University of California
The End of the Cold War (1979-1991)
Scholars use primary and secondary documents, as well as video evidence, to investigate the end of the Cold War. After completing the final installment of an eight-part series, class members better understand the issues surrounding the...
Fluence Learning
Writing About Informational Text The Berlin Wall
On June 26, 1963 President John F. Kennedy delivered his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech close to the Berlin Wall at the Rudolph Wilde Platz. On June 12, 1987 President Ronald Reagan Delivered his famous "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down...
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
End of the Cold War
How significant was the Cold War during the 20th century? After reading and analyzing speeches by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, learners consider the historical context of foreign policy decisions made during the Cold War by both...
Library of Congress
Loc: Perestroika
In these revelations from Russian archives, perestroika is explained. Mikhail Gorbachev's program of economic, political, and social restructuring, became the unintended catalyst for dismantling the totalitarian state. Also contains...
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Russia: Gorbachev's Reform Dilemma
An excellent article describing the Russian legislature (Congress of People's Deputies). Explains how and why this government instution was created. Also examines the various groups and factions which comprised this legislative body.
BBC
Bbc: 1989: East German Leader Ousted
This BBC article describes how popular unrest which lead to the ousting of East Germany leader Erich Honecker. Examines protests on the part of East German citizens and Gorbachev's decision to remove Honecker.
BBC
Bbc: News: Collapse of the Ussr 10 Years On
Extensive information about the collapse of the USSR. Includes an interactive timeline from 1985 through 1991, an interactive map of the countries of the USSR with country profiles and timelines, eyewitness accounts of the collapse of...
BBC
Bbc: Ex Putschists Defend 1991 Soviet Coup
A look at those who participated in the 1991 Soviet Coup. Leaders of the failed coup describe how they had no regrets for their actions. Article dated July 5, 2001.
BBC
Bbc: Three Days That Shook the World
In 1991, communist hardliners attempted to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev for his reforms leading to the break-up of the Soviet Union. The coup lasted for three days. Article dated August 15, 2001.
PBS
Pbs: Frontline: The Gulf War
PBS Online and the TV show "Frontline" present information on the Persian Gulf War, a timeline, various maps, personal testimonies, and other resources.
Other
Bucknell University: A Chronology of Russian History
An abridged timeline that details the history of Russia from 860 to present day.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Presidency of Ronald Reagan, Pt. 2: Foreign Policy
Under President Reagan, the Cold War began to thaw and trouble brewed in the Middle East. Learn about Reagan's foreign policy initiatives by perusing this summary, reading an excerpt from his "Evil Empire" speech, answering thought...
BBC
Bbc: Russia: Fall and Rise in 25 Years
Steve Rosenberg looks back at the unpredictable events in Russia in 25 years since communism fell.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Mikhail S. Gorbachev
A biography of Mikhail Gorbachev, once the leader of the Soviet Union and a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Includes a profile, interview and photo gallery.
BBC
Bbc: Cold War: Reform, Coup and Collapse: The End of the Soviet State
A series of six pages that chronicle the demise of the Soviet Union.
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: Lech Walesa Biographical
The Nobel Foundation provides a brief biography of Lech Walesa after he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. Contains a link to the Nobel presentation speech.
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: The Nobel Peace Prize 1983: Lech Walesa
Use this site to learn about the 1983 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Lech Walesa, through primary and secondary resources as well as video clips.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Presidency of Ronald Reagan
This site provides an extensive history of Reagan's administration including information on his presidential campaign, domestic policies, foreign policies, and domestic and international events of his presidency.
National Archives (UK)
National Archives Learning Curve: Cold War
Discusses different aspects of the Cold War such as "Did the Cold War really start in 1919-1939?" and "Was the Vietnam War a turning point in the Cold War?"
Country Studies US
Country Studies: End to the Cold War
This site discusses how US-Soviet relations took a dramatic turn for the better in 1990. Agreements and concessions made by both sides would eventually bring about the end to the Cold War.
InterKnowledge Corp.
The Soviet Era
Geographia presents a brief political and social history of Russia from the beginning of Soviet rule to the resignation of Gorbachev in 1990.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Russia: Postwar Growth Period
This overview of Soviet economic policy after WWII looks at the command or planned economies and decisions of Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, and Gorbachev.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: Congress of People's Deputies
The Congress of People's Deputies was a Russian representative body (legislature) created during the Gorbachev era. This is an excellent article describing how the body was formed, membership, and responsibilities.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The End of the Cold War
Read about the surprising and swift collapse of the Soviet Union and its satellite countries beginning with Poland in 1989. Watch a map which shows the change from a single country, USSR, into many independent countries, and find out...