Reagan and the Second Cold War

Who was Reagan?

A hard line Republican, he brought in the 'new right'.

What did the 'new right' and Reagan's hard line Republican position bring?

Economic conservative and promoted national pride and patriotism. It was also socially conservative, e.g. promotion of family values.

What were Reagan's beliefs on the Cold War and communism?

That it was a fight between good and evil and that America fought with God's blessing.

He had been against detente since the mid 1970s and sought to project US power around the globe (effects of Vietnam).

What were the differences in Reagan's two terms?

In his first term he took a tough stance against communism and was more confrontational and militaristic. However, in his second term, he softened his approach more.

What was the US government debt?

1986 - $2.1 trillion due to Reagan's armament drive.

Information on peacetime military build-up

It went from $17 billion under Carter to $300 billion under Reagan which was 30% of the federal budget 1981-85

Restored military development programmes (B1 bomber and neutron bomb).

When did the START talks start?

1982 - Reagan proposed them.

What did Reagan announce in 1981 regarding missiles?

He would deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles to Western Europe to counter the Soviet SS-20s.

What and when was the Zero Option?

November 1981 - Reagan offered to cancel the deployment of Pershing II and cruise missiles if the USSR would remove all its SS-20 missiles targeted on Western Europe.

What was the consequence of this?

Brezhnev rejected this offer and the US deployed their missiles in the UK, West Germany and Italy.

When was Reagan's Evil Empire Speech?

8th March 1983

What was the effect of this?

It characterised Reagan's attitude towards the USSR and led to an escalation of tensions.

When was the Strategic Defence Initiative (Star Wars) proposed?

23rd March 1983

What was it?

A proposed initiative to launch satellites to intercept Soviet missiles in space before they could reach American soil. The aim was that it would force the Soviets to disarm their missiles.

Why was this significant?

This was a turning point in the arms race and meant that the Soviet had to keep funding nuclear weapons as Reagan would not drop it. It also broke the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.

What was the effect of Operation Able Archer on Reagan?

He was genuinely shocked by the USSR's reaction and undertook to improve relations with the Soviets.

What did he establish in November 1983?

An advisory group to chart a course towards 'constructive cooperation.' - unveiled this new approach in January 1984.

Who ruled Nicaragua from 1936 on the behalf of US interests?

The Somoza family - Anastasio Somoza Debayle was president from 1974-79.

When did the Sandinistas (FSLN) seize power?

July 1979, led by Daniel Ortega

What measures did the Sandinistas carry out?

Education and healthcare became widely available and land reform.

Who did Reagan choose to back when he came to power?

He dismissed the Sandinistas and supported the anti-communist group, the Contras - to divert resources to the military and away from social and economic programmes.

When did Reagan send aid to Nicaragua?

1981 onwards

What did the FSLN start to do in 1982?

They repressed civil liberties in response to the Contra attack, imposed universal military conscription, and those who were against them were imprisoned, killed etc.

Information on US support for the Contras

January 1982 - $19 million and in 1985, US Congress gave another $24 million for "non-lethal purposes."

What happened after 1985?

The Boland Amendment from 1982-85 which stopped funding to the Contras.

What did Reagan do after this?

Through Lieutenant-Colonel Oliver North, Reagan arranged for the Contras to receive $37 million. From 1986-87, the Contras were to be funded from the profits from illegal arms sales to Iran.

What did Reagan authorise in Grenada (and when)?

October 1983 - an American occupation of Grenada through sending 7,000 troops as the Cubans and the Russians had sought to establish a sympathetic government.

What happened in March 1979?

The New Jewel Movement, Maurice Bishop launched an armed revolution and overthrew the government, establishing the People's Revolutionary's Government. They built links with Cuba also.

What triggered US involvement?

The pro-leftist Coard staged a successful coup.

What was the international reaction to this?

The USSR viewed the invasion as an example of US imperialism and withdrew from the Geneva arms talks. The UN condemned it as "a flagrant violation of international law" - US used its veto power.

What was the Reagan Doctrine (and when)?

January 1985 - he would provide aid to anti-communist forces to 'roll-back' Soviet backed communist governments. The aim was to diminish Soviet influence in Africa, Asia and Latin America.