Reagan's Military Buildup and the Arms Race
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
- Announced in 1983, SDI aimed to develop a missile defense system that could intercept nuclear missiles.
- This undermined the concept of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), which had been a cornerstone of nuclear deterrence.
Note
Reagan's military spending in the early 1980s forced the Soviet Union to compete, straining its already weak economy.
Reagan's Hardline Rhetoric and Policies
"Evil Empire" Speech
- In 1983, Reagan famously referred to the Soviet Union as an "evil empire," signaling a departure from the more conciliatory tone of détente.
Support for Anti-Communist Movements
- Reagan's Reagan Doctrine provided support to anti-communist insurgencies in countries like Afghanistan, Nicaragua, and Angola.
Tip
When analyzing Reagan's policies, consider how his hardline stance was both a continuation of Cold War tensions and a catalyst for change by forcingthe Soviet Union to the negotiating table.
Reagan's Shift to Diplomacy
Summits with Gorbachev
- Geneva (1985): The first meeting between Reagan and Gorbachev, where they established a personal rapport.
- Reykjavik (1986): Although no agreement was reached, the summit laid the groundwork for future arms reduction treaties.
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty (1987)
- This treaty eliminated an entire class of nuclear weapons and marked a significant step toward ending the arms race.
Example
The INF Treaty was the first arms control agreement to actually reduce nuclear arsenals, rather than merely limit their growth.
The Impact of Reagan's Policies
Economic Pressure on the Soviet Union
- Reagan's military buildup and SDI program exacerbated the Soviet Union's economic difficulties, pushing Gorbachev to seek reforms and negotiations.
Shift in U.S.-Soviet Relations
- Reagan's willingness to engage in diplomacy with Gorbachev marked a significant shift from his earlier hardline stance, paving the way for the end of the Cold War.
Self review
How did Reagan's military policies and diplomatic efforts contribute to the end of the Cold War? Can you identify specific examples of each?
