How did President Reagan’s belief in “peace through strength” impact the final years of the Cold War?
A.
It prolonged the end of the Cold War by as many years as Reagan was in office.
B.
The United States was forced into a risky standoff with the Soviet Union.
C.
It had no impact on the Cold War delegating the results to leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
D.
Reagan’s assertive stance may have influenced Gorbachev to meet halfway.
To determine how President Reagan's belief in "peace through strength" impacted the final years of the Cold War, we need to assess his actions and their potential consequences. President Reagan's policy of "peace through strength" emphasized military build-up and assertive diplomacy to confront the Soviet Union.
One way to answer this question is to consider the impact of Reagan's policies on the Soviet Union. During Reagan's presidency, the United States implemented a significant military build-up, which included increasing defense spending and modernizing the nuclear arsenal. This military build-up was aimed at demonstrating American strength and resolve to the Soviet Union.
Reagan also pursued an assertive approach in dealing with the Soviet Union, adopting a tough rhetoric against communism and labeling the Soviet Union an "evil empire." Through speeches and public statements, Reagan made it clear that the United States would not back down in the face of Soviet aggression.
These actions and rhetoric by Reagan are believed to have put considerable pressure on the Soviet Union and its leader, Mikhail Gorbachev. The Soviet Union, facing economic struggles and growing internal dissent, was forced to reassess its own military capabilities and geopolitical position.
Some argue that Reagan's assertive stance may have influenced Gorbachev to meet halfway, as the Soviet Union realized it could not match the United States in a military arms race. Gorbachev initiated a series of reforms that led to significant changes in Soviet policies, including the policy of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring). These reforms ultimately paved the way for improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.
However, it is important to note that Reagan's policies alone did not solely bring about the end of the Cold War. The Soviet Union's internal problems and the efforts of Gorbachev to reform the system were also significant factors. Nevertheless, Reagan's belief in "peace through strength" and his assertive stance likely influenced Gorbachev's decision-making and contributed to the easing of tensions in the final years of the Cold War.
Based on this analysis, the answer is D. Reagan's assertive stance may have influenced Gorbachev to meet halfway.