When did Ronald Reagan become the president of the USA?
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When did Ronald Reagan become the president of the USA?
Ronald Reagan become the president of the USA in 1981.
True or False?
Before becoming the US President, Ronald Reagan was a banker.
False.
Before becoming the US President, Ronald Reagan was an actor. Over a 30-year career, Reagan appeared in more than 50 films.
When Ronald Reagan became president, did he have strong views against communism?
Yes.
Communism went against his Christian and conservative values.
Reagan persuaded the US Congress to military spending. In 1982, the USA spent almost 7% of its GDP on the defence budget.
Reagan persuaded the US Congress to increase military spending. In 1982, the USA spent almost 7% of its GDP on the defence budget.
Define Trident in the context of the Cold War.
Trident is a type of ballistic missile that is sent from under the sea.
Define rollback in the context of Reagan's presidency.
Rollback meant to remove the influence of communism from other parts of the world. This would keep communism in the Soviet Union.
When did Ronald Reagan make his 'Evil Empire' speech?
Reagan made his 'Evil Empire' speech on 8th March 1983.
Define the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).
The SDI involved sending satellites into orbit. These satellites would have the capability of shooting down Soviet missiles by laser.
What popular nickname was given to the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)?
The nickname that was given to the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was Star Wars.
Reagan announced the SDI to the US public on 23rd March 1983. At this point, the US scientists developed the technology to implement the SDI.
Reagan announced the SDI to the US public on 23rd March 1983. At this point, the US scientists had not developed the technology to implement the SDI.
Could the Soviet Union afford to create a system similar to the SDI in the 1980s?
No.
By the 1980s, the Soviet economy was failing. The Soviet Union could not afford to create a new weapons system.
Did the SDI improve or worsen US-Soviet relations?
Both.
The SDI was a tactic to force the Soviet Union to collapse or to accept defeat in the Cold War. However, it led to the Soviet Union reforming and cooperating with the USA.
Who hosted the Olympic Games in 1980?
The Soviet Union hosted the Olympic Games in 1980.
Define boycott in the context of the 1980 Olympic Games.
Boycott means the action of refusing to take part in an activity as a way of expressing strong disapproval. the USA decided to boycott the 1980 Olympics.
How many nations joined the USA's boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games?
Over 60 nations joined the USA's boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games.
Did the USA's boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games increase or decrease Cold War tensions?
Increase.
The USA's actions brought politics into the Olympics. In addition, the boycott affected the reputation of the Soviet Union.
The US government threatened the removal of for any US athletes who attempted to travel to Moscow for the Olympics.
The US government threatened the removal of passports for any US athletes who attempted to travel to Moscow for the Olympics.
Who hosted the Olympic Games in 1984?
The USA hosted the Olympic Games in 1984.
How many nations joined the Soviet Union's boycott of the 1984 Olympic Games?
15 communist nations joined the Soviet Union in boycotting the 1984 Olympics.
What official reason did the Soviet Union give for their boycott of the 1984 Olympics?
The official reason behind the Soviet Union's boycott of the 1984 Olympics was to protect Soviet athletes from protest and physical harm from the US audience.
Did the Soviet Union's boycott of the 1984 Olympic Games increase or decrease Cold War tensions?
Increase.
The USA saw that there was no clear reason for the Soviet boycott. It made the Soviet Union look vengeful and petty to the Western world.
What benefit did the Soviet Union's boycott of the 1984 Olympics have for the USA?
The Soviet Union's boycott of the 1984 Olympics gave the USA an opportunity to showcase its talents. Uncontested, the USA won 83 gold medals.