The Collapse of Communism 1990 Soviet Union Faces

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)

Gorbachev’s leadership would unleash a 2 nd 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 “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) majority of Iron Curtain countries become democratic. 1989 – 1990: Germany is re-united 1989 -90

The Berlin Wall http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Tgnm 1 TBZd. V 4&feature=related

Primary Source • Reagan 1982 Speech in Germany

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

Falling Oil Prices hurt Economy