The Cold War: Key Events and Impacts from 1900 to Present

The video explores the end of the Cold War, focusing on three main causes: US military and technological advancements, the failed Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and public discontent and economic weakness in the Soviet Union. It highlights the Strategic Defense Initiative, the impact of the Afghan war on the Soviet economy, and the reforms introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev, which led to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

What was the primary goal of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) launched by the US?

• To increase the number of nuclear missiles

• To expand the US military presence in Europe

• To establish a missile defense system in space using lasers

• To initiate peace talks with the Soviet Union

What was the effect of the announcement and partial implementation of the SDI?

• It shifted power towards the United States

• It decreased military spending by the US

• It led to the immediate end of the Cold War

• It resulted in a major conflict with China

What was a major consequence of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

• It put a significant strain on the Soviet economy

• It strengthened the Soviet Union's global position

• It expanded Soviet territory successfully

• It led to immediate peace negotiations

Why did the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan fail?

• Afghanistan had superior technology

• The United Nations intervened militarily

• Because of guerrilla tactics used by the Afghans

• Due to the harsh winter conditions

What was a direct result of the Soviet Union's economic sanctions and military spending in Afghanistan?

• Rapid economic growth

• A significant strain on the Soviet economy

• Improved relations with Western countries

• Technological advancements

What led to public discontent in the Soviet Union?

• The success of the space program

• Government control over agriculture

• Increased trade with Western countries

• The popularity of Western music

What was the result of the Prague Spring?

• It initiated a period of economic prosperity in Eastern Europe

• It resulted in Czechoslovakia leaving the Soviet bloc

• It was violently suppressed by the Soviets

• It led to the liberalization of Czechoslovakia

Which policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev allowed for some elements of free enterprise in the Soviet economy?

• Perestroika

• Glasnost

• Detente

• Solidarity

What was the impact of Perestroika and Glasnost on Eastern European countries?

• They were ignored by Eastern European leaders

• They caused economic collapse

• They initiated democratic reforms

• They led to increased repression

What ultimately led to the dismantling of the Soviet Union in 1991?

• The policies of Perestroika and Glasnost

• The success of the Strategic Defense Initiative

• A military coup within the Soviet Union

• The invasion of Afghanistan by NATO forces