AP Modern World History Flashcards: End of the Cold War
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Identify the two major outcomes that resulted from the pressures on the Soviet Union.
The pressures resulted in two major outcomes: the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union itself.
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Identify the two major outcomes that resulted from the pressures on the Soviet Union.
The pressures resulted in two major outcomes: the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union itself.
What were the three main causes that led to the end of the Cold War, according to the text?
The main causes were advances in U.S. military and technology, the Soviet Union's failed invasion of Afghanistan, and widespread public discontent and economic weakness in communist countries.
Define the role of U.S. technological development in the Cold War's conclusion.
Advances in U.S. military and technological development were a key factor that pressured the Soviet system and contributed to the end of the Cold War.
When analyzing the military causes for the Soviet collapse, which specific event mentioned in the text is most relevant?
The most relevant military event mentioned is the Soviet Union’s 'costly and ultimately failed invasion of Afghanistan.'
A student claims the Cold War ended solely due to external pressure on the USSR. Which piece of evidence from the text would you use to challenge this?
You could cite the 'public discontent and economic weakness in communist countries' as crucial internal factors that also led to the end of the Cold War.
What internal conditions in communist countries helped bring about the end of the Cold War?
Public discontent and economic weakness within communist countries were major internal factors that led to the end of the Cold War.
Which factor combined both economic and military strain on the Soviet Union?
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was a 'costly' and 'failed' military action, representing both a significant economic and military strain.
Term: Economic Weakness (in the context of the Cold War's end)
Economic weakness refers to the poor economic conditions within communist countries that, along with public discontent, contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
How did the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan impact the Soviet Union?
The Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan was costly and ultimately failed, which significantly contributed to the economic weakness and eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.
If you were to categorize the causes of the Cold War's end based on the text, what would the three categories be?
The categories would be: 1) U.S. military/technological pressure, 2) Soviet military overreach (Afghanistan), and 3) Internal Soviet bloc weaknesses (economic and social).