All Flashcards
Define De-Stalinization.
Political reform in the Soviet Union after Stalin's death involving the condemnation of his crimes and the dismantling of his cult of personality.
What is Brezhnev Stagnation?
Period of economic, political, and social stagnation in the Soviet Union during Brezhnev's rule, characterized by a lack of reform and innovation.
Define Glasnost.
Policy of openness and transparency introduced by Gorbachev, allowing for increased freedom of speech and press in the Soviet Union.
What is Perestroika?
Economic restructuring policy implemented by Gorbachev, aiming to decentralize economic decision-making and introduce market-oriented reforms.
Define Détente.
The easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries, during the Cold War.
What was the Holodomor?
A man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933 that killed millions of Ukrainians.
What was the 'Secret Speech'?
Khrushchev's speech denouncing Stalin's purges and cult of personality.
Define 'cult of personality'.
Arises when an individual uses mass media, propaganda, or other methods to create an idealized, heroic, and at times worshipful public image.
What was the Eastern Bloc?
The former communist states of Eastern and Central Europe.
What was the Soviet Union?
A socialist state on the Eurasian continent that existed from 1922 to 1991.
What were the causes and effects of Stalin's death?
Cause: Natural causes. Effects: Power vacuum, opportunity for reform (De-Stalinization).
What were the causes and effects of De-Stalinization?
Cause: Khrushchev's desire to break from Stalin's oppressive legacy. Effects: Reforms, instability, resistance.
What were the causes and effects of Brezhnev Stagnation?
Cause: Prioritizing stability over reform. Effects: Economic and technological decline.
What were the causes and effects of Glasnost?
Cause: Gorbachev's desire for openness. Effects: Increased freedom, criticism of the government, destabilization.
What were the causes and effects of Perestroika?
Cause: Gorbachev's attempt to restructure the Soviet economy. Effects: Decentralization, economic problems, contributed to the USSR's collapse.
What were the causes and effects of the Soviet-Afghan War?
Cause: Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. Effects: Drain on Soviet resources, contributed to the USSR's decline.
What were the causes and effects of the Fall of the Berlin Wall?
Cause: Weakening of Soviet control, pressure for reform. Effects: Symbolic end of the Cold War, reunification of Germany.
What were the causes and effects of the Dissolution of the Soviet Union?
Cause: Economic problems, nationalist movements, Gorbachev's reforms. Effects: Independent states, economic crisis in Russia, changes in Eastern Europe.
What were the causes and effects of the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Cause: Soviet deployment of missiles in Cuba. Effects: Brink of nuclear war, eventual removal of missiles, increased tensions.
What were the causes and effects of the Holodomor?
Cause: Stalin's collectivization policies. Effects: Widespread famine and death in Ukraine.
Who was Joseph Stalin?
Leader of the Soviet Union known for industrialization, Holodomor, and the use of secret police.
Who was Nikita Khrushchev?
Stalin's successor who initiated De-Stalinization.
Who was Leonid Brezhnev?
Soviet leader known for prioritizing stability and Détente, but also for the era of stagnation.
Who was Mikhail Gorbachev?
Soviet leader who introduced Glasnost and Perestroika, ultimately leading to the USSR's collapse.
What was Stalin's role in industrialization?
He implemented rapid industrialization, though it was brutal and came at a high human cost.
What was Khrushchev's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis?
He was the leader of the Soviet Union during the crisis, which brought the world close to nuclear war.
What was Brezhnev's role in Détente?
He sought to ease tensions with the U.S. through Détente.
What was Gorbachev's role in the end of the Cold War?
He worked with Reagan to limit nuclear weapons, contributing to the end of the Cold War.
What was Gorbachev's role in Glasnost?
He introduced Glasnost, increasing freedom of speech and press.
What was Gorbachev's role in Perestroika?
He introduced Perestroika, decentralizing economic decision-making.