled and respected electrician

Had led successful strike in 1970

He was a committed Catholic and had the support from Polish
people, and from overseas.

He was careful NOT to antagonise the USSR.

Was on the ‘front lines’ of difficulties Poland faced as a worker at
Gdansk.
HW: The Polish government agreed to solidarity’s demands because it
wanted to play for time. How far do you agree? Explain. (8)
DATE: October 14, 2010
THE 33 MINERS ARE RESCUED!
GUEST SPEAKER – Questions to ask?
DATE: October 1, 2013
TOPIC #6: Clampdown on Solidarity
OBJECTIVE:
10. Describe the significance of ‘Solidarity’ in Poland for the decline of Soviet
influence in Eastern Europe?
KD: Read page 414
1. Why was February 1981 a turning point in Poland for Solidarity?
2. What action did Solidarity take in September 1981 that
was seen by communist leaders as, ‘crossing the line’?
3. Why was December 1981 not very surprising? Look at source 6 too.
4. Why did the Polish government clampdown on Solidarity in
December 1981? p. 414 - 415
5. Draw a timeline summarising the aftermath of the clampdown. p. 415
6. Write three questions about the Hungarian Uprising or Soviet Control for the
guest speaker on Sunday.
KD:
1. February 1981 - a turning point for Solidarity:
•
Wojciech Jaruzelski took over as PM of Poland
•
He was a communist and an army general
•
People suspected it was the end for Solidarity
2. Solidarity action in September 1981 - ‘crossing the line’:
•
After a ‘Rural Solidarity’ was set up in May 1981, the Solidarity movement
was seen as spreading.
•
Walesa was elected chairman of Solidarity and the Solidarity Congress
produced an ‘open letter’ to the workers of the eastern bloc.
•
Now Solidarity was seen as a threat to communist rule.
3. December 1981 - not very surprising: Also look at source 6
•
Jaruzelski was threatened to bring Solidarity under control or else the USSR
would stop oil, gas and other raw material exports.
•
Soviet forces conducted military manoeuvres along the Polish border.
•
Martial Law (military rule) was introduced and Solidarity suspended.
•
Walesa and 10,000 others were arrested and held without trial.
4. Polish government’s clampdown on Solidarity - Dec 1981:
There were a number of factors that caused the government
to change its policy towards Solidarity.
• Increasing signs that Solidarity was acting as a political party.

The government said it had secret tapes of Solidarity leaders talking
about a new provisional government – without the Communist
Party. Brezhnev would not allow this.
• Poland was sinking into chaos.

Meat and fish supplies were down by 25 per cent. Almost all Poles
felt the impact of food shortages.

Rationing had been introduced in April 1981.

National income had fallen by 13 per cent in a year, industrial
production by 11 per cent and foreign trade by 20 per cent.

Unemployment was rising.

Strikes were continuing even after Solidarity ordered them to stop.
KD: Read page 414
4. Polish government’s clampdown on Solidarity - Dec 1981:
• Solidarity was also tumbling into chaos with many different factions.

Some wanted more pressure put on the communists … not Walesa.

The 1981 Congress ‘issued a statement of sympathy and support for
peoples of the Soviet bloc and to all the nations of the Soviet Union’.
• The Soviets thought the situation in Poland had gone too far.

The USSR was prepared to restore Communist control.

This was something the Polish leaders wanted to avoid.
Two things were obvious:
• The Polish people no longer trusted the Communists. They respected
Solidarity and they respected the Church.
• The only thing that kept the Communists in power was force or the
threat of force, otherwise communist control was unstable.
DATE: October 2, 2014 [email protected] or [email protected]
TOPIC #6: Clampdown on Solidarity
OBJECTIVE:
10. Describe the significance of ‘Solidarity’ in Poland for the decline of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe?
REVIEW:
•
February 1981 - turning point for Solidarity
•
Polish government’s clampdown on Solidarity - Dec 1981
KD:
5. Draw a timeline summarising the aftermath of the clampdown. p. 415
PPQ PRACTICE:
Why did the Polish government change its policy towards Solidarity 1981? (6)
72. Why was Solidarity formed in Poland? (6)
2I + 4E + 4EI + 2C = 6 (Copyright, SS, TQ)
KD: Read page 414
5. Timeline summarising the aftermath of the clampdown:
• In 1982 Jaruzelski tried to normalise the situation.
• Solidarity declared illegal in 1982 and the Patriotic Movement for
National Regeneration was set up to replace Solidarity.
• Workers’ jobs were threatened if they did not join.
• From early 1983 Jaruzelski began releasing jailed Solidarity leaders.
• Released Solidarity leaders were harassed, murdered and driven
from jobs.
• In 1983 Jaruzelski even started a campaign against the Catholic
Church. A number of priests were beaten up by the army and
some were murdered, including a priest called Father Jerzy
Popieluszko, in 1984.
• The USA and other Western nations imposed trade sanctions on
Poland. Economic chaos followed.
KD: Read page 414
5. Timeline summarising the aftermath of the clampdown:
• Solidarity was once again reasserting its influence.
• Solidarity threatened to call a nationwide strike against
price rises in 1986 and the government backed down.
• Solidarity co-operated closely with the Catholic Church.
It openly broadcast Radio Solidarity from 1986,
spreading its views about the government.
• By 1986 the focus of international attention was drawn
toward Mikhail Gorbachev, the new leader of the Soviet Union.
• Solidarity organised a boycott of Polish elections in 1988.
• In June 1989 Solidarity won seats in the government.
• In 1990 Lech Walesa became President of Poland!
The IGCSE Writing Structure - Mathisised:
1I + 5E + 1C = 4
(Copyright, SS, TQ)
2
2I
I
E /R
EI
C
I + 4E + 4EI + 2C = 6
(Copyright, SS, TQ)
+ 4EA + 4EIA + 4EF + 4EIF + 3C = 10
= Restate the question in your INTRO.
= Give EXAMPLES / REASONS “An example of this is …”
= Explain the Importance “This is important because … ‘
= Conclude / Wrap it up - “Overall the …”
(Copyright, SS, TQ)
PPQ PRACTICE:
Why did the Polish government change its policy towards
Solidarity 1981? (6)
2 4 4 2
I+
E+
EI +
C=6
(Copyright, SS, TQ)
72. Why was Solidarity formed in Poland? (7)
2I + 4EA + 4EIA + 4EF + 4EIF + 3C = 10
64. The Soviet grip on Eastern Europe was complete until the emergence
of ‘Solidarity’ in Poland. Do you agree with this view? Explain your
answer. (8)
PPQ 72a. Why did the Polish government clampdown on Solidarity in December 1981? (6)
•There were a number of factors that caused the government to clampdown on Solidarity.
• Increasing signs that Solidarity was acting as a political party.
•The government said it had secret tapes of Solidarity leaders talking about a new
provisional government – without the Communist Party. Brezhnev would not allow
this.
• Poland was sinking into chaos.
•Meat and fish supplies were down by 25 per cent. Almost all Poles felt the impact of
food shortages.
•Rationing had been introduced in April 1981.
•National income had fallen by 13 per cent in a year, industrial production by 11 per
cent and foreign trade by 20 per cent.
•Unemployment was rising.
•Strikes were continuing even after Solidarity ordered them to stop.
• Solidarity was also tumbling into chaos with many different factions.
•Some wanted more pressure put on the communists … not Walesa.
•The 1981 Congress ‘issued a statement of sympathy and support for peoples of the
Soviet bloc and to all the nations of the Soviet Union’.
• The Soviets thought the situation in Poland had gone too far.
•The USSR was prepared to restore Communist control.
•This was something the Polish leaders wanted to avoid.
DATE: October 6 - 8, 2013
TOPIC #6: Intro to Mikhail Gorbachev
REVIEW: Solidarity
OBJECTIVE:
11. Measure how far Gorbachev was responsible for the collapse of Soviet control over
• Wilson
Eastern Europe?
KD:
1. What do the sources on pages 416 – 417 have in common?
Read and discuss.
2. Soviet succession:
•
V. I. Lenin - 1917 – 1924
•
Josef Stalin – 1925 – 1953
•
Nikita Khrushchev – 1955 – 1964
•
Leonid Brezhnev – 1964 – 1982
•
Yuri Andropov – 1982 – Feb 1984 (greatly influenced Gorbachev)
•
Konstantin Chernenko – 1984 – 1985
•
Mikhail Gorbachev – 1985 - 1991
3. Make a list of concerns that Gorbachev had when he took office
in 1985. Use page 418 and the Gorbachev Handout.
4. What action did Gorbachev take to deal with these concerns?
Use pages 418 – 419 and Gorbachev Handout.
• Harding
• Coolidge
• Hoover
• FDR
• Truman
• Eisenhower
• JFK
• Nixon
• Ford
• Carter
• Reagan
TOPIC #6: Intro to Mikhail Gorbachev
KD:
1. Sources on pages 416 – 417 in common: Read and discuss.
•
Gorbachev is recognised as a hero.
2. Soviet succession:
•
Yuri Andropov – 1982 – Feb 1984

Recognised problems and attempted reforms

Called for an end to the arms race

Attacked corruption linked to the Soviet system

Offered to end the Brezhnev Doctrine
•
•
Konstantin Chernenko – 1984 – 1985
Mikhail Gorbachev – 1985 - 1991

Introduced policy of ‘glasnost’ - political arm of Gorbachev’s policies
(openness – about the true history of Soviet control and atrocities
committed by the government - Stalin)

Introduced policy ‘perestroika’ - economic arm of Gorbachev’s
policies(debating the effectiveness of government policies, namely the
restructuring and reforming of the Soviet economy)
TOPIC #6: Intro to Mikhail Gorbachev
KD:
3. List of Gorbachev’s concerns in 1985:
The Soviet economy was weak and ignored for too long
•


Too much money being spent on the arms race
•


a single bomber in the 1980s was the same as 200 during WWII
tanks instead of cars and TVs
Costly and unwinnable war in Afghanistan – 15,000 dead and $8
billion a year
The working attitude of the Soviet people
•
•


welfare state (job and home) with NO INCENTIVE to work harder
standards slipped
Corruption in the government and Lack of loyalty by citizens
•

Dachas – luxurious country houses

the days of fear under Stalin were gone and criticism common
Alcoholism and life expectancy
•

•
couldn’t compete with the West (computers and telecommunications)
American farmers could produce 7X more food than Soviet farmers (the USSR
imported grain from the USA)
contributed to decline in Soviet industry
Quality of Soviet goods and standards of building
TOPIC #6: Intro to Mikhail Gorbachev
KD:
4. Gorbachev’s ACTIONS:
•
Glasnost and Perestroika – introduced Market Forces in 1987 (buy and
sell for profit)
•
Faced with President Ronald Reagan’s ‘policy of confrontation’, he
engaged Reagan (worked with him), cut the arms budget and signed an
agreement in 1987 with the USA to remove medium range nuclear
missiles from Europe
•
Announced the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan in May
1988 and they were out by Feb. 1989
•
Promoted international trust and cooperation for the USSR (source 16,
p. 418), but planned to keep a socialist system.
•
In March 1989 he made it clear to the leaders of Eastern Europe that
the Red Army would NO LONGER be used to keep them in power. The
Brezhnev Doctrine was ended (at UN, Dec 1988) Look at p. 164 of
Gorbachev Handout. (The rest of 1989 was historic. There was NO
TURNING BACK! – source 20, p. 420)
DATE: October 10, 2013
TOPIC #6: Intro to Mikhail Gorbachev
OBJECTIVE:
11. Measure how far Gorbachev was responsible for the collapse of
Soviet control over Eastern Europe?
PPQ PRACTICE: Intros and conclusions are important.
Why was Gorbachev so concerned when he came to power in
1985? (7)
2I + 4E + 4EI + 2C = 7
(Copyright, SS, TQ)
What actions did Gorbachev take to deal with the problems of the
USSR? (5)
1I + 5E + 1C = 5
PPQ PRACTICE: Intros and conclusions are important.
Why was Gorbachev so concerned when he came to power in
1985? (7)
2I + 4E + 4EI + 2C = 7
(Copyright, SS, TQ)
What actions did Gorbachev take to deal with the problems of the
USSR? (5)
1I + 5E + 1C = 5
Gorbachev was responsible for the collapse of Soviet control in
Eastern Europe. How far do you agree with this statement. Explain
your answer. (8)
2I + 4EA + 4EIA + 4EF + 4EIF + 3C = 8
DATE: October 8, 2013
TOPIC #6: Gorbachev’s Role in the Collapse of Soviet Communism
OBJECTIVE:
11. Measure how far Gorbachev was responsible for the
collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe?
KD:
1. What perceptions of Gorbachev were there in the USSR and
Eastern Europe? p. 419 and p. 163 of Gorbachev Handout
2. Study source 19 on page 419. What’s the perception?
3. Make a timeline summarising the historic events of 1989.
Use p. 420
TOPIC #6: Gorbachev’s Role in the Collapse of Soviet Communism
KD:
1. Perceptions of Gorbachev in the USSR and eastern Europe:
•
Gorbachev’s policies were NOT successful – economy was NOT
reforming.
•
Was Gorbachev the right man to lead the Soviets into ‘unchartered
territory’?
•
Communist leaders were confused
•
Some Soviets saw reforms as a threat to their jobs
•
Gorbachev’s reforms released passions for FREEDOM.
2. Source 19 on page 419 – perception:
•
Because Communists were challenging their political and economic
systems across the globe (Poland to Vietnam), Capitalist values are
RIGHT. The U.S. President realises that the USA won the Cold War.
TOPIC #6: The Year of Revolution – 1989
KD:
4. Why is 1989 considered by many to be the ‘Year of Revolution’ ?
5. Understand this distinction.
There was a collapse of Soviet control in Eastern Europe (by
1989) and THEN a collapse of the USSR (1990 and then August –
December 25, 1991).
6. What realities did Gorbachev have to accept by October 3, 1990?
p. 421
7. Summarise the events that led to the collapse of the USSR during
1990 and 1991. Use p. 422 and the Gorbachev Handout.
TOPIC #6: The Year of Revolution - 1989
KD:
4. 1989 - the ‘Year of Revolution’ :
6. Realities Gorbachev accepted by October 3, 1990:
•
German Reunification
•
A reunified Germany being friendlier to the West (NATO)
•
Russians would be reminded of the suffering they had faced at the
hands of Germany during WWII
Nicolae Ceausescu
He was General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party from 1965 to
1989. His rule was marked in the first decade by an open policy towards
Western Europe and the United States, which deviated from that of the
other Warsaw Pact states during the Cold War. He continued a trend first
established by his predecessor, Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej, who had tactfully
coaxed the Soviet Union into withdrawing its troops from Romania in 1958.
Ceaușescu's second decade was characterized by an increasingly brutal and
repressive regime—by some accounts, the most Stalinist regime in the
Soviet bloc. By early 1989, Ceaușescu was showing signs of complete denial
of reality. While the country was going through extremely difficult times
with long bread queues in front of empty food shops, he was often shown
on state television entering stores filled with food supplies, visiting large
food and arts festivals, while praising the "high living standard" achieved
under his rule.
Special contingents of food deliveries would fill stores before his visits, and well-fed cows would
even be transported across the country in anticipation of his visits to farms. In at least one
emergency, he inspected (and approved) a display of Hungarian produce, which apart from some
corn and several melons, was largely constructed of painted plastic and/or polystyrene. Meanwhile,
staples such as flour, eggs, butter and milk were difficult to find and most people started to depend
on small gardens grown either in small city alleys or out in the country. In late 1989, daily TV
broadcasts showed lists of CAPs (kolkhozes, collective farms) with alleged record harvests, in
blatant contradiction of the shortages experienced by the average Romanian at the time.
Some Romanians, believing that Ceaușescu was not aware of what was going on in the country
outside of Bucharest, attempted to hand him petitions and complaint letters during his many visits
around the country. Each time he got a letter, he would immediately pass it on to members of his
security. It is not known whether Ceaușescu read any of these letters. It is alleged that severe
penalties would result from any anti-state actions, including such letters. People lived in fear of the
regime and of each other. Secrecy had become a way of life, due to people being reluctantly
recruited as spies for the political system. Sometimes those reluctant spies came from the same
family, eventually forced to inform on their own.
The SCORPIONS are a heavy metal band
from Hanover, Germany, probably best
known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock
You Like a Hurricane“. The band has sold
over 75 million albums worldwide and
were ranked #46 on VH1's Greatest
Artists of Hard Rock program.
"Wind of Change" is a 1990 power ballad
written by Klaus Meine, vocalist of the
Scorpions. It appeared on their 1990
album Crazy World, but did not become a
worldwide hit single until 1991, when it topped the
charts in Germany and across Europe, and hit #4 in
the United States and #2 in the United Kingdom.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w
iki/Wind_of
_Change_(song)
The lyrics celebrate the political changes in Eastern Europe at that time –
such as the Polish Round Table Agreement and fall of the Berlin Wall, the
increasing freedom in the communist bloc (which soon led to the fall of the
USSR), and the clearly imminent end of the Cold War.
Scorpions – Winds of Change
I follow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
An August summer night
Soldiers passing by
Listening to the wind of change
The world closing in
Did you ever think
That we could be so close, like brothers
The future's in the air
I can feel it everywhere
Blowing with the wind of change
Chorus:
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
In the wind of change
Walking down the street
Distant memories
Are buried in the past forever
I follow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow share their dreams
With you and me
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
In the wind of change
The wind of change blows straight
Into the face of time
Like a storm-wind that will ring
The freedom bell for peace of mind
Let your balalaika sing
What my guitar wants to say
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow share their dreams
With you and me
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
In the wind of change
KD:
7. Events to the collapse of the USSR during …
1990:
•
Early in 1990, Lithuanian leaders wanted independence. Gorbachev was for
once uncompromising. He would not allow this.
•
In March Lithuania declared their independence anyway.
•
Gorbachev received a similar demand from Azerbaijan.
•
Gorbachev sent troops to Azerbaijan to end rioting there.
•
Gorbachev sent troops to Lithuania.
•
Reformers within the USSR itself demanded an end to the Communist
Party’s domination of government.
•
In May the Russian Republic elected Boris Yeltsin as its President. Yeltsin
made it clear that he saw no future in a Soviet Union and said that the
republics of the USSR should become independent states.
•
In July the Ukraine declared its independence.
•
By the end of 1990 nobody was quite sure what the USSR meant any
longer.
Countries of the Former Soviet Union
7. Events to the collapse of the USSR during …
1991:
•
In January 1991 bloodshed in Lithuania as Soviet troops fired on protesters.
•
In April the Republic of Georgia declared its independence.
•
The USSR was disintegrating. Members of the Communist elite had had
enough.
•
In August 1991 hard-line Communist Party members and leading military
officers attempted a coup to take over the USSR. They sent tanks and
troops on to the streets of Moscow.
•
Huge crowds gathered in Moscow and strongly opposed the coup.
•
The Russian President, Boris Yeltsin, emerged as the leader of the popular
opposition. He was critical of Gorbachev and Communists.
•
The coup leaders lost their nerve and it collapsed.
•
Gorbachev had to admit that the USSR was finished.
•
On 25 December 1991, Gorbachev announced the end of the Soviet Union.
TOPIC #6: Gorbachev’s Role in the Collapse of Soviet Communism
OBJECTIVE:
11. Measure how far Gorbachev was responsible for the
collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe?
EXTENSION WORK:
1. Listen to Scorpions, Winds of Change
2. Watch Nicolae Ceausescu trial and sentence - YouTube type in:
Romanian Dictator Nicolae and Elena ceausescu executed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsRQP7TifME&feature=related
DATE: October 22, 2013
TOPIC #6: Gorbachev’s Role in the Collapse of Soviet Communism
OBJECTIVE:
11. Measure how far Gorbachev was responsible for the
collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe?
KD:
1. Read source 25 on page 423.
There are three judgments of Gorbachev. What are they?
EXAM PRACTICE – Complete PPQs 71 and 67.
PPQ 71. What were glasnost and perestroika? (5)
1I + 5E + 1C = 5
PPQ 67. Gorbachev was responsible for the collapse of Soviet control in
Eastern Europe. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain
your answer. (8)
2I + 4EA + 4EIA + 4EF + 4EIF + 3C = 8
PPQ 71. What was glasnost? (5)
• It was a policy introduced by Gorbachev when he became Soviet
leader in 1985.
• It means openness.
• Because the USSR faced many problems, Gorbachev wanted to
openly discuss ways to improve the Soviet system.
• He wanted to talk about the true history of Soviet control and
atrocities committed by the government, since Stalin.
• He hoped this approach would lead to an open debate of how to
improve Soviet communism.
• It included more democracy and freedom of the press.
• FYI - PERESTROIKA: debating the effectiveness of government
policies, namely the restructuring and reforming of the Soviet
economy
• It included introducing a free market in which goods that people
wanted (consumer goods) were produced at affordable prices,
instead of government pricing.
• It emphasized the need to have a less centralized economy like the
west.
• Glasnost may have actually undermined Perestroika because the best
qualified people to make the economy work (communists) were removed by
free elections.
PPQ 67. Gorbachev was responsible for the collapse of Soviet control in Eastern
Europe. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (8)
2I + 4EA + 4EIA + 4EF + 4EIF + 3C = 8
To some extent. Students MUST gauge HOW FAR.
• Gorbachev had many concerns about the USSR that needed to be addressed.
He was willing to confront the problems in order to reform the ‘Soviet
Communist’ system, but never purposely undermined or attempted to end it.
PPQ 67. Gorbachev was responsible for the collapse of Soviet control in Eastern Europe. How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. (8)
2I + 4EA + 4EIA + 4EF + 4EIF + 3C = 8
To some extent. Students MUST gauge HOW FAR.
• Gorbachev had many concerns about the USSR that needed to be addressed. He was willing to confront
the problems in order to reform the ‘Soviet Communist’ system, but never purposely undermined or attempted to end it.
• NOT BECAUSE OF GORBACHEV:
• The USSR faced serious problems.
• The Soviet economy was weak and ignored for too long - couldn’t compete with the West (computers and
telecommunications).
• American farmers could produce 7X more food than Soviet farmers (the USSR imported grain from the USA)
• Too much money being spent on the arms race - a single bomber in the 1980s was the same as 200 during WWII, Soviets
spent money on tanks instead of cars and TVs.
• Costly and unwinnable war in Afghanistan – 15,000 dead and $8 billion a year
• The working attitude of the Soviet people - welfare state (job and home) with NO INCENTIVE to work
harder and standards slipped
• Corruption ran too deeply for changes to happen - lack of loyalty by citizens - Dachas (luxurious country houses)
• The days of fear under Stalin were gone and criticism common
• Alcoholism was rampant and life expectancy low - both contributed to decline in Soviet industry
• BECAUSE OF GORBACHEV:
• Glasnost – (political arm) and Perestroika (economic arm) – introduced Market Forces in 1987 (buy
and sell for profit) Gorbachev proposed that the Soviet economy should be improved by“perestroika” – restructuring,
including capitalist practices.
 There should be more “glasnost” – openness to restoring faith in government and end corruption.
• Faced with President Ronald Reagan’s ‘policy of confrontation’, he engaged Reagan (worked with him), cut the arms
budget and signed an agreement in 1987 with the USA to remove medium range nuclear missiles from Europe
• Gorbachev proposed many changes that the hard-line communist found difficult to accept.
 He was unpopular because his economic reforms did not work as quickly as expected.
• Promoted international trust and cooperation for the USSR, but planned to keep a socialist system.
• His withdrawal of Red Army support for other communist countries resulted in one by one the communist governments
coming to an end.
• Announced the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan in May 1988 - out by Feb. 1989
• In March 1989 he made it clear to the leaders of Eastern Europe that the Red Army would NO LONGER be used to keep
them in power. The Brezhnev Doctrine was ended (at UN, Dec 1988).
• His policies contributed to 1989 being the ‘Year of revolution’ in Eastern Europe.
• HOW FAR. DON’T FORGET.
DATE: October 10, 2013
TOPIC #6: Gorbachev’s Role in the Collapse of Soviet Communism
OBJECTIVE:
11. Measure how far Gorbachev was responsible for the collapse of Soviet
control over Eastern Europe?
REVIEW:
1. Discuss the KD questions, PPQs and Video links from the past week.
2. Discuss the presentation by the guest speaker - Mrs. Pol-Bayyoud.
3. Download the Power Point covering Solidarity and the Collapse of the
USSR from the link below:
The Fall of Communism 1/8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDUYNtGvs5Q