Witness History Reagan and Gorbachev: The Geneva Summit
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Nov 17, 2025 Explore the historic Geneva Summit of 1985, where Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met amidst Cold War tensions. Discover their first impressions and the significance of their handshake. Learn about Gorbachev's reforms and Reagan's hardline strategies that set the stage for dialogue. The summit addressed crucial topics like nuclear weapons and human rights, while personal interactions between the leaders and their wives added a human touch. Uncover how this meeting influenced future arms negotiations and contributed to the eventual end of the Cold War.
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Summit Sparked A Diplomatic Thaw
- The Geneva Summit marked the first meeting between Reagan and Gorbachev and began a diplomatic thaw in tense Cold War relations.
- Their handshake and private talks signalled a willingness to pursue dialogue despite deep ideological differences.
A Handshake That Humanised Leaders
- Mikhail Gorbachev arrived in a winter coat and scarf then met Reagan, who noted mutual dislike of each other's systems but a desire to coexist.
- Their brief public exchange and handshake humanised two leaders portrayed as hostile adversaries.
Star Wars Raised Real Fear
- Reagan's Strategic Defence Initiative provoked Soviet concern and deepened mistrust about US intentions in space-based defenses.
- Gorbachev described looming weapons above our heads to express how threatening such systems felt to the USSR.