The Soviet Union was destined to collapse. Their backward economy mandated it. President Reagan simply accelerated the process with his bold governing and leadership. However, while he dealt with the ruthless Konstantin Chernenko in a manner deserving of the former head of the KGB (who made Rooty Poot Poot look like a piker), he embraced Mikhail Gorbachev as a man who could pull the Soviets out of their 75-year nightmare.
Indeed. Their were rumours that the Soviets were in such a state of desperation and all out invasion of the US was considered in the early 80s. I really don't know if their is any truth to that?
It is amazing it lasted so long. What's more amazing is how many time socialism has been attempted (by force or by choice) and has failed.