1. Aim: Describe the Renewal of Cold War Tensions in the 1980’s

2. The Collapse of Détente
Under Presidents Nixon & Ford, the US improved relations with China and the Soviet Union
Late 1970’s, Pres. Carter was concerned over harsh treatment of protesters in the Soviet Union
1979: Carter & Brezhnev finally signed the SALT II agreement
When the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, the US Congress refused to ratify SALT II 2

3. Reagan Takes an Anti-Communist Stance
Ronald Reagan became President in 1981
He continued to move away from détente
Increased defense spending
1983: Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
Program to protect against enemy missiles
Was not put into effect
1985: Change in Soviet leadership brought a new policy toward the United States and the beginnings of a final thaw in the Cold War 3