Reagan Calls Soviet Union an 'Evil Empire'
March 8th, 1983
March 8th, 1983
How Long Ago?
42 years, 7 days ago
Location
Orlando, Florida, United States
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
Cold War
People
- Ronald Reagan
Links & References
- President of the United States
- Cold War
- Ronald Reagan
- National Association of Evangelicals
- Evil Empire speech
Tags
Reagan Calls Soviet Union an 'Evil Empire'
During a speech to the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida, U.S. President Ronald Reagan characterized the Soviet Union as an 'evil empire'. His speech emphasized the ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, advocating for a strong stance against communism. Reagan's vivid language aimed to galvanize religious and political support for his administration's foreign policy, particularly in relation to the arms race and anti-communist initiatives.
Reagan addressed Evangelicals on foreign policy.
He described the Soviet Union's actions as evil.
The speech called for a moral stance against communism.
Reagan aimed to unite religious and political support.
What Happened?
In an address to the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida, Ronald Reagan delivered a speech that would become one of the defining moments of his presidency. He described the Soviet Union as an 'evil empire', a phrase that underscored the deep ideological divide between the capitalist West and the communist East. This speech took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Cold War, particularly as the arms race reached critical levels and Soviet expansionist policies were increasingly alarming to Western nations. By invoking religious imagery and moral absolutes, Reagan sought to rally support for increased military spending and a more vigorous foreign policy response to Soviet actions. The term 'evil empire' resonated with many Americans, particularly among evangelical Christian communities, who were already mobilizing against communism. Reagan’s rhetoric was designed to present a stark binary view of the Cold War, which he believed would inspire both political and spiritual engagement in the fight against communism.
Why Does it Matter?
Reagan's 'evil empire' speech is notable for its articulation of a hardline stance against the Soviet Union, reflecting a shift in U.S. foreign policy that favored confrontation over détente. This marked a turning point in the Cold War era, where ideological positions became more pronounced. The speech galvanized support for Reagan's military buildup, contributing to the eventual decline of Soviet influence and the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall.
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