Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), 1983

What was the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) or 'Star Wars'?

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was an American policy that aimed to develop a system of satellites in space to protect the USA from missile attacks by the USSR.

When was the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), or Star Wars, first initiated?

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was announced on 23rd March, 1983.

Who initiated the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)?

President Ronald Reagan created the SDI programme.

What was the nickname of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)?

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was nicknamed 'Star Wars'.

What was the importance of the Strategic Defense Initiative?

There were 4 main reasons SDI was important:

• ❖ SDI broke the terms of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty because it would put weapons in space.
• ❖ It put enormous pressure on the USSR to increase investment in the arms race, something it could not afford.
• ❖ It therefore encouraged Gorbachev to bring in reforms when he became leader of the USSR in 1985.
• ❖ It put pressure on the USSR to negotiate with the USA on arms limitations/reductions to ease the economic pressure it was under.