End of the Cold War- Notes
Gorbachev, Soviet Leader from 1985 to 1991, reduced government control of the economy. Soviet
economy was weakened due to increased military spending and this was a way to give more economic
freedoms and to help the Soviet government.
Policies put in place by Gorbachev:
Glasnost-increased openness of the government and more freedoms for Soviet citizens
Perestroika-restructuring of the government with reduced government control of business, more
economic freedom
The Berlin Wall, built in 1961, was a symbol of oppression and division which many, including the people
living in Berlin, found to be too difficult to tolerate any longer. In 1989, various social and political forces
led to the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. This was the symbolic end of Soviet domination over Eastern
Europe and the end of the Cold War.
Germany was unified on October 3, 1990.
Gorbachev won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990.