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The Collapse of Communism. 1990. Soviet Union Faces Changes. Very weak economy in Soviet Union Rebellion in Poland, Invasion of Afghanistan Communist Party promotes a new Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev 1985-91 (younger & more open to reform).
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Soviet Union Faces Changes • Very weak economy in Soviet Union • Rebellion in Poland, Invasion of Afghanistan • Communist Party promotes a new Soviet Leader • Mikhail Gorbachev 1985-91 (younger & more open to reform)
Gorbachev’s leadership would unleash a 2nd Russian Revolution • Announced astonishing reforms for the Economy & society in Soviet Union • Allowed Iron Curtain countries to determine their own form of government
Collapse of Iron Curtain 1989-90 “Each people determines the future of its own country and chooses its own form of society?” This opened the door to freedom for eastern Europe (Iron Curtain) 1989 – 1990: majority of Iron Curtain countries become democratic. Germany is re-united
The Cold War: Part 11 – The Wall http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgnm1TBZdV4&feature=related
Primary Source • 1982 Ronald Reagan Speech
1991: Boris Yeltsin replaces Gorbachev 15 Soviets Republics declare independence Soviet Union is officially ended in 1991
Some Factors in the collapse of Soviet Union • Overall, very poor economy • Flawed economic system (communism) • Could not compete with USA in the Arms Race • Invasion of Afghanistan caused financial hardship • Rebellions in Iron Curtain Countries & Soviet Republics • Falling oil prices in 1980’s drastically lowered income