What factors led to the end of the Cold War - Essay Example

Inserts His/her Inserts Inserts Grade (26, 12, What Factors led to the end of the Cold War?The Cold War ended in1989 at the Malta Summit. There were many factors that led to the end of Cold War and they will be discussed in the paper.One of the most important factors that contributed to the end of Cold War was the weak situation of Soviet Union’s economy (LaFeber, 331). The economy of Soviet Union suffered heavily in the 1980s due to downfall of oil prices. Also the country was interested in stockpiling weapons which was further straining the economy.

This brought more economic problems for the country. Weak economy of Soviet Union, therefore, can be regarded as one of the most important factors that led to the end of Cold War. Soviet Union’s war in Afghanistan also became an important factor that led to the end of Cold War. The country was heavily affected by the Afghanistan war because it lost many valuable lives and this resulted in public outcry. This was another factor that contributed to the end of Cold War and later to the disintegration of Soviet Union.

The tensions between the two countries started to diffuse after the end of Afghan War and this also contributed to the end of Cold War. United States and Soviet Union started to communicate and negotiate more, and this eased the tension between the countries. Works Cited PageLaFeber, Walter. America, Russia, and the Cold War, 1945–2002. London: McGraw Hill, 2002. Print