Existing comment:
Four Summits:
Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev transformed relations between the United States and the Soviet Union at four summits -- in Geneva, Switzerland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Washington, DC; and Moscow, USSR. Between November 1985 and May 1988, they signed the two historic treaties on exhibit in this gallery, negotiated dramatic reductions in nuclear arms, and began to bring the Cold War to an end.
The INF Treaty:
In the early 1980s, the Soviet Union had hundreds of intermediate-range nuclear missiles deployed in Eastern Europe. President Reagan offered the Soviets an option -- remove these missiles or the United States would deploy similar missiles. When the Soviets refused, the US began placing Pershing II missiles in Western Europe, despite fierce criticism at home and abroad.
Faced with President Reagan's refusal to back down, the Soviet Union ultimately agreed to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and both sides dismantled their missiles. For the first time ever, an entire class of nuclear weapons was destroyed.
Reagan and Gorbachev:
The personal relationship that grew between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev helped to change the world. Despite the guidance of diplomats, experts and advisors, both leaders essentially relied on their own understanding of the issues to make progress in their talks.
At times, their negotiations erupted into open anger. But both men were ultimately bold enough to trust each other, or as President Reagan said repeatedly, "trust but verify."
"Looking back now, it's clear that there was a chemistry between Gorbachev and me that produced something very close to a friendship."
-- Ronald Reagan |