The End of the Cold War

Soviet Union Invades Afghanistan

Dec 24, 1979

Soviet Union intervenes with an invasion in an attempt to install a puppet government. Throughout the 1980's the American government will fund and supply Afghan rebels fighting against the Soviets.

Solidarity Recognized

Aug 31, 1980

Solidarity, a movent of workers demanding worker's rights, economic and politifcal reforms and the allowance of true worker's unions is recognized by the communist government of Poland.

Reagan Innagurated

Jan 20, 1981

Ronald Reagan is innagurated after winning the 1980 presidential election and promising to renew American economic and military power and to be more forceful in dealing with the Soviet Union.

Martial Law in Poland

Dec 13, 1981

Under pressure from the Soviet Union, the Polish government bans Solidarity and declares martial law. President Reagan and other Western leaders condemn this action, place sanctions on Poland, and secretly funnel money and supplies to support Solidarity's attempt to continue existing, "underground."

Reagan announces "Star Wars"

Mar 23, 1983

After declaring that the Soviet Union was an "Evil Empire" President Reagan announces the Stratgic Defense Initiative (SDI) - nicknamed "Star Wars." This was a plan to develop a space-based nuclear deense system that could intercept and destroy nuclear misilles launched against the United States.

End of Martial Law in Poland

Jul 22, 1983

Gorbachev Takes Power

Mar 11, 1985

Mikhail Gorbachev is chosen to become General Secretary of the Communist Party and leader of the Soviet Union. He will soon announce new policies of "glasnost" - government transparency and "perestroika" - economic reform.

Reagan and Gorbachev Meet

Nov 21, 1985

Reagan and Gorabachev meet for the 1st time, in Switzerland. They agree to meet in the future for further negotiations about nuclear weapons reductions.

Reykjavik Summit

Oct 12, 1986

Reagan and Gorbachev meet for a 2nd time to discuss nuclear arms reductions. Gorbachev demands that the United States stop the development of SDI. Reagan counters with a proposal to share SDI technology with the Soviets. No deal is reached, but they agree to continue talks in the future.

Tear Down This Wall

Jun 12, 1987

President Reagan visits Berlin and challenges Gorbachev to allow the destruction of the Berlin Wall if he truy desires peace.

INF Treaty

Dec 8, 1987

Reagan and Gorbachev meet in Washington, D.C. and agree to the INF Treaty to reduce each nation's supply of intermediate range nuclear missiles.

Soviet Union Withdrawals from Afghanistan

Feb 2, 1989

Soviet Union admits defeat and final soliders leave Afghanistan.

Elections in Poland

Jun 4, 1989

Solidarity defeats the Communist Party in the 1st free election held behind the "Iron Curtain" since the end of WWII. The new government will take power in August and Poland becomes the first Soviet satellite nation to officially reject communism.

Fall of the Berlin Wall

Nov 9, 1989

The East German government reduces restrictions on travel between East and West Germany. That night, citizens flood the Berlin Wall and begin to dismantle it, reunifying the city for the first time in almsot 40 years.

German Reunification

Oct 3, 1990

East and West Germany officially reunify and a united Germany exists for the first time since the end of WWII.

The End (Part 1)

Dec 25, 1991

• Gorbachev resigns as President of the Soviet Union and the Soviet flag is lowered over the Kremlin (capitol).

-President Bush addresses the nation, announcing the end of the Cold War

The End (Part 2)

Dec 31, 1991

The Soviet Union offically ceases to exist.