Causes of Detente

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

Period of improved relations between US and USSR. US and USSR aims main reason.

Question 2

Fear of nuclear war

Answer 2

CMC showed MAD. Hotline established encouraging better communications. Less tension as by 1969 USSR had matched nuclear strength of USA - US forced to accept equal threat.

Question 3

US aims

Answer 3

Focused on Vietnam war - had placed over 500,000 troops to contain Communism. Caused huge loss of life, moral and support from own people. Loss respect with NATO too. US exploited Sino-Soviet split with Nixon visiting Mao in 1972 agreeing to rapprochement in relations.

Question 4

USSR aims

Answer 4

Focused on Sino-Soviet split rather than E. Europe. Split erupted due to K’s secret speech which went against Mao’s style of rule, USSR fear of being overthrown as leading Communist power due to Chinese Atomic Bomb in 1964, border conflict in 1969. 2) Due to weapon production, consumer goods had fallen - planned to improve relations to get supplies and tech - 1974-5 - 96% increase in West - USSR trade. State deficit doubled from 57bn to 100bn roubles.

Question 5

Ostpolitik

Answer 5

EU felt in danger due to continued arms race. Willy Brandt - Ostpolitik - West recognised Soviet position in EU, Oder-Neisse Line and Basic Treaty 1972 (FRG recognising GDR as equal sovereign state). Increased trade and coop with eastern countries.