Reagan, Gorbachev and the second Cold War Flashcards
What was Reagan’s attitude to the USSR and what did he call the USSR in a speech in 1983?
He wanted to destroy communism – He called the Soviet Union ‘evil’.
How did Reagan boost and develop defence in the USA?
Spending lots more money, he increased the military budget by 13%.
The USA began developing new weapons (Neutron Bomb, MX missiles, SDI).
What was the “Reagan Doctrine”?
A policy announced by the president stating that any group that was willing to fight against the spread of communism would be supported, both financially and militarily, by the US.
What was SDI (The Strategic Defense Initiative)?
A missile defence system in space that used giant lasers to shoot down any Soviet nuclear weapons.
What treaty from 1967 did SDI break?
Outer Space Treaty
How did SDI put pressure on the USSR?
If it existed, then in a nuclear war the USA would win as no Soviet missiles would hit the USA.
What is Gorbachev alleged to have said to his wife about the USSR when he became leader in 1985?
Communism was doomed: “We can’t go on living like this!”
What is the English translation of his two policies, Glasnost and Perestroika?
Glasnost – openness – allowing free speech
Perestroika – restructuring the economy to allow for independent businesses
What did Gorbachev not continue?
The Brezhnev Doctrine (which said that any satellite state attempting to break away from communism would be invaded by the USSR)
How did these policies change the USSR?
The satellite states were able to question the communist ways of life that had been imposed upon them ever since they first lost control to the USSR.
