Why did the policies of glasnost and perestroika in the soviet union change the way ronald reagan interacted with that nation?

Question

Klein

History

23 May, 06:45

Why did the policies of glasnost and perestroika in the soviet union change the way ronald reagan interacted with that nation?

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Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

William · Answer 1

Answer: D. The policies showed Reagan that the socialist state was being reformed to a more democratic nation

Kyler Dorsey · Answer 2

Gorbachev's change in policies provided an opportunity to reduce the tensions of the Cold War. Reagan began to meet personally with the Soviet leader to work toward improving the relationship between the USA and the USSR.

Explanation:

When President Ronald Reagan came into office in 1981, he took a hard stance toward the Soviet Union. Where previous leaders of the nations had pursued detente and nuclear arms reduction, Reagan spoke of the Soviet Union as the "evil empire" and, in 1983, proposed a major new space-based missile defense program, the Strategic Defense initiative.

But in 1985, the positions of the two countries began to shift again. In March 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev proposed policies of perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness) in the Soviet Union. In November 1985, Reagan and Gorbachev met in person for the first of several summit meetings they would have. They developed a personal relationship and worked toward a reduction in nuclear arms.

In 1987, Reagan gave a speech in Berlin (a city divided between democratic West Berlin and communist East Berlin). In that speech he issued a famous personal appeal to Gorbachev. He pushed for Gorbachev to allow even more freedom of expression and commerce in Soviet Union and Eastern block countries. Reagan said:

We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!