Reagan and the 'Second Cold War'
I can explain why there was a sharp increase in Cold War tensions after Reagan was elected as US President.
Reagan and the 'Second Cold War'
I can explain why there was a sharp increase in Cold War tensions after Reagan was elected as US President.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Reagan was strongly anti-communist and made it clear that fighting communism would be the focus of his foreign policy.
- Reagan’s tougher approach to the USSR led to a period of increased tension and hostility known as the Second Cold War.
- Reagan inflamed tensions by describing the USSR as 'evil' and adopting an aggressive approach towards negotiations.
- Reagan's announcement of the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) in 1983 caused great alarm in the USSR.
- Reagan hoped that Soviet attempts to ensure they could compete in the arms race would cause their economy to collapse.
Keywords
Cold War - a period between c. 1945 and c. 1991 of intense rivalry and tension between the USA and the USSR
Doctrine - a set of principles or beliefs
Deterrent - something that discourages or prevents an action or behaviour by creating fear of the consequences
Limited nuclear war - a scenario where nuclear weapons are used on a smaller scale than in a full-scale nuclear exchange
Trade union - a group set up to represent and advocate for the rights and interests of workers
Common misconception
The Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) was fully operational when it was announced by Reagan in 1983.
Although they were technologically more advanced than the USSR, the USA did not have the necessary technology to launch SDI in 1983. Reagan hoped the USSR would attempt to compete and this would cause their struggling economy to collapse.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Reagan and the 'Second Cold War', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Reagan and the 'Second Cold War', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the The end of the Cold War, 1970-91 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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