Role of Ronald Reagan

Background:

Ronald Reagan started as a TV and film actor, then served as Governor of California before becoming the 40th U.S. President in 1981. Known for his staunch anti-Communist stance, Reagan opposed the policy of détente—better relations between the USA and USSR that had been promoted during the 1970s.

Military Spending:

• Reagan significantly increased U.S. military spending, including the development of new nuclear technology.
• The Soviet Union couldn't afford to match this increase, weakening its global stance.

Impact: Forced the USSR to re-evaluate its position, indirectly contributing to the end of the Cold War.

Strategic Defense Initiative ("Star Wars"):

• Proposed a space-based anti-missile system designed to intercept nuclear missiles.
• Created anxiety in the USSR about their nuclear capabilities becoming obsolete.

Impact: Forced the USSR to seek diplomatic solutions, significantly influencing their stance in the Cold War.

Rhetoric:

• Famously dubbed the USSR the "Evil Empire" and predicted the end of Communism.

Impact: Elevated tensions but also reinforced U.S. resolve against Communist expansion.

Diplomacy:

• Built relations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
• Signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 1987.

Impact: Fostered an environment for the reduction of nuclear arms and eased Cold War tensions.

---

Role of Ronald Reagan

Combatting Global Communism:

• Sent U.S. troops to countries like Grenada and Nicaragua.
• Supported the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan against the USSR.

Impact: Hindered the spread of Communism, indirectly weakening the Soviet Union's global influence.

Caveats:

• Détente was officially ended by Jimmy Carter in 1979, before Reagan's presidency.
• Some of Reagan's actions, like supporting the Mujahedeen, later had controversial repercussions.

Conclusion

While Reagan's policies alone did not end the Cold War, they played a significant role in shaping its final stages. By increasing military spending, advocating strong anti-Communist rhetoric, and engaging in diplomacy with the Soviet Union, Reagan made it increasingly difficult for the USSR to sustain its Cold War efforts.