Reagan and the 'Second Cold War'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why there was a sharp increase in Cold War tensions after Reagan was elected as US President.
Key learning points
- Reagan was strongly anti-communist and made it clear that fighting communism would be the focus of his foreign policy.
- Reagan’s tougher approach to the USSR led to a period of increased tension and hostility known as the Second Cold War.
- Reagan inflamed tensions by describing the USSR as 'evil' and adopting an aggressive approach towards negotiations.
- Reagan's announcement of the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) in 1983 caused great alarm in the USSR.
- Reagan hoped that Soviet attempts to ensure they could compete in the arms race would cause their economy to collapse.
Keywords
Cold War - a period between c. 1945 and c. 1991 of intense rivalry and tension between the USA and the USSR
Doctrine - a set of principles or beliefs
Deterrent - something that discourages or prevents an action or behaviour by creating fear of the consequences
Limited nuclear war - a scenario where nuclear weapons are used on a smaller scale than in a full-scale nuclear exchange
Trade union - a group set up to represent and advocate for the rights and interests of workers
Common misconception
The Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) was fully operational when it was announced by Reagan in 1983.
Although they were technologically more advanced than the USSR, the USA did not have the necessary technology to launch SDI in 1983. Reagan hoped the USSR would attempt to compete and this would cause their struggling economy to collapse.
Teacher tip
At the beginning of the lesson, introduce students to some of Reagan's speeches and ask them to infer his views about communism and suggest the impact this would have on US-Soviet relations. Students could be asked to compare Reagan's speeches to some of his predecessors.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 1975, the leaders of 35 countries signed Accords on key international issues. Which city in Finland were these Accords named after?
Q2.Which word means the relaxation of tensions between states which were previously hostile towards one another?
Q3.The USA improved relations with the USSR and China in the hope of ending US involvement in which war in southeast Asia?
Q4.In 1980, 60 countries boycotted the Summer Olympic Games, which were held in which city?
Q5.Put the following events in chronological order.
Q6.On 27th April 1978, the government in Afghanistan was overthrown by a communist group known as the __________.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete this statement by Reagan about his strategy for the Cold War: “Here’s my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they ”.
Q2.The period of increased tensions between the superpowers under Reagan's presidency is known as what?
Q3.In 1983, the US invaded which Caribbean island in order to overthrow its communist government?
Q4.Reagan's belief that the USA could win a limited nuclear war against the USSR was based on a strategy known as __________.
Q5.Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) of 1983 was given the nickname of which 1977 film?
Q6.Put the following US presidents in chronological order of their presidencies.
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: Reagan and the 'Second Cold War', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: Reagan and the 'Second Cold War', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Period study: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.