An easing of tension

Question 1

What were the two main sources of tension between the two superpowers by the late 1960s?

Answer 1

Vietnam
- USA involvement had grown significantly by the end of the 60s
- the Soviets saw the USA’s actions as an attempt to force is political system on an area that was embracing communism

Human Rights
- the lack of freedom under the USSR caused the West to view he USSR as oppressive
- opposed American ideas of freedom
- the issue did not disappear but Western leaders were reluctant to push the issue to avoid damaging improving relations

Question 2

When was détente and what was it?

Answer 2

• late 1960s to early 70s
• improving East-West relations
• much more dialogue between the leaders
• decreased threat of war

Question 3

What were the 4 main reasons for détente?

Answer 3

• the China-Soviet split
• the nuclear issue
• the lessons of conflict
• the economic issue

Question 4

How did the China-Soviet split bring about détente?

Answer 4

• as relations between Moscow and Beijing deteriorated the USA took the opportunity to build a relationship with t he world second communist power
• in February 1972 Nixon became the first US president to visit China

Question 5

How did the nuclear issue bring about détente?

Answer 5

• the Cuban Missile Crisis had shown that neither side was willing to use nuclear weapons and bring about their own destruction
• there was concern that other, less stable countries could develop nuclear bombs
• East-West cooperation could help limit the spread of the technology

Question 6

How did the lessons of conflict bring about détente?

Answer 6

• the war in Vietnam had shown that nuclear;ear weapons did not help win conventional wars
• neither side wanted war with the other and so talking made sense

Question 7

How did the economic issue bring about détente?

Answer 7

• both countries were spending billions of dollars fighting the cold war
• continuing the arms race would’ve bankrupted the USSR

Question 8

What treaties were signed at the SALT I?

Answer 8

• banning new ballistic missiles
• reducing the number of anti-ballistic missile defence systems that could be built

Question 9

What followed the SALT I?

Answer 9

• talks for SALT II began immediately
• the improved relaxations did not last and the Cold War continues for another 20 years with significant moments of tension, most notably in Africa, the Middle East and Central America