4. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the Eastern European Socialist bloc caused an economic crisis in Cuba. The state declared the Special Period, which was defined as a condition of war in a time of peace. Survival was the top priority while continuing to drive towards the excellent social achievements in sectors such as education, health and social security. During this time Cuba lost 85% of its major trading partners, 50% of its oil - its sole source of energy, its access to privileged prices and soft credits from the eastern bloc, and the supply of vital spare parts needed to maintain the vast array of Russian technology that it accumulated for over 30 years after the revolution in 1959.