Assess the reasons for the changing relations between the US and the USSR in the period 1980–91.
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
The USA, 1944–92
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Assess the reasons for the changing relations between the US and the USSR in the period 1980–91.
Assess the reasons for the changing relations between the US and the USSR in the period 1980–91.
The relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union underwent a dramatic transformation between 1980 and 1991, transitioning from intense Cold War hostility to cautious cooperation and eventually to the collapse of the Soviet Union itself. Several factors contributed to this shift, including the changing leadership in both countries, economic pressures on the USSR, and internal developments within the Soviet bloc.
The election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 marked an initial return to ideological confrontation. Reagan famously labeled the Soviet Union the "evil empire" and pursued a policy of military build-up, including the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), which aimed to neutralize the Soviet nuclear threat. This assertive stance, coupled with US support for anti-communist movements in Afghanistan and Nicaragua, heightened tensions and stalled détente. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the crackdown on the Solidarity movement in Poland in 1981 further exacerbated tensions.
However, Reagan's presidency also contained the seeds of change. While committed to containing Soviet expansion, Reagan also believed in negotiating from a position of strength. This duality was evident in his willingness to engage in arms control talks, even as he pursued the SDI. The downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 in 1983, which killed all 269 passengers and crew, including 61 Americans, illustrated the dangers of miscalculation and underscored the need for dialogue.
The rise of Mikhail Gorbachev as Soviet leader in 1985 proved to be a pivotal moment. Gorbachev recognized the dire state of the Soviet economy and the unsustainable burden of the arms race. He introduced the reforms of <i>perestroika</i> (restructuring) and <i>glasnost</i> (openness), aiming to revitalize the Soviet system and improve relations with the West. Gorbachev's commitment to arms control and his less confrontational approach created an opportunity for a thaw in US-Soviet relations.
Reagan, sensing a potential breakthrough, responded cautiously but positively to Gorbachev's overtures. The two leaders held a series of summits, culminating in the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 1987, the first agreement to eliminate an entire class of nuclear weapons. This treaty, along with the personal rapport that developed between Reagan and Gorbachev, marked a turning point in the Cold War.
Internal developments within the Soviet Union also played a crucial role. Gorbachev's reforms, while intended to save the Soviet system, ultimately unleashed forces that he could not control. The policy of <i>glasnost</i> led to greater freedom of expression and exposed the failings of the communist system. The loosening of control over Eastern Europe, driven in part by economic stagnation and popular unrest, led to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the collapse of communist regimes throughout the region. By 1991, the Soviet Union itself had dissolved, bringing an end to the Cold War.
In conclusion, the changing relationship between the US and the USSR between 1980 and 1991 was the result of a complex interplay of factors. The leadership of Reagan and Gorbachev, particularly their willingness to engage in dialogue and pursue arms control, played a vital role. However, the internal pressures within the Soviet Union, particularly the economic stagnation and the desire for greater freedom and self-determination in Eastern Europe, proved to be the decisive factors that ultimately led to the end of the Cold War.
Sources:
⭐Gaddis, John Lewis. The Cold War: A New History. Penguin Books, 2006.
⭐Hoffmann, Stanley. "The End of the Cold War." Foreign Affairs, vol. 69, no. 3, 1990, pp. 117-131.
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Introduction
Briefly introduce the state of US-USSR relations in 1980 and highlight the significant shift towards détente by 1991. Mention the key factors that will be discussed: leadership changes, economic pressures, ideological shifts, and the decline of Soviet control in Eastern Europe.
Reagan's Dual Approach and Stalled Détente (1980-1985)
Reagan's initial approach: Analyze the two conflicting aspects of Reagan's policy: seeking arms reduction while simultaneously aiming to restore US dominance and challenge Soviet influence.
Obstacles to détente: Explain how the Soviet intervention in Poland (1982) heightened tensions and stalled progress. Discuss Reagan's "evil empire" rhetoric, SDI, and the Korean airliner incident, showcasing the deterioration of relations.
Gorbachev, Economic Pressures, and the Push for Arms Control (1985-1989)
Gorbachev's Rise: Analyze how Gorbachev's leadership, with its emphasis on perestroika and glasnost, created an opportunity for renewed dialogue and arms control discussions.
Economic Factors: Highlight the role of the USSR's economic struggles in pushing Gorbachev towards arms control agreements to reduce military spending.
Reagan's Shift and Summit Diplomacy: Discuss Reagan's willingness to engage with Gorbachev, culminating in summits and the signing of the INF Treaty (1987).
The Collapse of Soviet Control and the End of the Cold War (1989-1991)
Satellite States and the Berlin Wall: Analyze the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989) and the subsequent collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe. Explain how this challenged the foundation of the Cold War.
Internal Soviet Developments: Briefly discuss the internal factors within the USSR (nationalist movements, economic stagnation) that contributed to its dissolution in 1991.
End of an Era: Explain how the end of the Soviet Union marked a definitive shift in US-USSR relations, moving from Cold War hostility to a new, uncertain era.
Conclusion
Summarize the key reasons for the changing relations, emphasizing the interplay of leadership (Reagan and Gorbachev), ideological shifts, the decline of Soviet power and economic pressures, and the role of events in Eastern Europe. Briefly offer a final thought on the significance of this period in shaping the post-Cold War world.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Assess the reasons for the changing relations between the US and the USSR in the period 1980–91.
A major factor must be the election of Reagan with two conflicting policies; the first being alleviating tensions with the USSR and trying to reduce arms; and the second being restoring US influence, building up defenses, and supporting roll-back globally. Progress to détente was stalled by the policy of the USSR in Poland in late 1982. Relations chilled over Reagan’s ideological hostility to ‘the evil Empire’, and also from the SDI, and the shooting down of a Korean airliner in 1983. The rise of Gorbachev in 1985 gave more credibility to the arguments within Reagan’s administration about pushing for arms control and agreement. Economic pressures in the USSR were important in pushing Gorbachev to discussion and finally agreement in 1987. Meanwhile, Reagan’s flexibility in visiting the USSR and reversing earlier rhetoric was also important.
Personalities remained relevant too. Bush was more skeptical about Gorbachev, but events were more important with the fall of the Berlin Wall and collapse of the USSR’s control over its satellites. Cold War hostility seemed outdated with the hopes for a democratic eastern Europe. The end of the Soviet Union in 1991 was a key element in changing relations.
Discussion could be about the relative importance of changes in leadership, against the problems which the increase in arms gave to the USSR which was suffering economic problems. The importance of concerns about satellite states could be assessed along with the internal developments within the USSR leading to its collapse in 1991. Ideology could be seen as a factor as well, with a reduction in ideological concerns and hostility allowing for greater cooperation.