Learning Resources

Required Readings

Reilly, K. (2012). The human journey: A concise introduction to world history. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
The Human Journey: A Concise Introduction to World History, 1450 to the Present, 2nd Edition by Reilly, K. Copyright 2012 by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.. Reprinted by permission of Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center. Read sections on “The United States as a Global Power,” “Achieving Independence” and “New Nations on the Global Stage.”

Lukacs, J. (2013). A short history of the twentieth century. 

Read Chapters 12, 13 and 15.

Reagan, R. (Speaker). (1987). Tear down this wall. 

Gorbachev, M. (Speaker). (1990). Acceptance speech for Nobel Prize. 

Al-Sadat, M., & Begin, M. (1978). The Camp David accords: The framework for peace in the Middle East. Retrieved from https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/research/framew…

In this Discussion you will be analyzing the reasons behind and consequences of the fall of the Soviet Union, and the impact of its fall on countries across the world.
To prepare for this Discussion: Review Reilley and Lukacs in the Learning Resources.
Read President Reagan’s “Tear Down This Wall” speech from this week’s Learning Resources and reflect on its impact upon the breakdown of the Soviet Union.
Review Gorbachev’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech from this week’s Learning Resources.
Think about the power of nationalism in the United States.
Consider the weaknesses of the Soviet Union’s Communist structure, specifically the governmental and economical aspects.
Draw from your reading this week as well as past weeks and consider the tensions in the Middle East and how different peoples there view the West.
Assess the role of nationalism in the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Assess the role of nationalism in the Middle East conflict.With these thoughts in mind: By Day 3
Post an analysis (2–3 paragraphs) where you address: The major reasons why the Soviet Union collapsed.
The extent to which Russian people were ready to embrace the reforms that ended the Soviet Union.
The impact of the Soviet Union’s collapse on the world.