During the early 1980s, President Ronald Reagan increased the arms build-up of the United States in an effort to compete with the Soviet Union. Beginning in 1985, following a change in Soviet leadership, Reagan switched his policies to a more diplomatic approach. This was because he believed the new Soviet leader would be easier to work with.
Who was the Soviet leader that came to power in 1985?
A.
Nikita Khrushchev
B.
Vladimir Putin
C.
Mikhail Gorbachev
D.
Joseph Stalin