President Reagan (1981-1989) and Premier Gorbachev (1985-1991) Flashcards Preview

Superpower Relations: 1941 - 1991 NEW > President Reagan (1981-1989) and Premier Gorbachev (1985-1991) > Flashcards

Flashcards in President Reagan (1981-1989) and Premier Gorbachev (1985-1991) Deck (12)
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1
Q

What was Reagan’s attitude towards the USSR and what did he call the USSR in a speech in 1983?

A

He wanted to destroy Communism - ‘Evil’

2
Q

How did Reagan boost and develop defence in the USA?

A

He began spending lots of money and developing new weapons (Neutron Bomb, MX missiles, SDI)

3
Q

What was the Reagan Doctrine?

A

To overwhelm the USSR and win the cold war by spending lots of money on arms.

4
Q

What was the SDI (The Strategic Defense Initiative)?

A

A missile defence system in space using giant lasers.

5
Q

What Treaty from 1967 did the SDI break?

A

Outer Space Treaty.

6
Q

How did SDI put pressure on the USSR?

A

If it existed then in a nuclear war the USA would win as no Soviet missiles would hit the USA.

7
Q

What was Gorbachev alleged to have said to his wife about the USSR when he became leader in 1985?

A

Communism was doomed.

8
Q

What is the English translation of Gorbachev’s two policies, Glasnost and Perestroika?

A

Glasnost - Openness, allowing free speech.

Perestroika - Restructuring the economy to allow for independent businesses.

9
Q

How did these policies change the USSR?

A

They allowed people to question Communist parties.

10
Q

Why did Gorbachev go the the Reykjavik summit with a desire to find an agreement on reducing nuclear weapons?

A

The USSR’s economy was broken and he had no money to spend on weapons.

11
Q

What Treaty was signed in December 1987 between the USA and USSR?

A

INF - reduced the number of shorter range missiles.

12
Q

What did Gorbachev announce to the UN in November 1988?

A

He was reducing his army by 500,000