How and why did the cold war end?
On November 8th, 1989 there were two superpowers. On the next day, November 9th, 1989, there was one. But was it that simple? The world changed forever after the Cold War ended. The run up to the end of the Cold War is important in that illustrates what was needed to go from the brink of nuclear disaster to one of relative peace. For a time we witnessed a common goal among two superpowers. But what were the underlying reasons for this change in policy and diplomacy? Is it possible to achieve this superpower commonality again? The following 17 documents will shed some light onto the causes of the end of the Cold War.
THE COLD WAR
"The Cold War was a prolonged battle of wills, posturing and threats between communist Russia and the United States of America. Although no direct military conflict between the two nations ever ensued, the world was caught up in the constant threat of nuclear proliferation. Allies on both sides of the struggle were used as pawns in the power struggle; NATO on the American ticket and the Warsaw Pact on the Russian’s. From 1945 until the collapse of the communist bloc countries in 1991, the Cold War dominated headlines, international politics and the mindset of people everywhere.
Each side of the Cold War drew up various doctrines, declaring their respective agendas to the world and each side feared the intentions of the other. NATO evolved into a unified force of democracy and the Warsaw pact stood fast behind communism. By 1951 nearly every modern country had taken a side and the lines were clearly drawn between the two dominating forces. The rivalry was fueled by weapon development, aeronautical achievements and even spirited competition at the Olympic Games. A constant cat and mouse game of check and mate permeated all aspects of the international landscape.
It wasn’t until two men assumed power in each nation that a recognition of the need for change began: Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev would change the world forever by ending the Cold War. Each charismatic leader inspired the people and each other to bring about change by tearing down the separating divides. The two agreed to a historic treaty to reduce arms, the Brezhnev Doctrine was declared obsolete and the dissolution of Soviet bloc countries began. Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) gradually replaced the elements of fear and domination and the Cold War superpowers warmed up to each other, at least officially. Upon the resignation of Mr. Gorbachev in 1991, the communist flag was lowered over the Kremlin one final time and the staunch Soviet force of global domineering and influence was dissolved. The Eastern bloc nations each fell to the wayside, giving rise to internal turmoil, while NATO emerged mostly intact." (http://us-history.com/)
On November 8th, 1989 there were two superpowers. On the next day, November 9th, 1989, there was one. But was it that simple? The world changed forever after the Cold War ended. The run up to the end of the Cold War is important in that illustrates what was needed to go from the brink of nuclear disaster to one of relative peace. For a time we witnessed a common goal among two superpowers. But what were the underlying reasons for this change in policy and diplomacy? Is it possible to achieve this superpower commonality again? The following 17 documents will shed some light onto the causes of the end of the Cold War.
THE COLD WAR
"The Cold War was a prolonged battle of wills, posturing and threats between communist Russia and the United States of America. Although no direct military conflict between the two nations ever ensued, the world was caught up in the constant threat of nuclear proliferation. Allies on both sides of the struggle were used as pawns in the power struggle; NATO on the American ticket and the Warsaw Pact on the Russian’s. From 1945 until the collapse of the communist bloc countries in 1991, the Cold War dominated headlines, international politics and the mindset of people everywhere.
Each side of the Cold War drew up various doctrines, declaring their respective agendas to the world and each side feared the intentions of the other. NATO evolved into a unified force of democracy and the Warsaw pact stood fast behind communism. By 1951 nearly every modern country had taken a side and the lines were clearly drawn between the two dominating forces. The rivalry was fueled by weapon development, aeronautical achievements and even spirited competition at the Olympic Games. A constant cat and mouse game of check and mate permeated all aspects of the international landscape.
It wasn’t until two men assumed power in each nation that a recognition of the need for change began: Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev would change the world forever by ending the Cold War. Each charismatic leader inspired the people and each other to bring about change by tearing down the separating divides. The two agreed to a historic treaty to reduce arms, the Brezhnev Doctrine was declared obsolete and the dissolution of Soviet bloc countries began. Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) gradually replaced the elements of fear and domination and the Cold War superpowers warmed up to each other, at least officially. Upon the resignation of Mr. Gorbachev in 1991, the communist flag was lowered over the Kremlin one final time and the staunch Soviet force of global domineering and influence was dissolved. The Eastern bloc nations each fell to the wayside, giving rise to internal turmoil, while NATO emerged mostly intact." (http://us-history.com/)