CNN Cold War, Episode 22: Star Wars - 1980-1988 on AllMovie

With WWII at an end, the world soon faced a new challenge widely known as the Cold War. In 24 episodes, this series chronicles this war of ideologies, from its inception in the late '40s until the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. some 40 years later. With Europe and Japan absorbed in rebuilding their cities and economies, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the world's superpowers and standard bearers for incompatible political philosophies. Capitalism or Communism: The line was drawn in the sand. This episode examines the Star Wars program, instituted by President Ronald Reagan, which expanded the arms race into space. The program also shows how Reagan and Soviet Premier Gorbachev made history at summit talks by agreeing to limit nuclear armament.