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28 votes
Question 5

Why does Reagan mention of synagogues and mosques in his speech at
Moscow State University?

User Kare Nuorteva
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1 Answer

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17 votes

Answer:

President Ronald Reagan mentioned synagogues and mosques to emphasize on the issue of democracy and the freedom that America offers to its residents, be it legal or non-legal residents.

Step-by-step explanation:

On May 31, 1988, President Ronald Reagan gave a speech in front of students of Moscow State University as part of his trip to ensure good relations with the newly reformed Soviet Union. This visit was also a part of his efforts to build better relations with the new Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and his reform plans for the Soviet Union.

But President Reagan also took the chance to bring to the Soviet attention the importance of democracy. His speech was more of like a promotional campaign for the new leader, Gorbachev. He stated, "Go to any American town, to take just an example, and you'll see dozens of churches, representing many different beliefs -- in many places, synagogues and mosques -- and you'll see families of every conceivable nationality worshiping together."

This statement was part of his strategy to promote Gorbachev as the best leader to lead the Soviet Union into a new democratic government. And through this example of America's democratic approach, Reagan seems to promote the idea of democracy as something beneficial for the public.

User Godbout
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