OCR GCSE History A: The End of the Cold War,1985–1991

OCR GCSE History A: The End of the Cold War, 1985–1991

This tutorial will focus on the key aspects of the end of the Cold War, specifically covering the period between 1985 and 1991. We will examine the crucial role played by Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of Glasnost and Perestroika, the internal challenges faced by the USSR, and the ultimate dissolution of the Soviet Union.

1. The Rise of Gorbachev

• Context: The USSR was facing severe economic and political difficulties in the 1980s.
• Gorbachev's Leadership: Mikhail Gorbachev emerged as General Secretary of the Communist Party in 1985. He recognized the need for change and introduced two significant policies:
  • Glasnost (Openness): Encouraged free speech, criticism of the government, and greater transparency.
  • Perestroika (Restructuring): Focused on reforming the Soviet economy, introducing elements of free markets, and decentralizing decision-making.

2. The Impact of Glasnost and Perestroika

• Internal Changes:
  • Economic Reform: Perestroika aimed to boost productivity and efficiency but struggled with implementation due to resistance from vested interests and bureaucratic inertia.
  • Political Liberalization: Glasnost led to increased freedom of expression, allowing for criticism of the government and a blossoming of independent media outlets.
• External Impact:
  • Increased International Cooperation: Gorbachev sought to improve relations with the West, ending the Cold War's arms race through agreements like the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).
  • Nationalist Movements: The loosening of control under Glasnost and Perestroika emboldened nationalistic movements within the USSR, leading to demands for independence in regions like the Baltic States and Ukraine.

3. The Fall of the Berlin Wall

• Context: The Berlin Wall, erected in 1961, symbolized the division of Europe and the Cold War.
• Events of 1989:
  • Hungary Opens Borders: Hungary's decision to open its border with Austria in August 1989 allowed East Germans to escape to the West.
  • Peaceful Protests: Mass demonstrations erupted in East Germany, demanding freedom and reunification with West Germany.
• The Wall Falls: On November 9, 1989, overwhelmed by public pressure and facing a rapidly deteriorating situation, East German authorities opened the Berlin Wall, allowing people to freely cross between East and West Berlin.

4. The Dissolution of the USSR

• Challenges to Soviet Authority: The increasing autonomy of republics, coupled with economic hardship and political instability, weakened the Soviet Union's central authority.
• August Coup: In 1991, hardliners within the Communist Party attempted to overthrow Gorbachev and reassert control. However, the coup failed, further damaging the USSR's legitimacy.
• Independence Referendums: In December 1991, the republics of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia declared their independence, effectively ending the Soviet Union.

5. Consequences of the Cold War's End

• Global Impact: The end of the Cold War ushered in a new era of international relations, characterized by:
  • The collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the USSR.
  • The rise of globalization and interconnectedness.
  • New challenges such as international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
• Challenges for the New Russia: Russia struggled to transition to a market economy and faced political instability. The break-up of the Soviet Union also led to ethnic conflict in areas like Chechnya.

Exam Tips:

• Understand the key events and policies related to the end of the Cold War, focusing on Gorbachev's role and the internal challenges facing the USSR.
• Analyze the impact of Glasnost and Perestroika on both internal and external affairs.
• Evaluate the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the events leading up to it.
• Understand the consequences of the Cold War's end, both globally and for the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union.
• Practice essay writing, focusing on providing clear arguments and using historical evidence to support your points.

By studying this period and understanding the complexities of the Cold War's end, you will be well-equipped to answer exam questions and gain a deeper appreciation of this pivotal era in world history.