in the late 1980s, the new soviet leader, mikhail gorbachev, made an effort to make an ally of the united states to fix world problems caused by the war, with the ultimate aim of eliminating nuclear weapons. however, that did not take place because reagan insisted on having a nuclear missile defence system. the people of the soviet union were divided. some wanted gorbachev to fight harder to eliminate nuclear weapons, but others did not want him to be talking to the united states at all. the mixed feelings created an atmosphere of political infighting, and the people were no longer united behind one goal. also, the communist party started to crumble.