8.4

Question 1

When was SDI announced?

Answer 1

AKA Star Wars program

23^rd March 1983

Question 2

What was SDI?

how did. Andropov react 4 days later and why did congress do?

Answer 2

Strategic Defense Initiative

A plan for a ground and space based, laser armed anti-ballistic missile system taht would shield against missiles launched at the US and their allies. Y DESTIRYING THEM IN THE PROCESS

2) Andropov accused USA of preparing for an attack on the Su, stating he was inventing a way to unleash nuclear war. Andropov saw how the sdi would give them advantage and then they could do their own tstcticsl mucked war - smoke for Andro.

us congress voted in favour …

Question 3

Soviet Response to SDI:

why was the sdi a big economic problem for Andropov

(why were they finally out of the arms race)

Answer 3

• USSR was already experiencing economic problems and SDI meant they had to spend even more on arms in order to compete,
• yet renewed arms spending could cripple it, and this was part of Reagan’s plans too
• The USSR was also behind the USA in computer technology:
  
  • Soviet leaders were highly suspicious of computer tech as they thought it could be used to undermind the Communist Party (by like producing anti communist propaganda )
  • but computers were essential for development of sdi, and without them , Su could NO LONGER COMPETE IN THR ARMS RACE .

usa also developed the space shuttle in 1980s after winning race to the moon in 19689