End of the Cold War

End of the Cold War

Learning Targets1. Explain events leading to the end of

the Cold War2. Compare and contrast Cold War

threats to nuclear threat today

Plan1. Notes, video clips and discussion on

End of Cold War2. Notes, video clip and discussion on

Nuclear Threat Today3. Reading on Nuclear Threat Today4. Reflection questions

End of the Cold War 1972: Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT)

Limited long-range nukes of U.S. and S. U. Began “détente”—easing of tensions

1979: Soviets invade Afghanistan Carter responds by boycotting Olympics Détente over

1980: Reagan Doctrine Tried to stop communism in Latin America

White Board Moment!! If you were an Olympic athlete that

qualified for the 1980 Summer Olympics, what sport would it be for?

As an athlete, would you support the boycott or not? Why?

1983: Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) “Star Wars”—never worked

1985: Gorbachev leader of S.U. “perestroika”-political/economic reforms “glastnost”-openness

1987: Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty First time nukes eliminated

M.A.D.: Mutually Assured Destruction Prevented nuclear war throughout

1989: Fall of Berlin Wall and collapse of communism Cold War over

White Board Moment. Yay. What was the biggest reason for the

end of the Cold War? Why?

Nuclear Arms Today START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty)

1991 between U.S. and Russia Largest in history

New START April 2010 Limits more weapons with goal of elimination

Threat Today Nuclear proliferation, rogue states, terrorists

Reflection Questions1. What was the threat during the Cold

War? Explain.2. What is the threat today? Explain.3. Which do you believe is the greater

threat? Why?4. What do you think the United States

should do regarding the nuclear threat today? Write a detailed plan.