The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
I can explain the causes and consequences of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
I can explain the causes and consequences of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A communist group called the PDPA took control of Afghanistan in 1978 and governed with Soviet support.
- Reforms introduced by the PDPA to transform Afghanistan into a communist country were deeply unpopular.
- The USSR invaded Afghanistan in December 1979 to prevent the mujahideen from overthrowing the communist government.
- The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan increased tensions with the USA who responded with the Carter Doctrine.
- In response to the Soviet invasion, the USA led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Common misconception
Poorer people in Afghanistan supported the communist PDPA government.
The PDPA's land reforms were tainted by corruption and angered many poorer Afghans because they received poor quality land. Many Afghans opposed the PDPA's attempts to create a secular society, which they saw as an attack on their faith and culture.
Keywords
Secular - non-religious
Guerilla - warfare that involves using surprise attacks and hit-and-run tactics to fight a larger, more traditional military force
Islamic fundamentalism - a strict interpretation of Islam that emphasises a return to traditional beliefs and practices
Economic sanction - a measure taken by one country to limit or stop trade with another country to pressure it to change its actions or policies
Boycott - when people refuse to buy, use or participate in something as a way to protest or bring about change
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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