6.4.2
Malta Summit & the Aftermath
The Malta Summit and the Reunification of Germany
The Malta Summit and the Reunification of Germany
The Malta Summit marked the end of the Cold War in Europe.
The meeting of the superpowers
The meeting of the superpowers
- The Malta Summit was held in December 1989 following the downfall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.
- The meeting focused on developing the economic relationship between the superpowers.
- Following the meeting, the USSR stated it would not intervene in Eastern Europe and the USA said that they would not intervene in Germany, but would leave reunification decisions to the Germans themselves.
- The USA also stated that it would not intervene in the Baltic states.
Conventional Forces Europe Treaty (CFE)
Conventional Forces Europe Treaty (CFE)
- The Malta Summit paved the way for the CFE.
- This was signed by the USSR, USA and other European leaders in 1990.
- This limited the amount of non-nuclear forces NATO and Warsaw Pact could have in Europe.
- This led to the START Treaty which limited numbers of most types of nuclear weapons by approximately a third.
- The USSR and USA declared an end to the Cold War after the 1989 Malta Summit.
The Reunification of Germany
The Reunification of Germany
- Gorbachev agreed to remove Soviet troops from East Germany and did not oppose German sovereignty.
- He was prepared to allow this in return for financial aid.
- In March 1990, the GDP had free elections which then paved the way forward for negotiations with the FRG on the future of their states.
- In May 1990, the two countries agreed to economic, monetary and social union.
- Then in 1990, the GDR passed a law of accession which stated that it would become part of the FRG.
Acceptance of Germany
Acceptance of Germany
- The unification between both sides of Germany was accepted by all of the occupying powers; France, USA, USSR and Great Britain.
- Germany was reunified as a result and became a full member of NATO in 1990.
The Collapse of the USSR and the Resignation of Gorbachev
The Collapse of the USSR and the Resignation of Gorbachev
On 25th December 1991 Gorbachev resigned. On 1st January 1992, the USSR ceased to exist.
Gorbachev's unpopularity
Gorbachev's unpopularity
- Gorbachev tried to keep the Baltic States inside the USSR which made him look hard-line and went against the policies he had set out.
- The growing issues that existed in the USSR were blamed on Gorbachev.
- People also disliked his alliance with the West, his trips internationally and the fact he was willing to give more independence to the West.
1991 coup
1991 coup
- 12 well known Russian officials signed a declaration published in a newspaper against Gorbachev.
- This attempt to overthrow him ultimately failed but he lost all of his authority as members within his party had stated their intent to get rid of him.
- The Baltic States then started to then gain independence. They were followed by other countries.
George Bush and US responses to 1991
George Bush and US responses to 1991
- From September 1991, the USA established principles by which the new post-USSR republics could receive assistance and recognition in the USA.
- The USA stated that they supported self-determination and recognised borders.
- The USA also stated that they supported democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
- Russia was given successor status on the seat of the UN Security Council.
1Origins of the Cold War, 1945-9
1.1Events of 1945
1.2The Collapse of the Grand Alliance
1.3Developing Tensions
1.4US Involvement in Europe
2Widening of the Cold War
2.1US Containment in Asia
2.2The Korean War
2.3Increasing Cold War Tensions, 1949 -1953
3The Global War
3.2Cold War Rivalries
3.3Conflict in Asia
3.4Confrontation Between Superpowers
4Confrontation & Cooperation
4.2Cooperation
4.3Pressures on the USSR
5Brezhnev Era
5.1Detente
5.2Second Cold War
5.3Developments in Africa & Americas
6Ending of the Cold War
6.1Gorbachev
6.2Cooperation between US & USSR
6.3Collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe
6.4End of Tensions Across the World
Jump to other topics
1Origins of the Cold War, 1945-9
1.1Events of 1945
1.2The Collapse of the Grand Alliance
1.3Developing Tensions
1.4US Involvement in Europe
2Widening of the Cold War
2.1US Containment in Asia
2.2The Korean War
2.3Increasing Cold War Tensions, 1949 -1953
3The Global War
3.2Cold War Rivalries
3.3Conflict in Asia
3.4Confrontation Between Superpowers
4Confrontation & Cooperation
4.2Cooperation
4.3Pressures on the USSR
5Brezhnev Era
5.1Detente
5.2Second Cold War
5.3Developments in Africa & Americas
6Ending of the Cold War
6.1Gorbachev
6.2Cooperation between US & USSR
6.3Collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe
6.4End of Tensions Across the World
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