History GCSE
Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI)
What Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) means in History GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI)
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
A proposed system of space-based lasers intended to intercept and destroy incoming Soviet nuclear missiles, announced in 1983 and nicknamed 'Star Wars'.
Topics that use Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI)
- Option P4: Key topic 3: The end of the Cold War, 1970–91 - 2 The end of détente and the ‘Second Cold War’ (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Arms race
- Carter Doctrine
- Cultural Cold War
- Diplomacy
- INF Treaty
- Summit meetings
- The end of détente
- Evil empire
Using Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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