Reagan & Gorbachev
History: Cambridge International GCSE The Twentieth Century (Option B), topic 6.5.1
Reagan and Gorbachev
Reagan and Gorbachev began to work together and improved US-Soviet relations.
Ronald Reagan
- Ronald Reagan was a hard-line anti-communist.
- Reagan became the US President on the 20th of January 1981.
Mikhail Gorbachev
- Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union in 1985.
- The Soviet Union's economy was struggling.
- Wages were higher in capitalist countries.
- Money was being poured down the drain in the war in Afghanistan.
- Soviet satellite states were staying in the Warsaw Pact and in communism because of the threat of military repression, rather than because they wanted to.
Likeminded leaders - Reagan and Gorbachev
- The two leaders first met in 1985 at the Geneva Summit.
- They got on well and became friends.
- The 1980s was the height of the anti-nuclear protest movement in many countries in Western Europe.
Gorbachev’s Reforms
Gorbachev came to power in 1985. He tried to loosen up the Soviet Union with his policies of 'Perestroika' and 'Glasnost'.
Perestroika
- “Perestroika” means ‘restructuring’. It was the term used by Gorbachev to refer to his reforms.
- People living in the Soviet Union were unhappy with their low living standards.
- Money was spent on nuclear weapons and the war in Afghanistan, instead of on the people.
- Gorbachev wanted to end the Afghan War.
Glasnost
- “Glasnost” means ‘openness’.
- Gorbachev wanted to allow greater freedom of conscience.
- This included freedom of speech and other things.
Discussions in Reykjavik with Reagan
- At an October 1986 meeting, both leaders agreed to reduce their stockpile of nuclear weapons.
- However Reagan wanted to keep his 'Star Wars' anti-missile defence system plans alive.
Test yourself on Reagan & Gorbachev
What was one reason for the Soviet Union's failing economy?
Improving Leadership Relations
When was the Reykjavik summit held?
Which are the following about Gorbachev's 'new thinking' are correct?
What does 'Glasnost' mean?