Background info Afghan Communist Party founded in 1965 Communist Party took control in a Soviet backed military coup in 1978 Party never had much support especially in the rural areas In a short time Afghan Rebels had control of 22 of 28 Afghan provinces ID: 462347
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Soviet Invasion of AfghanistanSlide2Slide3
Background info…
Afghan Communist Party founded in 1965.
Communist Party took control in a Soviet backed military coup in 1978.
Party never had much support, especially in the rural areas.
In a short time, Afghan Rebels had control of 22 of 28 Afghan provinces.Slide4Slide5Slide6
Why was communism so unpopular in Afghanistan?
1.
Promoted secularism.
- Separation of religion and politics
2. Tax collection was rejected by the rural Afghans.
3. Collectivization of land was rejected.
- Afghans very religious (Islam)Slide7
Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan?
The idea to invade Afghanistan was first rejected by the Soviets in the spring of 1979.
High level Soviet officials (Troika) thought it would be too risky.Slide8
Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan?
1
.
Fear of US influence in the region.
The KGB thought the US might place nuclear weapons there.
New Afghan Communist Party Leader wanted closer ties to the US (Tito?)
US lost Iran (Iranian Revolution), might try to win/invade Afghanistan.
Soviets wanted to avoid being encircled.Slide9
2. Over confidence.
- Had
the impression they were
invincible (Hungarian Revolution ‘56, Prague Spring ‘68).Slide10
3. Worried about Extremist Islam
If Afghan Muslims were successful against the Soviets, others might follow.Slide11
1. Stinger Missiles
Why did the Soviet Union lose?
2. Mujahedeen
3. Economic Troubles ($8 Billion per year)
- Shoulder operated missiles that could shoot down aircraft.
- Very motivated, heavily funded (CIA, Pakistan, Iran ) and used guerrilla tactics.
- Controlled the countryside Slide12Slide13
The United States boycotts the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow to protest the Soviet invasion.
Withdraw in one month or we boycott the games!Slide14
The United States (CIA) helped supply the Mujahedeen with military hardware to fight the Soviet Union.Slide15Slide16
- Gorbachev announced Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan February 1988 .
- Full withdrawal February 1989.Slide17Slide18
Results
Soviet Union lost 15,000 troops.
Collapse of the Soviet Union would follow shortly after.
Afghanistan was left with weak government. War would continue on.
Over 1 million Afghans died.Slide19Slide20
“bleeding wound.”Slide21