Reagan as president Flashcards
When was Reagan elected? When did he become president?
Elected 1980; became president 1981.
On what principle was Reagan elected?
He was elected on the principle that he would “win” the Cold War.
What did Reagan say publicly in 1983?
That the USSR was an “evil empire” and the USA the force of “good”.
When did Reagan announce the SDI?
1983.
What does “SDI” stand for?
Strategic Defence Initiative.
What was the SDI?
A number of satellites were placed in orbit which carried lasers which could shoot down Soviet missiles to prevent them from reaching the USA.
What was Reagan’s intention in implementing the SDI?
Reagan wanted to intimidate the USSR with the USA’s strength and power, showing that he had won the arms race. The USSR’s weak economy was exposed; it did not have the funds to compete.
What was the significance of Reagan’s SDI? (total 3 points)
1) It broke the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. 2) The USA had won the arms race: the USSR’s economy was too weak to compete. 3) This led to Gorbachev’s reforms of the USSR, and, looking further ahead, the collapse of the Warsaw Pact and USSR.
How did Reagan increase military spending in the ’80s?
He increased military spending by 13% in 1982 and 8% in 1983 and 4.
What new technology did Reagan introduce in the ’80s?
Nuclear submarines and stealth bombers.
What did the Reagan Doctrine entail?
This announced that the USA would support any anti-communist government or group by providing funds and military assistance.
Give one example of the Reagan Doctrine in action.
The US army overthrew the communist government of the Caribbean island of Grenada.
State 4 things Reagan did which are indicative of his hardline and hostile approach to the USSR and communism.
1) Announced the SDI
2) Increased military spending
3) Implemented new military technology
4) Announced the Reagan Doctrine
How was Reagan important for Superpower relations?
Reagan’s aggressive approach to the USSR and communsim challenged the USSR to match the strength of the USA. The USSR didn’t have a strong enough economy to respond; this was a major reason that Gorbachev introduced his liberal reforms and the USSR’s power over Eastern Europe dissolved.
