Reagan and the Cold War: Analysis of Foreign Policy

Actions taken by one president can still affect relationships later on. By understanding many of Reagan's foreign policies, students will be able to understand much of the historical context during his presidency as well as in the years and decades later. Using a T Chart, students will research and create a cause and effect storyboard to outline Reagan’s foreign policy.

While they can specifically focus on his Cold War policies, they may also cover major events and policies including his relationship with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the Iran-Contra Affair, military build-up, and his speech at the Brandenburg Gate of the Berlin Wall. Teachers may also pre-select any issues, events, or policies that students should include in defining Reagan’s foreign policy and role in the ending of the Cold War.

Extended Activity

Have students create a cause and effect grid to define how the next president, George H. W. Bush, conducted his foreign policy. Outline and define major events, policies, and initiatives taken by Bush, and connect them with that of Reagan’s. Draw connections between the fall of communism with issues in the Middle East.