Fall of the Soviet Union What are some of the reasons that the Soviet Union collapses?
I. Reagan vs. Communism A. “Reagan Doctrine” states US will now stop communism around the world 1. Reagan sends aid to anti-communist groups in Afghanistan & Latin America 2. Reagan invades Grenada when Communists try to take over the govt. 3. 1983: Reagan starts a new Arms Race a. Reagan spends billions on a space-based defense system known as SDI or “Star Wars”
II. Collapse of the Soviet Union A. Soviet economy struggling, spending money in Afghanistan & trying to keep up w/ US in arms race. B. Mikhail Gorbachev begins Glastnost & Perestroika: more openness & economic reforms C. As Soviet satellites in Eastern Europe abandon Communism, hardliners in Moscow blame Gorbachev 1. 1991: Hardliners attempt coup but it fails. D. Russian leader Boris Yeltsin says Communism must end & Soviet Union should break up 1. Parts of Soviet Union declare independence. Gorbachev resigns. E. Russia, led by Yeltsin, also breaks away & the Soviet Union is dissolved on Dec 26, 1991. F. 1991: Pres. George H.W. Bush & Yeltsin declare Cold War is over!