cold war Essay

Submitted By 2323tina
Words: 337
Pages: 2

Soviet soft power was undercut by the de-Stalinization in 1956 that exposed his crimes, by the repressions in Hungary in 1956, in Czechoslovakia in 1968 and in Poland in 1981, and by the growing transnational communication of liberal ideas. Although in theory communism aimed to instill a system of class justice, Lenin's heirs maintained domestic power through a brutal state security system involving lethal purges, gulags, broad censorship, and the use of informants. The net effect of these repressive measures was a general loss of faith in the system.

Economical strength to maintain Cold War was gone. Through the late 70's and in the 80's, the Soviet block went from stagnation to deep economic decline where problems with a centrally planned economy became evident. Shortages were widespread, investment into industries lagged, technology became obsolete, utilities collapsed, and infrastructure deteriorated. Energy crises was quit common through 80's and Eastern block was willing to open up their economies to the West. The reforms in Hungary and later in Poland and USSR laid foundation for market oriented policies.

Centrifugal forces within the Soviet Empire led to disintegration of it. The system was build in postwar Yalta structure that maintained Soviet presence regardless what local people wanted. Once the states challenged this order, USSR could either impose stricter military presence or let it go. Countries like Poland or Hungary decided to leave hostile Soviet