the relaxation of tensions between states which were previously hostile towards one another

a period between c. 1945 and c. 1991 of intense rivalry and tension between the USA and the USSR

a change introduced to improve something, often a system or law

when a country or organisation officially ends or breaks apart

The end of the Cold War, 1970-91

History

In ‘Cold War crises, 1958-70’, pupils learnt about increasing superpower tensions and how they created a number of crises.. In this unit, pupils will go on to learn about the crises and flashpoints that led to the end of the Cold War.

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which term describes the relaxation of tensions between states which were previously hostile towards one another?

Complete the sentence: US President Ronald Reagan's confrontational approach led to a period of increased hostility known as the {{}} Cold War.

Whose 'new thinking' encouraged a positive response from the USA and led to an improvement in US-Soviet relations?

the announcement of Gorbachev’s ‘Sinatra Doctrine’

lack of economic growth (USSR) and inequality (USA)

Which of the following events were reasons for the period of relaxed tensions in the Cold War in the 1970s?

the introduction of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

Which of the following events led to an increase in tensions in the Cold War from 1981 onwards?

The Soviet Union abandoned the Brezhnev Doctrine.

Put the following events in chronological order.

Which term describes one of the multiple states that were joined together as part of the Soviet Union under the central Soviet government?

Complete the sentence: On 25th December 1991, Gorbachev resigned as Soviet leader and announced the {{}} of the Soviet Union.

When was Gorbachev’s ‘Sinatra Doctrine’ announced?

the reunification of East and West Germany

the ‘Gang of Eight’’s coup against Gorbachev

What event marked the end of decades of division and symbolised a new era of freedom and unity in Europe?

He declared the new government to be illegal.

He played a crucial role in opposing the coup. 

He declared the new government to be legal.

He played a crucial role in beginning the coup.

What was Boris Yeltsin’s role in the ‘Gang of Eight’’s coup against Gorbachev?

Demands for independence from some of the Soviet republics increased. 

The Baltic republics of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia declared independence.

The remaining republics (with the exception of Georgia) declared independence.

Gorbachev officially announced his resignation as Soviet leader.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The end of the Cold War, 1970-91

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.