Topic 10: The Collapse of the Soviet Union
In this topic you will take a look at various phases and factors that led to the collapse of the Soviet and the end of the Cold War. Part of this topic will look at the political leadership of the Soviet Union and attempt to understand the steps that the USSR took to try and prevent its collapse. Other sources will look at independence movements within the Soviet Union's Eastern Bloc, located in Eastern Europe.
REMINDER: The answers to these questions will be found in the worksheet labeled "Part II". This worksheet will be posted on Google Classroom.
Source A: Fall of the Soviet Union
This video offers a good introduction to the factors that led to the fall of the Soviet Union. Use it to help you answer questions 1-8 under Topic 10 on the worksheet.
Source C: The Velvet Revolution
The Velvet Revolution was key to Czechoslovakia's separation from communism. Watch this video to help you answer questions 12-16.
Source D: The Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War, and the day that the Berlin Wall fell sent waves of change throughout the world. Use this video to help you answer 17-20.
Source E: Malta Summit
The article above explains the significance of the Malta Summit of 1989. Use it to answer questions 21-23.
Source F: The Romanian Revolution
The video above explores how Romania split away from the Soviet Union. Contained within are the answers to questions 24-
Source G: German Reunification
During the Cold War Germany was split into 2 countries: capitalist West Germany, and communist East Germany. This video briefly goes over that split along with the reunification of the country at the end of the Cold War. Use the video to answer questions 31-35.