1. Reagan vs. Communism

2. Background Since the beginning of the Cold War the U.S. had maintained one common policy – What was it? (Hint: Korean War, Vietnam War, Marshall Plan, Truman Doctrine, etc) – CONTAINMENT! Reagan didn’t just want to contain Communism, he wanted to END it once and for all

3. Military Build Up Reagan believed that the best way to defeat the Soviet Union was to start an arms race – A competition to see who can build a bigger military force Increased military spending put a huge strain on the Soviet economy

4. “Star Wars” Reagan was afraid of all-out nuclear war – There was no way to defend against it Reagan initiated the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program – Better known as “Star Wars” – Called for the development of weapons that could shoot down nuclear missiles

5. Reagan Doctrine Military build up was only part of Reagan’s plan to fight communism He also supported guerrilla fighters who were attempting to fight communism Example: – Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979 – Reagan provided the Afghan guerrillas with military weapons to help defeat the Soviets – Became known as the Soviet Union’s “Vietnam”

6. Quick Review 1.How did Reagan handle communism differently than his predecessors? – He wanted to defeat it, not just contain it 2.How did the arms race during the 80’s help to weaken the Soviet Union? – Their economy couldn’t handle the increased military spending 3.Why did Reagan start the “Star Wars” program? – To defend the country from nuclear missiles 4.What was the Reagan Doctrine? – Provide military support to guerrillas fighting against communism