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2R The Cold War, c1945–1991

Gorbachev's Inheritance and New Thinking

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 2

Overview

Recall questions on the state of the Soviet economy in 1985, the burden of the arms race and Afghanistan, and the change in outlook.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

What economic condition did Gorbachev inherit when he became Soviet leader in 1985?

Key term

What approach did Gorbachev's 'new thinking' advocate regarding relations with Western powers?

Key term

How did military spending contribute to Soviet economic difficulties?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What economic condition did Gorbachev inherit when he became Soviet leader in 1985?

    Model answer

    A stagnating Soviet economy

  2. 2

    Why was the arms race with the USA a major pressure on Gorbachev's leadership from 1985?

    Model answer

    It was unsustainable for the Soviet economy to continue matching American military spending

  3. 3

    Which ongoing military conflict was draining Soviet resources when Gorbachev came to power?

    Model answer

    The costly war in Afghanistan

  4. 4

    How did Gorbachev's 'new thinking' change Soviet attitudes toward ideological conflict with the West?

    Model answer

    It rejected ideological confrontation in favour of pragmatic relations

  5. 5

    What approach did Gorbachev's 'new thinking' advocate regarding relations with Western powers?

    Model answer

    Pursuit of cooperation with the West rather than confrontation

  6. 6

    How did 'new thinking' affect Soviet international commitments in the developing world?

    Model answer

    It led to a reduction of costly international commitments abroad

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