1. The End of the Cold War

2. The Soviet Union Declines
Stalin, Khrushchev, and Brezhnev struck down attempts at independence
Economy stagnates – produce unwanted goods; no money to keep up in defense spending
“Vietnam” in Afghanistan – modernizers vs. Muslim conservatives (mujahedin)

3. Gorbachev – comes to power in 1985; wanted reform; glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring); all reforms led to collapse
End of an empire – By 1991 – Baltic states gained independence and 12 independent nations are formed

4. Changes Transform Eastern Europe
Hungary – start with economic reforms then allow greater freedoms
Poland – Solidarity movement (independent labor union)
East Germany – not willing to change, but looking for ways to get to the West

5. Czechoslovakia – 1992 splits into 2; Slovakia and Czech Republic
1989 – Wall comes down and elections take place

6. Communism Declines Around the World
China – reform the economy but not politics
Vietnam - relations with US and tourism
North Korea – Isolation
Cuba – economy deteriorated

7. US as Sole Superpower
With fall of Soviet Union, United States is left as the one with the military power
Should we be “the world’s policeman”?
Mixed reaction – do we protect freedom or scare people?