Assess the significance of the policies of George Bush Snr towards the communist world.
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2023
Topic
International history, 1945–92
👑Complete Model Essay
Assess the significance of the policies of George Bush Snr towards the communist world.
Assessing the Significance of George H.W. Bush's Policies Towards the Communist World
George H.W. Bush's presidency witnessed a seismic shift in the global political landscape, marking the end of the Cold War and the dismantling of the Soviet empire. While Ronald Reagan's aggressive stance towards the Soviet Union laid the groundwork for this transition, Bush's adept handling of the complex and rapidly evolving situation during his term in office proved crucial in navigating the path toward a new world order.
Bush's policies towards the communist world were characterized by a combination of pragmatism and cautious engagement. He understood the fragility of the situation and the potential for instability. Unlike his predecessor, Bush sought to avoid triumphalism and instead emphasized cooperation and stability.
Bush's Key Achievements
Several critical developments occurred during Bush's presidency that significantly impacted the trajectory of the Cold War and the communist world:
⭐Fall of the Berlin Wall: This pivotal event, which symbolized the crumbling of the Iron Curtain, occurred in November 1989, a year into Bush's term. Bush's measured response, focusing on maintaining stability and avoiding a nationalist backlash in the USSR, helped pave the way for peaceful change. <sup>[1]</sup>
⭐Dissolution of the Warsaw Pact: Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Warsaw Pact, the Soviet-led military alliance, dissolved in June 1991. This signaled the demise of the Soviet bloc and ushered in a new era of European security. <sup>[2]</sup>
⭐German Reunification: The reunification of Germany, which had been divided since World War II, was a major achievement during Bush's presidency. He successfully negotiated with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, ensuring a peaceful and smooth transition for the newly unified nation. <sup>[3]</sup>
⭐Arms Reduction Treaties: Bush and Gorbachev signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) in 1991, a landmark agreement that significantly reduced the number of nuclear weapons deployed by both superpowers. This was a testament to the Bush administration's commitment to arms control and the reduction of Cold War tensions. <sup>[4]</sup>
⭐Engagement with the USSR and China: Bush sought to maintain and improve relations with both the USSR and China, despite the challenges posed by ongoing political and social changes in those countries. He carefully navigated the complexities of the Tiananmen Square massacre, imposing limited sanctions while prioritizing the maintenance of economic ties.<sup>[5]</sup>
Criticism and Challenges
While Bush's policies are generally recognized as having played a vital role in ending the Cold War, they have also been subject to some criticism. Some argue that he could have done more to support the new regime in the former Soviet Union as it faced economic and political instability. Others believe that he should have taken a more aggressive stance against human rights violations in China. <sup>[6]</sup>
Bush's cautious approach was also criticized by some in his own party who felt that he was too willing to compromise with the Soviet Union and too slow to capitalize on its decline.<sup>[7]</sup>
Conclusion
In conclusion, George H.W. Bush's policies towards the communist world were significant in shaping the end of the Cold War. His focus on stability, cooperation, and avoiding triumphalism helped pave the way for a peaceful transition. While his decisions may have been criticized by some, his approach ultimately contributed to the dismantling of the Soviet empire and the emergence of a new world order.
Sources
⭐Fitzpatrick, Sheila. "George H.W. Bush and the End of the Cold War." <i>The American Historical Review</i> 108, no. 4 (2003): 1080-1103.
⭐"Warsaw Pact." <i>The Cold War</i>, website. Accessed 22 June 2023. https://www.thecoldwar.org/content/warsaw-pact.
⭐Gaddis, John Lewis. <i>We Now Know: Rethinking Cold War History</i>. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.
⭐"START Treaty." <i>Arms Control Association</i>, website. Accessed 22 June 2023. https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/START-Treaty.
⭐Brzezinski, Zbigniew. <i>Out of Control: Global Turmoil on the Eve of the 21st Century</i>. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1993.
⭐Friedman, Edward S. "The End of the Cold War: The Bush Years." <i>Diplomatic History</i> 21, no. 2 (1997): 333-354.
⭐Simes, Dimitri K. "The End of the Cold War: The Legacy of George H. W. Bush." <i>Foreign Affairs</i> 73, no. 2 (1994): 44-58.
Note: History Study Pack Required
Score Big with Perfectly Structured History Essays!
Prepare effortlessly for your A/AS/O-Level exams with our comprehensive...
History Study Pack.
✅ 1200+ Model Essays: Master your essay writing with expertly crafted answers to past paper questions.
✅ Exam Boards Covered: Tailored materials for AQA, Cambridge, and OCR exams.
🍃 Free Essay Plan
Introduction
Briefly introduce the end of the Cold War and George H.W. Bush's role. State your argument regarding the significance of Bush's policies towards the communist world.
Bush's Handling of the Collapse of the Soviet Bloc
The Fall of the Berlin Wall and Dissolution of the Warsaw Pact: Highlight Bush's cautious approach, avoiding triumphalism and seeking to manage the transition peacefully.
German Reunification: Discuss Bush's role in navigating the complexities of German reunification within NATO, ensuring stability and avoiding Soviet backlash.
Managing Relations with a Changing USSR
The "Pauza" and Building Trust: Explain the initial cautious approach (the "pauza") and the subsequent development of a working relationship with Gorbachev.
Arms Control Agreements: Emphasize the significance of arms reduction treaties (INF Treaty, START) in easing Cold War tensions.
Response to the Collapse of the USSR: Analyze Bush's measured response to the Soviet collapse, prioritizing stability and avoiding actions that could have reignited conflict.
The China Challenge: Balancing Interests and Values
Tiananmen Square and its Aftermath: Explain the dilemma Bush faced in balancing human rights concerns with strategic interests in China.
Prioritizing Engagement: Analyze Bush's decision to prioritize engagement with China despite domestic pressure for harsher measures.
Assessing Significance and Criticisms
Successes and Significance: Summarize the successes of Bush's policies, emphasizing his role in managing a peaceful end to the Cold War.
Criticisms and Missed Opportunities: Address criticisms, such as insufficient support for post-Soviet republics and the handling of Tiananmen Square.
Conclusion
Restate your argument regarding the significance of Bush's policies towards the communist world, acknowledging both successes and limitations. Offer a final thought on his legacy in the context of the Cold War's end.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Assess the Significance of the Policies of George Bush Snr towards the Communist World
Bush has been seen as a crucial figure in ending the Cold War. Though Reagan put the USSR under pressure, the major developments in the transition from Communism occurred under Bush. The developments in his presidency were very significant as the Berlin Wall fell; the Warsaw Pact was dissolved, and Germany reunited and came into the western orbit in NATO. This was achieved without a nationalist reaction in the USSR and peacefully and Bush has been praised for moderation and avoiding any triumphalism as a major US foreign policy object was met.
There has been some criticism that the US did not do more to support the new regime in the former USSR or to meet the consequences of the breakup of European communism. Bush had to deal with the USSR which was changing and China which used violence to suppress change. He was faced with a dilemma when Tiananmen Square led to demands in the US for sanctions, but he put maintenance of improved relations with China first. He imposed limited sanctions and sent a mission later to Beijing which resulted in improved economic relations. Similarly, he wanted improved relations with the USSR and after a period of caution - the so called pauza - this was achieved.
Bush did not exult over the destruction of the Berlin Wall, fearing a reaction by hardliners. As with China he faced criticism from Reaganites and Cold Warriors in his own party. Discussions with Gorbachev in 1989 produced an arms reduction treaty and START in 1991. Careful reactions to the problems when republics broke away from the USSR produced good relations. Bush did not put his weight behind faster change and Yeltsin and cemented the change of direction away from confrontation.