Topic study hub
The ending of the Cold War, 1985–1991 (A-level only)
from Détente to the end of the Cold War, c1963–1991 (A-: The ending of the Cold War, 1985–1991 (A-level only)
4
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
88 min
Study time
AqaA LevelHistory2R The Cold War, c1945–1991
Choose a revision tool
Start revising The ending of the Cold War, 1985–1991 (A-level only)
Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
4 objective pages available
The ending of the Cold War, 1985–1991 (A-level only)4 objectives
- Gorbachev and the ending of the Cold War: pressures on and significance of Gorbachev as Soviet leader; new thinking and practicalities: the importance of Soviet economic problems;.
- The summits between the USA and the USSR, including Geneva, Reykjavik, Washington and Moscow; Reagan; star wars; Bush and the US response.
- The collapse of Communism in the Eastern European soviet satellite states; the end of the Brezhnev Doctrine and significance of events of 1989.
- The ending of Cold War tensions in Asia: Afghanistan; the Americas: Cuba, Nicaragua and El Salvador; Africa: Angola and Ethiopia; the end of the Cold War: the Malta summit and its aftermath, including the reunification of Germany; the collapse of the USSR and resignation of Gorbachev.
Key terms
Cold WarDétenteBrezhnev DoctrineSolidarityMalta Summit
Exam tips
- Use specific examples: When discussing Gorbachev's policies, include specific examples of reforms and their impacts.
- Use specific examples: When discussing the ending of the Cold War, always support your arguments with specific events or policies.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Perestroika and Glasnost: Remember that Perestroika focuses on economic restructuring, while Glasnost emphasizes political openness.
- Confusing the summits: Focus on the specific agreements and discussions that took place at each summit to avoid confusion.
Practice preview
- What was one of the key policies introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev that aimed to reform the Soviet economy?
- How did Gorbachev's foreign policy contribute to the ending of the Cold War?
- Evaluate the significance of economic problems in the Soviet Union during Gorbachev's leadership in relation to the ending of the Cold War.
Continue by objective
Objectives are grouped by subtopic so students can jump straight to the exact skill they want to revise.
Related topics