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The Cold War 1945–1991
Renewal and end of the Cold War
Disarmament agreements 1987–1991
Paul Brown
Camden High School
Outcomes
Students:
H1.1 describe the role of key features, issues, individuals, groups and events of selected twentieth-century studies
H1.2 analyse and evaluate the role of key features, issues, individuals, groups and events of selected twentieth-century studies
Extract from Modern History Stage 6 Syllabus Board of Studies NSW 2004.
Key features and issues:
- changing policies, strategies and responses to the Cold War
- the arms race and disarmament
From this tutorial you will learn about:
- Renewal and end of the Cold War
- Disarmament agreements 1987–1991
[From late 1985 both the United States and the Soviet Union began a series of summits (meetings) about disarmament and arms limitations that culminated in the signing of the START treaty in 1991.]
Reagan and Gorbachev Geneva Summit, October, 1985
This period from late 1984 to 1991 is seen by many observers as a period of new détente. It encompasses the coming to power of Mikhail Gorbachev as General Secretary of the Communist Party in March 1985 and the second presidential term for Ronald Reagan and later George Bush.
As a background to this conference, Gorbachev gave an interview to Time magazine
where he drew a distinction between research into the Strategic Defence Initiative
(SDI) which he hinted was acceptable, and developing of weapons systems, which
was not. (Walker, p.290)
At this conference Gorbachev spelt out his ‘New Thinking’ in foreign
affairs.
They agreed in principle to work towards a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) which would cut nuclear arsenals in half.
Reagan wanted Gorbachev to understand his thinking on SDI. He said, ‘if our research succeeds, nations could defend themselves against missile attack, and mankind, at long last, escape the prison of mutual terror. And this is my dream.’
Both men’s claims were dismissed by many as no more than a dream and an example of cynical propaganda but ‘each man believed in what he was saying, even if his advisers did not.’ (Walker, p.291) They continued to explore ways to reduce arms and embarked on a ‘long and private correspondence which explored in great detail their evolving thinking on disarmament’. (Walker, p.292) From these letters and other public statements came both the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) and the START treaties.
Rejkavik in Iceland in October 1986
The discussions begun in Geneva continued at a successful Summit meeting in Rejkavik in Iceland in October1986. This Summit did not result in a specific agreement but it showed that Gorbachev and Reagan were coming closer on a number of issues. At this Summit Gorbachev gave a detailed scenario for nuclear disarmament by 2000. They agreed that strategic nuclear missiles should be reduced by 50% within five years and that each power should be limited to 1,600 missiles and 6,000 warheads. INF (Intermediate Nuclear Forces) were to be withdrawn from Europe. This agreement collapsed when Reagan refused to modify his commitment to his SDI program. They also agreed to eventually eliminate other nuclear delivery systems, including bombers. They also turned to tactical and battlefield nuclear weapons, and in order to eliminate them, Gorbachev pledged dramatic cuts in Soviet conventional forces. (Walker, p.293)
Perhaps the best understanding of the success of Rejkavik is a quote from Reagan. ‘For a day and a half, Gorbachev and I made progress on arms reduction that even now seems breathtaking.’ (Walker, p.293)
Gorbachev wrote: “Rejkavik marked a turning point in world history. It tangibly demonstrated that the world could be improved.” (Walker, p.295)
Washington, December 1987
In Washington a further meeting occurred in December1987. Here Gorbachev agreed to consider each issue on its merits, starting with the INF Treaty being signed. Further agreements were made about a reduction to 4,900 ballistic missile warheads as a sub limit. This was a further breakthrough. Walker (p.295) argues that, ‘The Washington summit was a thundering success, largely because it was built on the foundations laid at Rejkavik.’ Walker believes that the Rejkavik and later Washington summits, ‘ended the New Cold War which had begun when she (Mrs Thatcher) and President Reagan came to power’.
Final meeting between Gorbachev and Reagan Moscow May-June1988
One newspaper reported this meeting as ‘great theatre, as Ronald Reagan, the cold war monger, turned peacenik . . . there were protestations of warm friendship and a palpable relaxation of tensions.’ Nine minor treaties and agreements were signed at this last meeting between the two leaders. Achievements included arms control, regional issues and human rights. A new treaty was signed eliminating 3000 medium-range missile warheads and both sides came much closer to signing the START treaty which would eliminate 12000 long-range weapons. Whilst much ground had been covered in Moscow there was still some distance to go before the Cold War and its attendant arms race would end. There were NO agreements on:
- Star Wars, which remained a serious obstacle.
- An end to the trade sanctions imposed by the US against the SU because of Afghanistan
- A joint declaration that force would no longer be used by either side against each other or around the world.
The final Summit for Gorbachev was with President Bush in 1991 in Moscow
It was at this summit that the START Treaty was signed completing what had begun in Geneva in 1985.
Question to consider:
- Assess the contribution made by each of the leaders, Gorbachev and Reagan to the end of the Cold War.
Bibliography
Spenceley, Geoff. A World In Shadow, US-Soviet Relations in the Nuclear
Age, Oxford University Press, New York, 1989.
Walker, Martin, The Cold War. Vintage, Great Britain, 1994.
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