Ronald Regan and the Collapse of the Soviet Union

How did Ronald Reagan’s early political beliefs differ from his beliefs later in life?

• Early in life he was a liberal Democrat; later on he was a conservative Republican

• Early in life he was a supporter of communist countries like the Soviet Union; later on he opposed them

• Early in life he believed in low taxes; later on, he believed in raising taxes

• Early in life he voted against Franklin D. Roosevelt; later on he opposed him

What implement did Reagan work with in his career before politics?

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What aspect of acting served Reagan best in his political career?

• The ability to become different characters

• The ability to connect to audiences

• The ability to memorize long speeches

• The ability to work long hours

Why would conservatives want to reduce government spending on social welfare programs?

• They believe poor people don’t really want help

• They believe that citizens should try to rely more on themselves

• They believe the government doesn’t have enough money to pay for it

• They believe welfare is morally wrong

What made Reagan popular with Democrats during his time as Governor of California?

• His attitude toward social welfare programs

• His grandfatherly sense of humor

• His background as a Hollywood actor

• His willingness to work with members of all parties

What word best summarizes the mood of the country before Reagan was elected in 1980?

• Optimistic

• Pessimistic

• Pacifist

• Warlike

Place the following events in sequence:

1) Reagan reverses his political views

2) Reagan becomes governor of California

3) Reagan loses the presidential nomination

• 1, 2, 3

• 1,3,2

• 2,1,3

• 3,2,1

As President, Reagan’s economic policies were designed mainly to:

• Make the rich pay a large share of taxes

• Closely regulate the financial industry

• Spur businesses to produce more

• Lift people out of poverty

What effect did Mikhail Gorbachev have on President Reagan’s policies toward the Soviet Union?

• He caused Reagan to become more warlike

• He helped soften Reagan’s policies

• He helped prolong the Cold War

• He caused Reagan to begin a military buildup

What word best describes Reagan’s status today among conservatives?

• Debated

• Reviled

• Forgotten

• Iconic