Attempts to reduce tensions between East and West, 1969-79

Question 1

Détente

Answer 1

A period of peace between two groups that were previously at war, or hostile to each other.
There was one such period in the 1970s.

Question 2

Why did the USA and the Soviet Union follow a policy of détente at this time?

Answer 2

USA:
- wants to focus on ending the Vietnam war
- needs to address social problems that led to large scale rioting in 1968
- building nuclear weapons is expensive
Soviet Union:
- poor living standards
- economy is not developing
- building nuclear weapons is expensive

Question 3

SALT 1

Answer 3

May 1972 - Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty signed saying:
- ABMs were allowed at only two sites
- restrictions on number of ICBMs and SLBMs
- rules for conduct of nuclear warfare (no warheads on seabed)
Weaknesses:
- countries still owned enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other
- did not cover new technology (MIRVs)
Still improved relations - Nixon visited Moscow and Brezhnev visited Washington for talks on SALT 2

Question 4

The Helsinki Accords, 1975

Answer 4

Three ‘baskets’ (aspects):
1. European borders - borders are inviolable, they cannot be altered by force.
2. International cooperation - continuation of work for closer relations between Western and Soviet-controlled countries, including trade agreements, technology exchanges and a joint space mission.
3. Human rights - respect for human rights and individual freedoms such as free speech and religion.
Huge step towards peace, but not entirely happy:
- Soviet Union was happy with first two baskets since it strengthened communist rule.
- USA was happy with last baskets since it weakened communism

Question 5

SALT 2

Answer 5

Another treaty restricting missile launchers and strategic bombers, as well as a ban on testing.
But relations were becoming worse again:
- USA thought they couldn’t trust the Soviet govt. since there was a rise in support for communism.
- Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, bringing détente to an end.