Cold War: Later Years

Leonid Brezhnev Soviet leader during the 1970’s “crushed all opposition” in Soviet Union and Soviet satellite states Through policy of “détente” (relaxing of tension) tried to calm relations with U.S.

Mikhail Gorbachev Became Soviet leader in 1985 Perestroika “restructuring” Reduced size of army and relaxed government control Glasnost “openness” Eased restrictions on dissent allowing people to speak more freely Reforms won him international praise

Ronald Reagan During speeches, he called the Soviet Union the “Evil Empire” “TEAR DOWN THIS WALL”

http://youtu.be/YtYdjbpBk6A

Collapse of Soviet Union New freedom of speech increased tension among various Soviet ethnic groups Soviet republics began to demand independence 1989 Poland first Eastern European country to end Communist rule

Collapse of Soviet Union Berlin Wall down in 1989 Newly independent Eastern European nations struggle with economies Existence of Soviet Union ends in 1991 Russia and Eastern Europe continued to struggle with transition to democracy

http://youtu.be/snsdDb7KDkg

Important Figures during Cold War Era Indira Gandhi Closer relationship between India and the Soviet Union during the Cold War • Developed nuclear program

Important Figures during Cold War Era Margaret Thatcher • British prime minister • Free trade and less government regulation of business • Close relationship with United States and U.S. foreign policy • Assertion of United Kingdom’s military power

Deng Xiaoping Reformed Communist China’s economy to a market economy leading to rapid economic growth Continued communist control of government