Final answer:
President Reagan's 'peace through strength' policy involved a significant increase in defense spending, a show of military readiness that contributed to negotiations and treaties with the Soviet Union, impacting the Cold War's conclusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Reagan's belief in "peace through strength" had a significant impact on the final years of the Cold War. His administration increased defense spending, showing a readiness to fight if necessary, which is believed to have played a part in bringing about an end to the Cold War. The assertive stance of the United States and the increased military budget may have convinced Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev of the need to negotiate, leading to treaties such as the one to eliminate intermediate-range nuclear missiles. This approach to foreign policy and Reagan's engagement with anti-Communist insurgencies in different parts of the world underscored his commitment to combating the spread of Communism. Ultimately, Reagan's policies contributed to the environment that enabled the two global superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union to negotiate and begin the process of reducing the heightened tensions of the Cold War era.