How Did Gorbachev End The Cold War

America and the Soviet Union- two superpowers who came out on top after World War II, were engaged in a conflict for nearly forty five years called The Cold War. Essentially, America and the Soviet Union were on the brink of a full-scale war during this time, which would’ve resulted in a nuclear war that has the capability to end life as we know it. One of the most dangerous situations America has ever dealt with in history was the Cuban Missile Crisis. In The Cold War, 1962 was when the tensions were at the highest they’ve ever been between America and the Soviet Union. Nuclear weapons were on high alert during this time which caused fear all around the globe. Luckily enough, the Cold War ended in the early 1990’s due to multiple factors. Reagan and Gorbachev have both been credited by historians for ending the Cold War, but who really deserves the most credit? Looking at certain …show more content…
For example, “I want to underscore my intention to continue working to improve our relationship with the Soviet Union. We want to discuss practical steps that could resolve problems” (Leffler 524-525). This quote is from Reagan and his intentions on trying to talk with Soviet Leaders. Although he tried to lighten up tensions, the Soviet Union saw his political and military strategies as offensive and increases tensions. For instance, Reagan created a program called “Star Wars” which would, if ever completed, hold the capability to build a shield to protect America and its allies against incoming missiles with nuclear weapons. The Soviet Union saw this initiative to be offensive towards the Soviets because it gives America the opportunity to attack them while Russian warheads wouldn’t be able to breach America. Reagan’s statement in light of this program is that it was meant to negotiate more efficiently with acquiring more