Gorbachev introduced reforms that loosened Soviet political control.
← Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization
Topic 8.8 · c. 1900–present
End of the Cold War
Economic strain, reform, and popular movements weakened Soviet control. Communist governments in Eastern Europe fell, and the Soviet Union dissolved.
The big picture
What to know
Economic strain, reform, and popular movements weakened Soviet control. Communist governments in Eastern Europe fell, and the Soviet Union dissolved.
The Berlin Wall's fall symbolized the collapse of communist rule in Eastern Europe.
The Soviet Union dissolved into independent states in 1991.
Check your understanding
01 / Multiple choice · 3 questions
Choose one answer for each question. Feedback appears below it.
Question 01
Which example fits this clue? This example introduced reforms that loosened Soviet political control.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 02
Which example fits this clue? The Berlin Wall's fall symbolized the collapse of communist rule in Eastern Europe.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 03
Which example fits this clue? The Soviet Union dissolved into independent states in 1991.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
02 / Write with evidence
Write a short response
What brought the Cold War to an end?
- Make a claim that answers the question.
- Use two examples from the review.
- Explain how the examples support your claim.
See a model response
Economic strain, reform, and popular movements weakened Soviet control. Gorbachev introduced reforms that loosened Soviet political control. The Berlin Wall's fall symbolized the collapse of communist rule in Eastern Europe.
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Resources & review
Quick study check
Before opening another resource, explain these examples from memory. Reveal each explanation to check yourself.
Gorbachev
Gorbachev introduced reforms that loosened Soviet political control.
Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall's fall symbolized the collapse of communist rule in Eastern Europe.
Soviet dissolution
The Soviet Union dissolved into independent states in 1991.
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