8.8 End of the Cold War

Reform and Collapse in the USSR

In the mid-1980s, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev introduced glasnost (political openness) and perestroika (economic restructuring) to revive the stagnant Soviet economy. These reforms unintentionally weakened Communist Party control, encouraged criticism of the government, and emboldened nationalist and independence movements across Eastern Europe and Soviet republics.

Fall of Eastern European Communism

Gorbachev refused to use Soviet military force to prop up satellite regimes, allowing reform movements to succeed. Poland's Solidarity movement, led by Lech Wałęsa, won elections in 1989. The Berlin Wall fell in November 1989, symbolizing the collapse of communism across Eastern Europe, leading to German reunification in 1990.

End of the USSR and New Global Order

In 1991, the Soviet Union officially dissolved into 15 independent states, including Russia, ending the Cold War. The United States emerged as the world's sole superpower. Former Soviet states and Eastern European nations transitioned toward market economies and democratic governments, though with mixed success and lasting instability.

Key terms

Glasnost

Gorbachev's policy of political openness, allowing more free speech and criticism of the Soviet government.

Perestroika

Gorbachev's policy of economic restructuring aimed at revitalizing the stagnant Soviet economy.

Solidarity

Polish independent trade union movement led by Lech Wałęsa that helped end communist rule in Poland.

Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)

Event symbolizing the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and leading to German reunification in 1990.

Dissolution of the USSR (1991)

The Soviet Union broke into 15 independent states, officially ending the Cold War and leaving the U.S. as the sole superpower.

Try an AP-style question

Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika aimed to…

1. invade Western Europe
2. open and restructure Soviet society
3. restore Stalinism
4. expand Soviet military power