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The End of the Cold War
Quick questions on Gorbachev, glasnost and perestroika, explained: H2 History
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is new thinking in foreign policy?Show answer
The most directly relevant reform for the Cold War was Gorbachev's "new thinking" in foreign policy. He rejected the long-held assumption that conflict between socialism and capitalism was inevitable, arguing instead for common security and interdependence. In practice this meant a willingness to negotiate deep cuts in nuclear weapons, to withdraw from Afghanistan, to reduce the crushing military burden, and, crucially, to renounce the use of force to hold the Eastern European satellites in line. This last decision removed the threat that had kept the Eastern bloc in place and made the revolutions of 1989 possible.
What is q1?Show answer
Define glasnost and perestroika. [4 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain why Gorbachev's new thinking mattered for the end of the Cold War. [12 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
"Gorbachev's reforms ended the Cold War but destroyed the Soviet Union." How far do you agree? [20 marks]
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