1. Reagan’s presidency marked the end of a long-term conflict between the United States and Russia, commonly known as The Cold War. It was due to Reagan’s hard-line foreign policy which brought an end to the often tense relationship between the two countries.
2. Reagan famously described the Soviet Union as an “evil empire” in 1983 in a speech before members of Congress and made it very clear that he would not compromise with them on issues such as defense spending or arms control agreements.
This strong stance helped to create tension between the two countries which eventually led to their eventual mutual understanding and cooperation during his presidency.
3. During his term, Reagan increased military spending by more than $2 trillion and helped to fund the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), otherwise known as the “Star Wars” program. This program aimed to create a defensive shield against incoming missiles which would render them ineffective.
4. Reagan was also responsible for negotiating several arms control agreements with the Soviet Union, including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) in 1987, which called for both countries to reduce their nuclear arsenals.
5. Reagan’s policies had a major impact on how international relations between the US and Russia were conducted in subsequent decades and his legacy is still remembered today by historians across the globe. He helped usher in an era of peace and stability between two formerly bitter rivals, paving the way for improved diplomacy between the two countries.
This is an example of how Reagan changed the course of history and left a lasting legacy as one of the most influential presidents in American history. He will always be remembered for his accomplishments during his time in office and the transformative effect he had on global relations. Despite the fact that the Cold War officially ended after Reagan’s presidency, his hard-line policies against Russia were largely responsible for its resolution. His legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
