Tensions increased when the US announced they would deploy Pershing II missiles in West Germany, followed by Reagan's announcement of the US Strategic Defense Initiative, and were further exacerbated in 1983 when Reagan branded the Soviet Union an "evil empire".
Tensions increased. They would deploy Pershing II missiles in West Germany. This was what the US announced. West Germany is followed by Reagan's announcement of the US Strategic Defense Initiative. Tensions were further exacerbated in 1983. Reagan branded the Soviet Union an "evil empire".