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QUESTION 6: THE END OF THE COLD WAR AND A NEW WORLD ORDER Explain to what extent Gorbachev's reforms were influential in affecting politics in South Africa in 1989 and in the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 - NSC History - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 6
QUESTION 6: THE END OF THE COLD WAR AND A NEW WORLD ORDER Explain to what extent Gorbachev's reforms were influential in affecting politics in South Africa in 1989 ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:QUESTION 6: THE END OF THE COLD WAR AND A NEW WORLD ORDER Explain to what extent Gorbachev's reforms were influential in affecting politics in South Africa in 1989 and in the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 - NSC History - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
Explain to what extent Gorbachev's reforms were influential in affecting politics in South Africa in 1989
Answer
Gorbachev's reforms had a significant influence on South African politics, particularly as they contributed to the environment that led to negotiations between the African National Congress (ANC) and the National Party.
FW de Klerk's decision to release Nelson Mandela in 1990 can be partially attributed to the international climate reshaped by Gorbachev's policies. The reforms of glasnost and perestroika encouraged open dialogue and democratic movements globally. Furthermore, the collapse of communist influence following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 emboldened anti-apartheid sentiments within South Africa.
The lack of support from the Soviet Union towards the ANC, as a result of Gorbachev’s reformist approach, forced the ANC to adopt more conciliatory strategies, paving the way for a negotiated settlement and ending apartheid.
Step 2
Explain to what extent Gorbachev's reforms were influential in the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991
Answer
Gorbachev's reforms were crucial to the disintegration of the Soviet Union. His policies of perestroika and glasnost sought to revitalize the economy and inject freedom into the political system. However, these very reforms unintentionally undermined the centralized governmental control.
Perestroika allowed for limited private ownership, which led to growing dissatisfaction among hardline communists and a desire for more radical change. Glasnost facilitated criticism of the government, leading to a loss of legitimacy for the ruling Communist Party. Moreover, the rise of nationalist movements in various Soviet republics became a threat to the unity of the Union, as they began to demand independence.
The culmination of these efforts, alongside economic struggles, ultimately led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991, as republics declared their independence and Gorbachev lost support, highlighting the paradox of his attempts at reform.