Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan & Gorbachev’s Reforms

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Questions and Answers

What was one significant consequence of potential secession by Islamic republics from the USSR?

Civil war and weakening of the Soviet armed forces (correct)

Strengthening of the Soviet armed forces

Increase in the Soviet economy

Extension of the Soviet territory

Who replaced the executed Afghan ruler Amin after the Soviet invasion?

Babrak Karmal (correct)

Zahir Shah

Soviet General

Mujahideen Leader

Which event was a direct response by the USA to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

Forming a military alliance with Afghanistan

Initiating Operation Cyclone

Boycotting the Moscow Olympics (correct)

Increased grain sales to the USSR

What type of military support did the USA provide to the Mujahideen fighters?

Sophisticated military equipment Signup and view all the answers

At its peak, how many Soviet soldiers were present in Afghanistan?

110,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the prolonged war in Afghanistan for the Soviet economy?

Depletion of vital resources Signup and view all the answers

How many Soviet citizens served in Afghanistan throughout the war?

1,000,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of Gorbachev's glasnost policy?

To promote transparency and political openness Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment did the war in Afghanistan create among the Soviet populace during the 1980s?

Indifference and apathy Signup and view all the answers

What was an unintended consequence of the glasnost policy?

Exacerbated ethnic tensions Signup and view all the answers

What reform aimed to increase democratic participation within the political process under Gorbachev?

Demokratizatsiya Signup and view all the answers

Which article of the Soviet Constitution established the Communist Party as the sole political party?

Article 6 Signup and view all the answers

What event reflected Gorbachev's declining control over the public?

The abolition of Article 6 Signup and view all the answers

How did glasnost affect the media's role in Soviet society?

It facilitated critical reporting on government issues Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant demand made by the public during Gorbachev's leadership?

Greater autonomy or independence for republics Signup and view all the answers

What change did Gorbachev implement to maintain dominance during elections?

One-third of seats were reserved for Communist Party members Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor that led to the failure of Jaruzelski's economic reforms in 1989?

Resistance from Polish workers Signup and view all the answers

What significant change resulted from the Round Table Talks in 1989?

Legal recognition of Solidarity as a trade union Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of seats in the Sejm were contested in open elections following the Round Table Talks?

35% Signup and view all the answers

Which event signified the first partially free parliamentary elections in Poland since World War II?

The elections held in June 1989 Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main outcomes of the Round Table Talks?

A compromise allowing for multiparty elections Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the Polish Communist Party face during the political negotiations in 1989?

The threat of regime collapse due to Solidarity Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason that Solidarity won most parliamentary seats in the 1989 elections?

The party's underground operations and support Signup and view all the answers

Who was the leader of Solidarity who was released from prison before the 1989 elections?

Lech Wałęsa Signup and view all the answers

What significant agreements were reached between Gorbachev and Reagan?

Comprehensive reduction in nuclear weapons Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the end of the Cold War according to Gorbachev and Bush?

Summit meeting in Malta Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact on Russia's GDP following the collapse of the USSR?

Fell by nearly 60% in three years Signup and view all the answers

What major economic problems did Russia face after the USSR's collapse?

High inflation and massive unemployment Signup and view all the answers

How much did Poland's GDP lose between 1988 and 1992?

1/5th of its GDP Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome contributed to worsening economic conditions in Russia post-1991?

High levels of corruption and crime Signup and view all the answers

Which country experienced a significant GDP shrinkage of at least thirty percent after the USSR collapse?

Romania Signup and view all the answers

Who was the President of Russia until 1999 during the economic transition post-USSR?

Boris Yeltsin Signup and view all the answers

What policy has South Africa adopted regarding global issues after the collapse of the Soviet Union?

Neutrally multilateralism Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'developmental state' as described in the context?

A state that actively directs the economy and balances economic growth with social development Signup and view all the answers

Which social service received nearly 50% of South Africa's budget even after adopting GEAR in 1996?

Healthcare Signup and view all the answers

By 2012, how many people in South Africa were dependent on social grants?

16 million Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the South African government face due to rising unemployment?

Increased need for social grants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the social welfare in South Africa after Apartheid is true?

Inequality remained a significant feature of society Signup and view all the answers

What was one proposed solution to achieve real social upliftment in South Africa in the early 2000s?

Naționalizing resources like mines Signup and view all the answers

What was a common concern regarding the nationalization of resources in South Africa?

It could reduce efficiency and deter potential investors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979 to support a pro-Soviet leader after a pro-Islamic resistance movement grew.
The USA condemned the invasion, cut off grain sales to the USSR, and boycotted the Moscow Olympics.
The USA also funded the Mujahideen (Afghan resistance fighters) secretly with one billion dollars a year, and provided military supplies.
The Soviet Union faced heavy losses in Afghanistan, which included both casualties and economic resources.
The Afghanistan war is often described as the “USSR's Vietnam.”

Gorbachev’s Reforms

Glasnost: Gorbachev’s policy of openness created greater transparency in the media, encouraged political discussions, and allowed for criticism of the government.
Perestroika: Gorbachev's program promoted restructuring of the Soviet economy, with the aim of economic reform and modernization.
Demokratizatsiya: Gorbachev’s plan to increase democratic participation in the political process.

Collapse of the Soviet Union

The USSR collapsed in 1991, with the largest republic, Russia, losing 17% of GDP in 1990-1991 and 11% in 1992-1993.
Boris Yeltsin, Russian President, launched reforms to address the economic issues but major problems persisted, including industrial production decline, unemployment, high inflation, and corruption.

Post-Apartheid South Africa

After apartheid ended, South Africa adopted a "developmental state" model.
This model focused on directing the economy to address social inequalities and poverty through social services, such as health care, housing, education, and social welfare.
Despite the success of social programs, millions still lacked basic services and inequality persisted.
The government faced challenges in providing adequate funding for social programs, particularly in the face of high unemployment.
Some proposed nationalizing resources, such as mines, to achieve economic transformation, while others argued this would scare off investors.

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Description

This quiz covers two significant events in Soviet history: the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and Gorbachev's major reforms in the 1980s. Explore how these events shaped the dynamics of the Soviet Union and its relationship with the West, particularly the USA. Test your knowledge on the implications of these historical occurrences.