The Soviet Union Falls

What children learn in Level 86

• By the 1980s, the Cold War had lasted more than 30 years. The Soviet Union looked strong, but inside it was in trouble. Its economy was weak, stores ran short of goods, and people wanted freedom.
• Ronald Reagan became president in 1981. Reagan built up the U.S. military, and the Soviets struggled to keep up. Reagan also spoke out against communism.
• In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became the Soviet leader, and set out to fix the country. Gorbachev allowed more open talk, called glasnost, and tried to change the economy.
• Reagan pushed, but also talked. In June 1987, at the Berlin Wall, Reagan said, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” That December, the two leaders signed a treaty to get rid of a whole kind of missile.
• In 1989, people across Eastern Europe demanded freedom, and Gorbachev didn't send in the army. On November 9, the Berlin Wall opened. Germans climbed on top of it, and cheered. Germany became one country again in 1990.
• In December 1991, the Soviet Union broke into 15 countries. One is even called Georgia! The Cold War was over.
• Who gets the credit? Reagan's pressure, Gorbachev's choices, a failing economy, and brave ordinary people all mattered. Historians still discuss how much each one counted.