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To what extent was the role of Ronald Reagan the main reason why the Cold War ended? - Scottish Highers History - Question 42 - 2019
Question 42
To what extent was the role of Ronald Reagan the main reason why the Cold War ended?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent was the role of Ronald Reagan the main reason why the Cold War ended? - Scottish Highers History - Question 42 - 2019
Step 1
Context
Answer
The end of the Cold War can be attributed to multiple factors, but the actions and policies initiated by Ronald Reagan in the U.S. government played a significant role. Initially, Gorbachev's leadership, which started in 1985, set the stage for this transformation by introducing reformative policies that weakened Soviet control.
Step 2
Role of Reagan
Answer
Ronald Reagan's administration took an aggressive stance against the Soviet Union. Reagan's military strategies, such as the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), aimed to challenge Soviet capabilities and assert U.S. dominance. This policy put pressure on the Soviet economy, which was already struggling.
Step 3
Step 4
Failure of Communism
Answer
By 1970, there was a significant economic downturn in Eastern Europe, contributing to unrest. The emergence of opposition movements, such as Solidarity in Poland, showcased the internal weaknesses of the Soviet bloc. Gorbachev's reforms also mirrored a failure in the communist ideology.
Step 5
Other Relevant Factors
Answer
While Reagan's actions were pivotal, other factors contributed to the end of the Cold War. Gorbachev's introduction of policies like Glasnost and Perestroika allowed for greater openness and economic restructuring, which inadvertently weakened the Communist Party's hold in the USSR.