Topic 5 - Causes of the Collapse of Communism

Military 

·       Their sophistication (i.e. computer technology) meant the Soviets were falling behind, especially when the U.S. unveiled their S.D.I. (Strategic Defence Initiative) in 1983, or ‘Star Wars’.  

·       Sophisticated weapons also were supplied by US to Afghan rebels, particularly Stinger Missiles. These played a major part in Afghan War and decision to withdraw (‘Russia’s Vietnam’) 

Economic 

·       Military competition was increasingly expensive and this particularly hit the USSR. Nuclear weapons had proliferated, especially since the late 70s. Soviets needed a weapons deal to restructure economy. 

·       The Soviet economy wasn’t large enough to militarily compete with USA, nor efficient enough, to support such a large military budget (30% at least by mid-80s); support for communist nations (cheap oil to Cuba and others) and liberation movements abroad. Something had to give.  

·       Central Command economy proved flawed to develop a modern economy.  

·       It could move a nation from agricultural to basic heavy industry (coal, pig iron, oil) but not in complex manufacturing product (from silicon chips to automobiles). Corruption and the black market were endemic. Citizens grew increasingly frustrated, pressuring the government to come to a deal with US 

·       All this meant that the USSR needed an arms deal to shift economic resources to restructuring economy (Perestroika). Hence Gorbachev’s offer to eliminate all nuclear weapons within 10 years at Reykjavik (1986). His offer to withdraw from Afghanistan was partly to improve relations with the west. 

·       The collapse of the USSR’s economy (1990-91) clearly speeded up negotiations to end Cold War. 

Ideological 

·       The US response under Ronald Reagan threatened the Soviets. He significantly increased arms spending (Star Wars programme or “S.D.I.”) and provided aid to Afghan rebels. Described USSR as the Evil Empire. Some writers and historians have disputed this and believe that this was happening anyway. 

·       Gorbachev and those around him came to believe that the communist model was broken beyond repair. Many people in the party had joined merely to further their career. Once the ideological divisions between west and east declined, as Soviets abandoned Marxism, reasons for Cold War ended. Also had an effect on places like Afghanistan: now no need to support a Marxist regime there when Gorbachev was getting rid of Marxism at home. 

·       Gorbachev’s decision not to invade of the Eastern Bloc countries repudiating the Brezhnev Doctrine was also crucial in improving relations 

Personalities 

·       John Paul II appointment of Pope gave Catholicism a huge boost in Poland and provided an alternative to Communism. 

·       Gorbachev, proved willing to change Soviet Union why? Younger (not scarred by war, hostility to west) more educated, seen Western states – did not believe anti- western propaganda. Also been in Czechoslovakia just after the Prague Spring. Part of inspiration for Glasnost Perestrioka 

• Reagan: US under Reagan did recognise Gorbachev as genuine and negotiated deals with him (INF treaty in 1987) encouraging better relations