Originally posted by sxecrow
Now about communism - US pressure didn't bring down communism. US pressure couldnt bring it down for 60 years. In the end it fell on its own.
On account of what the people of the USSR saw in the USA and Britain. You don't think Regan's famous "Mr. Gorbechev, tear down that wall!" speech had a profound influence? That was one of the most powerfull speeches ever given by a President, and I'm sure inspired more than a few people to topple the communists. I'm not saying that's the only reason, but the promisses of democracy were too heavy to keep the communists in power.