Was Ronald Reagan, President of the United States, or Mikhail Gorbachev, Leader of the USSR, more responsible for ending the Cold War?

Reasons for Reagan:He decided to initiate talks with the USSR on arms limitations and a renewed 'detente' like state between the countries. Capitalism won over Communism as it proved itself to be the dominant economic and political system (See: The Last Man by Fukuyama), Reagan leading a 'strong' USA that wasn't crippled by economic burden or mass discontent allowed it to thrive as the USSR collapsed. Calling for an abolishment of the Cold War publically ignited the sentiment globally (Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! in reference to Berlin).
Reasons for GorbachevGlasnost and Perestroika generally made the USSR more liberal and began a chain reaction of revolutions and changes, such as the stagnant economy collapsing further, that led to the end of the Cold War. Agreeing to arms reduction talks and conferences (e.g. Washington, Moscow, Malta) whereas his predecessors were always reluctant or refused to make progress on this issue.It was not Reagan due to his hatred of the USSR as demonstrated in his 'Evil Empire' speech that shifted tensions negatively, his 'Star Wars' plan that targeted the USSR despite arms limitation talks commencing at the time, and Able Archer 83.

Answered by Phoebe K. History tutor

1345 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Briefly describe Domino theory and how it affected US foreign policy.


How should I approach an essay which asks me 'How far' or 'To what extent' a statement is true?


Explain why relations between the USA and the USSR worsened in the years 1947-49? (12 marks)


What was ‘Manifest Destiny’?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences