Reagan and the End of the Cold War

Ronald Reagan, U.S. President from 1981 to 1989, played a crucial role in ending the Cold War, a period of tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Initially advocating a hardline stance, he later pursued diplomacy with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Reagan's policies included increasing military spending and promoting anti-communist movements, which pressured the Soviet economy. His willingness to engage in talks, such as the historic Reykjavik Summit, paved the way for arms reduction agreements. Ultimately, Reagan's approach contributed to the Soviet Union's decline, leading to the Cold War's conclusion and the eventual collapse of Soviet communism.