Chapter 18 - The Extent of Detente up to 1979

Question 1

What did the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty involve?

Answer 1

• Limited USSR and USA to constructing 2 fields of ABMs each w/ max 100 missiles
• One could be set up around capital city, other to protect ICBM sites

Question 2

What was the significance of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty?

Answer 2

• Restricted value of ABMs = no competition to further develop ABM defence tech
• Showed that both USA and USSR recognised each other’s destructive power
• Crucial component in curbing race in strategic offensive weapons

Question 3

What were the agreements of The Interim Agreement on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms?

Answer 3

• 1054 ICBMs for USA
• 1618 ICBMs for USSR
• 656 SLBMs for USA
• 740 SLBMs for USSR
• 450 strategic bombers for USA
• 140 strategic bombers for USSR

Question 4

What were the disadvantages of the Interim Agreement?

Answer 4

• Only interim and due to expire in 1977
• No limitations on newly developing tech (especially MIRVs)
• No limits on cruise missile systems

Question 5

What was the significance of SALT?

Answer 5

• Opened war for era of negotiation instead of confrontation
• Accepting SALT agreements = USA accepted nuclear parity between USA and USSR
• US dominance faded = equal status w/ USSR