1987: Reagan and Gorbachev agree to remove all medium and short-range nuclear missiles

DATE: December 8, 1987

DESCRIPTION: The talks that took place at the Rekjavik Summit in Iceland between the US and the USSR extended into 1987, resulting in the creation of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty. On December 9, 1987, US President Ronald Reagan and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev signed an agreement to eliminate nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic/cruise missiles with intermediate ranges. Peace talks between the two countries also began to take place during this time.

BLAME: The Rekjavik Summit was the event mostly responsible for the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty, as the talks that took place there eventually were incorporated into it easily. In specific, the US and the USSR also helped accomplish the signing of this treaty, as they were the two powers who took part in it. Gorbachev was also the one who initiated the whole talk when he came to power, as his willingness to improve relations with the US was what led to the summit. In conclusion, the INFT was caused by the Rekjavik Summit, but it can be narrowed down to also being caused by Gorbachev and Reagan.

TENSION INCREASE: Since this event caused a reduction in arms and nuclear arsenals, it played a role in bringing the Cold War to an end. It helped reduce fear and tension resulting from the nuclear arms race between the two countries and was a dramatic change in direction regarding the attitudes of both, as represented by the US and the USSR’s willingness to reduce their nuclear weapons and discuss the possibility of peace with one another. -2

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