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Richard Nixon & Detente
US president Richard Nixon attempted to "unthaw" the Cold War by pushing for companionship with the Soviet Union. However, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1980. effectively ending this policy. The Cold War isn't thawing; it is burning with a deadly heat. Communism isn't sleeping; it is, as always, plotting, scheming, working, fighting. - Richard Nixon -
Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
This ten-year war officially ended the policy of detente between the US and USSR. It is also sometimes referred to as the Soviet Vietnam War due to its interminable nature. -
Solidarity Movement in Poland
This event was defined by the creation of the Polish Trade Union lead by Lech Walesa. It was the first non-Communist controlled union in a Warsaw Pact country. -
Ronald Reagan addresses the Natoinal Association of Evangelicals
Essentially, Reagan addressed the evil of the "godless" Soviet Union and his determination to defeat them. He went on to promote democracy and the glory of the US. "I want you to know that this administration is motivated by a political philosophy that sees the greatness of America in you, her people, and in your families, churches, neighborhoods, communities–the institutions that foster and nourish values like concern for others and respect for the rule of law under God." - Ronald Reagan -
Strategic Defense Initiative
The SDI was proposed by Reagan to protect the US from Soviet attacks. Nuclear missiles were used from both air and ground, hence the nickname "Star Wars". -
Summit in Geneva, Switzerland
This was the first meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikail Gorbachev. The meeting was called in order to discuss international relations and the arms race. -
Gorbachev, Perestroika, Glasnost
Tis was a political movement for reformation within the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The word literally means "restructuring". -
Reykjavik Summit, Iceland
This was where another meeting between Gorbachev and Reagan was held. Although the talk collapsed at the last minute, it eventually led to the INF treaty. -
Reagan speech at Brandenburg Gate
This was a speech made by Reagan commanding the USSR to remove the Berlin Wall. Although it took over three years, Reagan's words were eventually felt and the Wall was taken down. "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" - Ronald Reagan -
INF Treaty
This was an agreement to eliminate all crude and ballistic missiles from use between the US and USSR. By 1991, over 2,500 of these missiles had been destroyed. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
A big step toward this event was the announcement that east and west Germans could pass the wall and visit family members and friends. Soon after the wall was physically destroyed, a symbol for the reunification of Germany. -
Fall of the Soviet Union
On December 25, 1991 Mikail Gorbachev resigned as Soviet President. The next day, the dissolution of the Soviet Union was completed, with the Warsaw Pact countries officially splitting from Russia. Anyone who doesn't regret the passing of the Soviet Union has no heart. Anyone who wants it restored has no brains. - Vladimir Putin
