Crisis and Conflict Chapter 9: The End of the Cold War An Enquiry Approach to Modern World History Secondary 4.

Crisis and Crisis and ConflictConflict

Chapter 9: Chapter 9:

The End of the The End of the

Cold WarCold War

An Enquiry Approach to Modern World An Enquiry Approach to Modern World

HistoryHistory

Secondary 4Secondary 4

2

Crisis and Conflict: From a World War to a Cold War Copyright 2006

Why wasn’t the Communist government

working?

This part looks atthe problems with the USSR’s economy andgovernment.

What effect did Gorbachev’s

changes have on Eastern Europe?

Why did the Soviet Union

break up?

How did

Gorbachev try to get the

Communist system to work

again?

This examines whythe USSR ended.

This part looks at Gorbachev’sreforms.

This part looks athow Eastern Europe was affectedby Gorbachev’s reforms.

Was the end of the Cold War Was the end of the Cold War inevitable?inevitable?

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In a NutshellIn a Nutshell In 1991, the Cold War came to an end.In 1991, the Cold War came to an end. There were many causes to this.There were many causes to this. In Eastern Europe, many people did not want the USSR to In Eastern Europe, many people did not want the USSR to

control their countries.control their countries. By the late 1980s, the USSR was facing many economic By the late 1980s, the USSR was facing many economic

problems.problems. People in the Soviet Union were unhappy with the government People in the Soviet Union were unhappy with the government

for its failure to meet the people’s needs.for its failure to meet the people’s needs. The reforms introduced by Gorbachev caused new problems.The reforms introduced by Gorbachev caused new problems. All these resulted in the breakdown of Communism in the All these resulted in the breakdown of Communism in the

Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

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Why wasn’t the Why wasn’t the Communist system Communist system

working?working?

Internal reasonsInternal reasons External reasonsExternal reasons

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Inefficient economy

The Soviet Union employed a system referred to as the The Soviet Union employed a system referred to as the ‘command economy’.‘command economy’.

However by the late 1970s and the early 1980s, this However by the late 1970s and the early 1980s, this system started to show signs of inefficiency.system started to show signs of inefficiency.

Soviet Union citizens could not get basic goods such as Soviet Union citizens could not get basic goods such as food and clothing.food and clothing.

Furthermore, the command economy had resulted in the Furthermore, the command economy had resulted in the lack of consumer goods which could have earned profit lack of consumer goods which could have earned profit for the government.for the government.

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Poor decisions by central

government The central government had been making bad decisions.The central government had been making bad decisions. Usually it was not aware of the local conditions and the Usually it was not aware of the local conditions and the

problems of the people.problems of the people. Due to the size of the USSR, local conditions were very Due to the size of the USSR, local conditions were very

different in every region.different in every region. It was hence hard for the central government to make It was hence hard for the central government to make

decisions that were suitable for all parts of the country.decisions that were suitable for all parts of the country.

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Slow decisions by central government

Very often, factory managers had to wait for a long time Very often, factory managers had to wait for a long time for decisions to be made by the central government on for decisions to be made by the central government on production.production.

Thus, goods took an even longer time to reach the Thus, goods took an even longer time to reach the shops. shops.

This created a lot of discontentment within the people This created a lot of discontentment within the people who found the government to be ineffective.who found the government to be ineffective.

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No quality control

The central government focused on targets that were The central government focused on targets that were easy to measure.easy to measure.

Targets were only set for quantity but not quality.Targets were only set for quantity but not quality. Goods produced were often poor in quality.Goods produced were often poor in quality. Many customer were unhappy with the level of quality in Many customer were unhappy with the level of quality in

Soviet goods.Soviet goods.

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No incentive to work hard

In a Communist society, everyone worked for the state.In a Communist society, everyone worked for the state. There was no reward or incentive to work hard since all There was no reward or incentive to work hard since all

were given the same benefits.were given the same benefits. All Soviet workers were guaranteed jobs for life.All Soviet workers were guaranteed jobs for life. As a result Soviet workers became less efficient than As a result Soviet workers became less efficient than

their capitalist counterparts.their capitalist counterparts.

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Most of the money was spent on the military

Years of Cold War and the arms race had led to heavy Years of Cold War and the arms race had led to heavy spending on building the military.spending on building the military.

In some years, the military took up 50 per cent of the In some years, the military took up 50 per cent of the government expenditure.government expenditure.

As a result, there was little left to produce consumer As a result, there was little left to produce consumer goods which created a shortage.goods which created a shortage.

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Few consumer goods were made

The emphasis on heavy The emphasis on heavy industry and military industry and military meant little attention was meant little attention was paid to consumer goods.paid to consumer goods.

The quality of life in the The quality of life in the USSR was much worse USSR was much worse compared to capitalist compared to capitalist countries.countries.

Consumer Consumer goodsgoods

USSRUSSR USAUSA

MotorcarsMotorcars 55 398398

TV setsTV sets 8282 376376

RefrigeratorsRefrigerators 4040 293293

WashingWashing

MachinesMachines

3737 259259

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Alcoholism made workers less efficient

Alcoholism was a major problem in the USSR.Alcoholism was a major problem in the USSR.

One major cause was the relatively cheap price of One major cause was the relatively cheap price of alcohol and the lack of other consumer goods for alcohol and the lack of other consumer goods for workers to spend on.workers to spend on.

Alcoholism created health-related problems as well as Alcoholism created health-related problems as well as social problems.social problems.

All these had a bad effect on the productivity of the All these had a bad effect on the productivity of the workforce in the USSR.workforce in the USSR.

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Farms and factories were not improved

The central government had not improved the farms with The central government had not improved the farms with technology.technology.

Factories were still using obsolete methods and Factories were still using obsolete methods and machines for production.machines for production.

Thus, the USSR could not catch up with the West in Thus, the USSR could not catch up with the West in terms of production.terms of production.

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Inefficient transport and distribution system

The USSR’s infrastructure of transport and distribution The USSR’s infrastructure of transport and distribution system was not organised efficiently.system was not organised efficiently.

This was also partly caused by the vastness of the This was also partly caused by the vastness of the USSR.USSR.

Factories were located far away from the raw materials Factories were located far away from the raw materials that were needed.that were needed.

Due to inefficient transport methods, much crops were Due to inefficient transport methods, much crops were wasted due to long waiting time.wasted due to long waiting time.

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Basic needs of the people not met

The command economy could not provide the people The command economy could not provide the people with the basic necessities.with the basic necessities.

With the increase in demand for consumer goods, a With the increase in demand for consumer goods, a ‘black market’ developed.‘black market’ developed.

Government officials who controlled the goods that were Government officials who controlled the goods that were in short supply often became corrupt, selling goods only in short supply often became corrupt, selling goods only to people who could offer them a high price.to people who could offer them a high price.

The black market also meant the government lost a The black market also meant the government lost a great deal of revenue.great deal of revenue.

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Using this illustration, identify the reasons behind the failure of the Using this illustration, identify the reasons behind the failure of the Communist system. Communist system.

Poor transport and distribution system: The Soviet Union’s transport system did not function effectively. The breakdown of trains and trucks meant that supplies were not being transported in a timely or reliable manner. Factories could not be sure when their materials would be delivered and when their products would be sent to customers. Shopkeepers did not know when they would receive their supplies.

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Factories were not improved: Factories were not well-maintained. While the Soviets felt that it was important to improve their military technology, they neglected to also improve technology in civilian areas.

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Alcoholism made workers less efficient: Productivity fell because many workers were not doing their jobs properly as a result of drinking too much. Some workers did not even turn up for work because they were too drunk.

20


Corruption: There was widespread corruption in the Soviet Union. Many low-level officials would try to increase their income by taking bribes and high-ranking officials were in a position to become wealthy by using state resources for their own benefit.

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Ineffective government

Not willing to changeThe central government/politburo consisted ofmany leaders who werenot willing to introducechanges. These hardliners saw changes as threats to their positions. As a result efforts to introduce changes to improve the country was opposed.

Conservative and corrupt leadersThe selection of leaders for the politburo was not basedon merit. Rather it was based on favouritism and friendship or seniority.Such a system led to corruption and conservatism.

People not interested in improving governmentMost felt that they couldnot do anything to improve the system.Most chose not to be involved in politics. Hence, the governmentwas unable to obtain feedback on its performance.

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Ronald Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ Programme

In 1981, US President Reagan began his large-scale In 1981, US President Reagan began his large-scale spending on arms knowing that the USSR’s weak spending on arms knowing that the USSR’s weak economy would not be able to catch up.economy would not be able to catch up.

In 1983, he introduced the creation of the Strategic In 1983, he introduced the creation of the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) or ‘Star Wars’ programme which Defence Initiative (SDI) or ‘Star Wars’ programme which could intercept or destroy any Soviet missiles fired at the could intercept or destroy any Soviet missiles fired at the USA.USA.

These measures alarmed the USSR who felt the need to These measures alarmed the USSR who felt the need to improve relations with the USA.improve relations with the USA.

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Anti-Soviet feelings in republics

The USSR comprised of 15 The USSR comprised of 15 countries that were very different countries that were very different in terms of ethnicity and culture.in terms of ethnicity and culture.

These republics had little in These republics had little in common and were controlled common and were controlled with the use of troops.with the use of troops.

These republics resented Soviet These republics resented Soviet rule.rule.

Furthermore, governing them Furthermore, governing them cost the Soviet government cost the Soviet government much resources.much resources.

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Increased spending

As the leader of the Warsaw Pact, the USSR had to As the leader of the Warsaw Pact, the USSR had to spend millions on troops to support its allies.spend millions on troops to support its allies.

Defence spending increased when the USSR invaded Defence spending increased when the USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979.Afghanistan in 1979.

The USSR also provided financial support to Eastern The USSR also provided financial support to Eastern European countries through COMECON.European countries through COMECON.

All these contributed much to the USSR’s debt.All these contributed much to the USSR’s debt.

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25


How did Gorbachev try to get the How did Gorbachev try to get the Communist system to work again?Communist system to work again?

Gorbachev aimed to change the situation with the introduction the following programmes.

PerestroikaPerestroika GlasnostGlasnost

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Gorbachev thought the Soviet Union’s problem could be overcome by Gorbachev thought the Soviet Union’s problem could be overcome by restructuring the economy. In February 1985 he called for restructuring the economy. In February 1985 he called for perestroikaperestroika, , which is Russian for restructuring or change.which is Russian for restructuring or change.

On 11 June 1987, Gorbachev introduced the Law of State Enterprise.On 11 June 1987, Gorbachev introduced the Law of State Enterprise.

Under this law, manager of farms and factories could decide what Under this law, manager of farms and factories could decide what they wanted to produce and how much they would produce and to they wanted to produce and how much they would produce and to make a profit.make a profit.

This effectively ended state monopolies.This effectively ended state monopolies.

Central planning ended

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Gorbachev also tried to reduce the role of the Soviet Gorbachev also tried to reduce the role of the Soviet government in the economy by encouraging the setting government in the economy by encouraging the setting up of small businesses.up of small businesses.

Foreign companies were also welcomed.Foreign companies were also welcomed. In doing so he tried to change the Soviet command In doing so he tried to change the Soviet command

economy to a ‘market economy’.economy to a ‘market economy’. This he hoped would ensure a more efficient use of the This he hoped would ensure a more efficient use of the

country’s resources.country’s resources.

Market economy introduced

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What to produceWhat to produce

How much to produceHow much to produce

How much to chargeHow much to charge

In a market economy, the market forces decide:

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Years of arms race had the USSR deeply in debt.Years of arms race had the USSR deeply in debt. As part of the plan to improve the Soviet economy, As part of the plan to improve the Soviet economy,

Gorbachev realised the need to reduce spending of arms Gorbachev realised the need to reduce spending of arms so that more resources could be put to improve the so that more resources could be put to improve the economy.economy.

In 1988, he announced that he would remove Soviet In 1988, he announced that he would remove Soviet troops in Eastern Europe and Afghanistan.troops in Eastern Europe and Afghanistan.

Following this, he also promised not to interfere in the Following this, he also promised not to interfere in the affairs of Eastern Europe and reduced subsidies to them.affairs of Eastern Europe and reduced subsidies to them.

Military spending reduced

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30


Gorbachev knew the conservative approach of the politburo had to change. Realising he needed fresh ideas and suggestions on improving the country,he called for glasnost or openness.

Open to new ideasThrough glasnost, Gorbachev hoped that ideas and suggestionsof ordinary Soviet citizens could help him to change the Communist Party and encouraged it to acceptthe new ideas.

Less censorshipThe media was allowed toreport on the problems of the country. Press freedom was allowed. In this way, he hoped towin the people’s support for his reforms.For example, atrocities of Stalin were reported in the media.

More freedomTo show his seriousness,Gorbachev put corrupt officials on trial and legalised publications which had been banned previously. Political prisoners were also released.

GlasnostGlasnost

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What effect did Gorbachev’s What effect did Gorbachev’s changes have on Eastern Europe?changes have on Eastern Europe?

In keeping with In keeping with glasnostglasnost, Gorbachev announced that the , Gorbachev announced that the satellite states should be free to choose their own satellite states should be free to choose their own government.government.

In loosening control over these countries, Gorbachev’s In loosening control over these countries, Gorbachev’s policy weakened over the Communist governments in policy weakened over the Communist governments in these places.these places.

Hence, Communist regimes in these countries started to Hence, Communist regimes in these countries started to collapse.collapse.

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Poland1988: Strikes in many parts organised by trade union Solidarity.

Apr 1989: Communist government agreed to hold free elections.

Jun 1989: Solidarity won the elections with leader Lech Walesa elected as President of Poland.

East GermanyOct 1989: Following Gorbachev’s announcement that Soviet troops will not stop demonstrations, protests were held to call for a new government.

Nov 1989: The Berlin Wall was torn down.Oct 1990, Germany was reunified.

CzechoslovakiaNov 1989: Anti-Communist demonstrations began. Communist Party announced it would give up control.

Dec 1989: Dubcek elected as Speaker of Parliament while Havel became President of Czechoslovakia.

1990: First free elections since 1946.

Hungary1988: Hungary allowed political parties to be formed.

May 1990: Free elections were held which waswon by the Democratic Forum.

RumaniaDec 1989: Rebellion in capital Bucharest. The army joined in later. Rebellion ended with Rumanian Leader Nikolai Ceausescu being shot by firing squad.

May 1990: Free elections were held which was won by the National Salvation Front.

BulgariaNov 1989: Bulgarian leader Zhikov resigned.

Feb 1990: Communist Party gave up control.

Jun 1990: First free elections.

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Gorbachev’s changes failedto solve problems

Immediate cause:The 19–21 August

1991 coup

Loss of Communist Party’s authority

Years of Cold War competition

Rise of nationalism

Why did the Soviet Why did the Soviet Union break up?Union break up?

34


Though Though perestroikaperestroika and and glasnostglasnost raised the hopes of the raised the hopes of the people, it did not solve their problems.people, it did not solve their problems.

Gorbachev faced opposition from Communist leaders.Gorbachev faced opposition from Communist leaders. Furthermore, it was also difficult to put many of his ideas Furthermore, it was also difficult to put many of his ideas

into practice as it clashed with Communist ideals.into practice as it clashed with Communist ideals. Many people did not see any improvement in their lives. Many people did not see any improvement in their lives.

Some even lost their jobs in their new market economy.Some even lost their jobs in their new market economy. Many discontented people held demonstrations.Many discontented people held demonstrations.

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Gorbachev’s changes Gorbachev’s changes failed to solve problemsfailed to solve problems

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Glasnost Glasnost allowed people to criticise the government allowed people to criticise the government policies.policies.

Changes such as free elections weakened the power of Changes such as free elections weakened the power of the Communist Party.the Communist Party.

Many lost confidence in the Communist Party. Many lost confidence in the Communist Party.

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Loss of Communist Party’s Loss of Communist Party’s authorityauthority

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The USSR had long struggled to finance the Cold War The USSR had long struggled to finance the Cold War competition with the West.competition with the West.

Soviet technology was not as advanced as the West in Soviet technology was not as advanced as the West in the 1970s.the 1970s.

The USA also tried to weaken the Soviet economy by The USA also tried to weaken the Soviet economy by preventing the sale of computers and other technologies preventing the sale of computers and other technologies to the USSR.to the USSR.

The USSR was also forced to spend more than it could The USSR was also forced to spend more than it could due to the ‘Star Wars’ programme and war in due to the ‘Star Wars’ programme and war in Afghanistan.Afghanistan.

By the time Gorbachev came to power, the USSR was By the time Gorbachev came to power, the USSR was almost financially depleted.almost financially depleted.

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Years of Cold War competition Years of Cold War competition bankrupted the Soviet Unionbankrupted the Soviet Union

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With the advent of With the advent of glasnostglasnost, the Communist Party had , the Communist Party had loosened control of the Soviet Union.loosened control of the Soviet Union.

Various ethnic groups from the Soviet republics began Various ethnic groups from the Soviet republics began openly calling for independence.openly calling for independence.

Gorbachev was not willing to let these states leave but the Gorbachev was not willing to let these states leave but the continuing protest made him decide to give them more continuing protest made him decide to give them more power.power.

A Union Treaty was signed.A Union Treaty was signed.

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Rise of nationalismRise of nationalism

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Fearing that the USSR would break up, hard-liners tried Fearing that the USSR would break up, hard-liners tried to overthrow Gorbachev on 19 Aug 1991.to overthrow Gorbachev on 19 Aug 1991.

The coup ended in failure and President Boris Yeltsin The coup ended in failure and President Boris Yeltsin banned the Communist Party.banned the Communist Party.

Though it did not succeed, Gorbachev was made to look Though it did not succeed, Gorbachev was made to look weak as he failed to control his party.weak as he failed to control his party.

He did not have the support of both the Communists and He did not have the support of both the Communists and the anti-Communists.the anti-Communists.

On 25 Dec 1991, he resigned. The USSR broke up and On 25 Dec 1991, he resigned. The USSR broke up and became the Commonwealth of Independent States became the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).(CIS).

19–21 August coup19–21 August coup

39


On 25 Dec 1991, the USSR broke up and became the On 25 Dec 1991, the USSR broke up and became the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

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SummarySummary

Gorbachev’s politics failed

Loss of CommunistParty’s authority

Bankrupted by Cold War

competition

Rise of nationalism

August 1991 coup

End of Cold War

Soviet Union ended

Communism in Soviet Union

ended

Communism in Eastern Europe

ended

Inefficienteconomy

Ineffectivegovernment

Crisis and Conflict Chapter 9: The End of the Cold War An Enquiry Approach to Modern World History Secondary 4.

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