What was the cause of the war in Afghanistan?
Causes of the War. In 1978, a civil war began within Afghanistan’s borders between pro- and anti-communist forces. The Soviet Union sent in military forces to support the communists, and a bloody conflict began. During this fight, the United States provided money and military assistance to those fighting the Soviets.
What was the result of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?
The world experienced a bumpy ride in the final years of the Cold War, with post-Vietnam détente, the Star Wars rhetoric of the US, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the collapse of communism. In addition to the development of new nuclear missiles, the Cold War escalated further when the USSR invaded Afghanistan.
How many people died in the war in Afghanistan?
Some of these were known as the Mujahideen, composed of Islamists who were staunchly opposed to the Soviet invasion. Over one million Afghans died during this conflict, but the Soviets were repulsed. After fighting the Soviets, Afghanistan saw various warlords and extremist groups vie for control of the country over the coming years.
What was the first phase of the war in Afghanistan?
The first phase—toppling the Taliban (the ultraconservative political and religious faction that ruled Afghanistan and provided sanctuary for al-Qaeda, perpetrators of the September 11 attacks)—was brief, lasting just two months. The second phase, from 2002 until 2008, was marked by a U.S.
Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan in 1979?
In 1979, a year after a coup, the Soviet army invaded Afghanistan to support its communist government. It fought a resistance movement – known as the mujahideen – that was supported by the US, Pakistan, China and Saudi Arabia, among other countries.
When was the first time the British invaded Afghanistan?
During the nineteenth century, Afghanistan was invaded twice from British India, during the First Anglo-Afghan War of 1838–1842 with the intention of limiting Russian influence in the country and quelling raiding from across the border. Unlike previous invasions of Afghanistan, the 1842 invasion failed.
Who are some of the people that have invaded Afghanistan?
Invasions of Afghanistan. Some of the invaders in the history of Afghanistan include the Maurya Empire of ancient India, Alexander the Great of Macedon, Umar, an Arab Caliphate, Genghis Khan of Mongolia, Timur of Persia and Central Asia, the Mughal Empire of India, various Persian Empires, the British Empire, the Sikh Empire, the Soviet Union,…