1. 1 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 This is the fourth of five revision topics. Origins of the Cold War Events in Europe, 1945-55 Hungary, Berlin and Cuba Attempts at Détente, 1963-79 The end of Détente, 1979-85 The end of the Cold War: 1985-90 How to use this Revision Presentation. The Presentation is divided into five sections. Spend about 10 minutes revising each section. Write Revision Notes, label them clearly and keep them all in one place. Return to this Presentation often to help embed your learning.

2. 2 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 There are five sections to this topic. Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan? What was the reaction of the USA? How did Reagan change US foreign policy? Why did Reagan develop the Star Wars programme? How did relations develop from 1980 to 1985? Spend about 10 minutes revising each section. Write Revision Notes, title them clearly and keep them all in one place.

3. 3 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan? PDPA (Peoples Democratic Party of Afghanistan) seizes power. Introduce communist reforms, changing religious customs and land reform. Unpopular with Afghans – religious leaders imprisoned, tortured or murdered Muslim fundamentalism: Sept 79 Amin seizes power. Many Afghans join Mujahideen guerrillas– who declare a jihad, of holy war. Brezhnev believes Muslim fundamentalism greatest threat to Soviet Union. 30 million Soviet Muslims, so adopts a tough policy. 25:12:79 – 50k Soviet troops sent in to restore order. 27:12:79 – Amin shot dead. Babarak Kamal relies on 85k Soviet troops to stay in power.

4. 4 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 What was the reaction of the USA? Carter Doctrine – US would use military force to defend its oil interests in the Gulf. Carter calls for 18-20 yr olds to be drafted and for formation of Rapid Deployment Force. SALT II delayed, all shipments of grain and technology to USSR stopped. USA boycotts 1980 Moscow Olympics. US sends military aid to Mujahideen.

5. 5 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 How did Reagan change US foreign policy? Tough. Perceived loss of US prestige due to Iranian Hostages and in South America. Wanted to reverse the humiliation of Vietnam and return to post-WW2 strength. Wanted to confront “the Empire of Evil”. Defence policy – plan to spend a trillion dollars 1981 to 87. 100 MX missiles, 100 B-1 long range supersonic bombers, Stealth Bomber, 6 Trident Submarines, deployment of the Neutron Bomb. Cruise Missiles deployed in Europe in response to Soviet SS20s. Abandoned MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) in favour of NUTS (Nuclear Utilization Target Selection). Targeted attacks on nuclear launch silos and command centres. Reagan aimed to negotiate from a position of strength. 1981 “zero deployment” offered USSR to cancel deployment of intermediate range missiles if USSR removed all 600 SS20 missiles. Brezhnev refused. New Soviet leader, Andropov accused Reagan of fanning flames.

6. 6 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 Why did Reagan develop the Star Wars programme? Reagan continues to negotiate START (Strategic Arms Reduction Talks). Solidarity Trade Union in Poland leads to break down in talks as USA criticises Brezhnev’s heavy handed approach. Reagan announces SDI (Strategic Defence Initiative) known as “Star Wars”. Use of early warning satellites and lasers to shoot down incoming missiles. Effectively removed MAD and the balance of power. Soviets would have to develop a similar system. Reagan hoped it would lead to the collapse of the Soviet economy (it did).

7. 7 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 How did relations develop from 1980 to 1985? Brezhnev died 1982. 1983 Reagan sells US grain to Soviets – huge trade deal. Andropov died 1984. 1984 Chernenko announces Soviet boycott of Los Angeles Olympics. Late 1984 both sides begin process of détente. Pressure from protests in Europe at the deployment of Cruise and Pershing missiles and fear of NUTS style tactical nuclear war. 1985 Mikhail Gorbachev becomes Soviet leader. Prepared to talk arms reduction to save Soviet economy.