Topic 5: The Cold War Title and Author of Packet: Crozier 41 “The Glasnost Factor” ________________________________________________________________________________ Major Theme: Origins of the Cold War Ideological Differences Mutual Suspicion and Fear Gorbachev works to overcome the traditional Western suspicion of the Soviet Union as untrustworthy and dishonest. From Wartime Allies to Post-War Enemies Historiography Major Theme: Nature of the Cold War Ideological Opposition Superpowers and Spheres of Influence Alliances and Diplomacy in the Cold War Margaret Thatcher says she can work with Gorbachev! Historiography Major Theme: Development and Impact of the Cold War Global Spread of the Cold War from its European Origins Cold War Policies of Containment, Brinkmanship, Gorbachev sets out to charm in his foreign policy. His first target is Peaceful Coexistence, Détente Margaret Thatcher, whom he wins over. His goals are perestroika-to restructure the system, and glasnost- an openness to attract western economic support. Perestroika: Active measures led by International Department of the central committee of the CPSU. All three main branches of the ID are overhauled. Six new commissions are created to supervise the active measures campaign. International Police Commission oversees the work of the ID, the Ideological Commission heads the ID department, and the Legal Policy Commission is created under former KGB chairman Chebrikov. Role of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement Role and Significance of Leaders Mikhail Gorbachev: came to power in March 1985. Born to a peasant family in southern Russia. Attended Moscow State University. Worked as an informer to the KB. Very young (54). Tries to charm in his foreign policy. Oversees the destruction of the Soviet Union. Arms Race, Proliferation and Limitation Social, Cultural, and Economic Impact Social conditions: In 1985, the Soviet Union was in bad shape. Alcoholism, drug addiction, crime, low life expectancy. Economic conditions: 1986 law against unearned income results in arrests of shopkeepers and managers. Citizens must present a certificate of employment in an effort to prevent people from living off of the black market. Campaign against alcohol raises prices by up to 25% and cuts production. Deaths from alcohol drop by a lot, but home brewing and poor substitutes increase. State orders for goods continue to take precedence over private demand. State commission for quality control created, which doesn't do much except fine people who produced low quality goods due to low quality raw materials. GNP is lower in 1988 than during Brezhnev's 11th 5 year plan. Historiography Gorbachev was skilled and clever in his handling of international relations, probably due to his education in law at Moscow State University. Chernenko will probably go down in history as “the most immobile of all Soviet leaders” The purpose of glasnost and perestroika was not to restructure the industrial and economic scene. There was no restructuring of these items. The real aim was to improve propaganda and “active measures” Gorbachev does not give Brezhnev enough credit. Brezhnev's era was NOT an era of stagnation. Brezhnev oversaw the biggest airlift in history, bettered the Soviet navy, invaded Afghanistan, pro- soviet regime in Nicaragua etc. None of these things point to stagnation, although corruption, crime, and poor public health existed. Gorbachev avoids his own policy of openness/glasnost because he never criticizes anyone outright or by name. He cannot repudiate Lenin. Gorbachev did not accomplish the active measures part of perestroika. In reality, it was a large disinformation apparatus which was widened. Disinformation is the deliberate spreading of falsehoods. Glasnost was supposed to persuade the west that the old system of soviet lies and deceptions was gone for good. However, he did not follow this policy himself. In glasnost there is a direct contradiction of perestroika. After he releases openness, he cannot control it. Some leaders take is seriously enough to report on the complaints of the people, which Gorbachev must then dismiss in favor of anti-western/democracy ideology. Major Theme: End of the Cold War Break-Up of Soviet Union: Internal Problems and There had been a historical precedent for blaming the “guilty” for the External Pressures problems in society, and then liquidating them. This was no longer an option, so Gorbachev chose to bully the deceased Brezhnev. October 24, 1989, Supreme Soviet votes to remove the guaranteed 100 communist seats in national and local elections. Shows the internal decline of communism within the soviet union. Breakdown of Soviet Control Over Central and Reagan occupies Granada October 1983. This is the first strategic Eastern Europe reversal of power. December 7, 1989: Lithuanian supreme soviet removes the article in their constitution which detailed the permanent leading role of the communist party in their government. (Oh no! They're losing control!) Historiography The invasion of Afghanistan was a horrible error which would prove to be fatal. Key problem with the system: The Leninist doctrine was no longer actually believed by party members by the era of Gorbachev. Things would never be the same again after Gorbachev initiates the decision in 1990 to revise article 6 of the Soviet constitution.