Ronald Reagan Fact # 19

In 1985, the Reagan administration's support for anti-communist forces in the Third World had gained such prominence and permanency that it became known colloquially as the Reagan Doctrine.

The Reagan Doctrine espoused providing assistance to groups fighting governments that had aligned themselves with the Soviet Union.

The Reagan Doctrine meant that there were several anti-communist movements across three continents that were to receive both covert and overt American economic and military assistance and political encouragement in the fight against communism.

The congressional prohibition on aid to rebel forces in Angola was also formally rescinded in this legislation.