Reagan Policies

Question 1

What was the main purpose of Reagan Policies?

Answer 1

To weaken USSR

Question 2

Reagan Policies

Answer 2

1. USSR could not access superior western technology
2. He used rhetoric, describing USSR as ‘evil empire’ and USA as ‘forces of good’
3. Reagan increased defence spending by over 20%
4. Reagan invested the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) on 1983, to develop satellites in space to shot down Soviet missiles. This violated the Outer Space Treaty on 1966

Question 3

Importance of Reagan’s Policies?

Answer 3

1. Led to reform of Soviet system because USSR lagged behind the west in terms of technology.
2. Reagan did expose weakness in Soviet system, leading to Gorbachev new thinking after 1985
3. Soviet couldn’t keep up with American defence spending, leading to negotiations to end the Arm race.