Reagan Flashcards
(16 cards)
Q1: What was the ‘New Cold War’?
A: A period in the early 1980s when Cold War tensions returned sharply. Reagan rejected détente and adopted a confrontational tone toward the Soviet Union.
Q2: What was the Reagan Doctrine?
A: A policy to support anti-communist insurgents globally, particularly in Latin America and Afghanistan. Reagan called them “freedom fighters” and saw their struggle as part of the global fight against Soviet influence.
Q3: What does ‘Glasnost’ mean?
A: It means “openness.” Gorbachev introduced it to increase freedom of speech, reduce censorship, and allow criticism of the Soviet government.
Q4: What does ‘Perestroika’ refer to?.
A: It means “restructuring.” It was Gorbachev’s attempt to reform the Soviet economy by allowing more decentralization and limited market elements.
Q5: What was the Sinatra Doctrine?
A: A term for Gorbachev’s new policy allowing Eastern Bloc countries to set their own paths, marking the end of Soviet control over them.
Q6: What was the purpose of the U.S. ‘Squeeze’ policy?
A: To push the USSR into a costly arms race it couldn’t afford, thereby weakening its economy and accelerating its collapse.
Q7: What were key features of the U.S. military build-up under Reagan?
A: B-1 bombers, neutron bombs, stealth aircraft, a 600-ship navy, and the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a space-based missile shield.
Q8: How did the U.S. intervene in Nicaragua?
A: Reagan supported the Contras against the left-wing Sandinistas with money, weapons, and covert CIA operations, including mining ports
Q9: How did the U.S. support Afghan resistance?
A: The U.S. increased funding and armed the mujahedin. CIA-backed training camps taught sabotage and guerrilla tactics against the Soviets.
Q10: What did Reagan think of détente in 1981?
A: He believed it was one-sided, with the Soviets using it to advance communism. He insisted the West must remain strong and skeptical.
Q11: Why did Reagan write to Brezhnev in 1981?
A: After surviving an assassination attempt, Reagan wrote a personal letter urging improved U.S.-Soviet relations, showing a softer approach.
Q12: What message did Reagan share in his 1984 peace speech?
A: That ordinary people in both countries shared values like family, peace, and dignity — and governments should act to protect those.
Q13: What was the Zero Option?
A: Reagan’s 1986 proposal to eliminate all U.S. and Soviet intermediate-range missiles. It was rejected at first but led to future agreements.
Q14: What was the INF Treaty?
A: Signed in 1987, it eliminated all land-based nuclear missiles with a range of 500–5,500 km — the first treaty to actually reduce arms.
Q15: What was Reagan’s challenge to Gorbachev in Berlin?
A: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” — a symbolic demand for real change and the removal of the Berlin Wall.
Q16: How did Reagan build ties with China?
A: By granting it Most Favoured Nation status, reducing tariffs and increasing trade, as part of a strategy to isolate the USSR.
