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6. n the West today, we see a free world that has achieved a level of
prosperity and well-being unprecedented in all human history. In the
Communist world, we see failure, technological backwardness, declining
standards of health, even want of the most basic kind-too little food.
Even today, the Soviet Union still cannot feed itself. After these four
decades, then, there stands before the entire world one great and
inescapable conclusion: Freedom leads to prosperity. Freedom replaces
the ancient hatreds among the nations with comity and peace. Freedom is
the victor.
And now the Soviets themselves may, in a limited way, be coming to
understand the importance of freedom. We hear much from Moscow
about a new policy of reform and openness. Some political prisoners
have been released. Certain foreign news broadcasts are no longer being
jammed. Some economic enterprises have been permitted to operate with
greater freedom from state control.
Are these the beginnings of profound changes in the Soviet state? Or are
they token gestures, intended to raise false hopes in the West, or to
strengthen the Soviet system without changing it? We welcome change
and openness....
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!
-excerpts from Ronald Reagan's speech in West Berlin, June 12, 1987
What was one way Reagan's speech and his other foreign policy stances
affected the Cold War?
A) Reagan helped end the Cold War by pointing out and exacerbating the
weaknesses of the USSR's economy.
B) Reagan helped end the Cold War by convincing USSR citizens to revolt against
the aging communist government.
C) Reagan prolonged the Cold War by giving advice to USSR leaders that helped
them maintain power for a longer period.
D) Reagan prolonged the Cold War by Inciting USSR citizens, causing them to stay
committed to communism for a longer time.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
In his speech and foreign policy stances during the Cold War, Ronald Reagan had a significant impact on the conflict. One way Reagan's speech and actions influenced the Cold War was by: A) Reagan helped end the Cold War by pointing out and exacerbating the weaknesses of the USSR's economy. Reagan's strategy of highlighting the economic shortcomings of the Soviet Union put pressure on their system. By emphasizing the economic disparities between the free world and the Communist bloc, Reagan aimed to weaken the Soviet economy. This approach contributed to the eventual collapse of the USSR by exposing the inefficiencies and failures of the communist economic model. Reagan's policies, such as increased military spending and support for anti-communist movements, also played a role in challenging the Soviet Union and ultimately influencing the end of the Cold War.