Detente And The Search For World Peace Flashcards
What does Détente mean?
Reduction in tension
Détente refers to the easing of strained relations, especially in a political context.
What was the purpose of the hotline set up after the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Improved communication
The hotline was established to facilitate direct communication between the leaders of the USA and USSR.
What is Linkage in the context of Nixon’s policy?
Nixon’s policy to offer concessions
Linkage aimed to connect diplomatic negotiations with other issues, such as arms control.
Who did Nixon visit in 1972 to improve relations?
China and Moscow
These visits were significant in opening diplomatic relations with China and easing tensions with the USSR.
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?
USSR would put down any attempted uprisings against communism
This doctrine justified Soviet intervention in countries where communism was threatened.
What did the SALT treaty aim to achieve?
Limit the production of short-range missiles
SALT stands for Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, which sought to prevent the escalation of the arms race.
What significant event occurred in 1975 regarding the USSR?
Helsinki Agreements were signed
The agreements aimed to improve relations between the communist bloc and the West.
What was the significance of the 1971 American Ping Pong team’s visit to China?
First US citizens to visit since 1949
This visit symbolized a thaw in US-China relations.
What happened in Afghanistan in 1978?
Communist revolution occurred
This revolution led to increased tensions and the eventual Soviet invasion.
What was the Carter Doctrine?
Promised military aid to nations bordering Afghanistan
This doctrine was a response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
What was President Reagan’s approach to the USSR?
Adopted an even firmer approach, calling it ‘Evil Empire’
Reagan’s rhetoric marked a significant escalation in Cold War tensions.
What was the Star Wars initiative?
Nuclear Umbrella with lasers in space to intercept missiles
Officially known as the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), it aimed to protect the US from missile attacks.
Who was Gorbachev?
Last leader of the USSR
Gorbachev implemented significant reforms that contributed to the end of the Cold War.
What does Perestroika refer to?
Economic reforms
Perestroika aimed to restructure the Soviet economy to improve efficiency and productivity.
What is Glasnost?
Censorship of press relaxed
Glasnost promoted transparency and openness in government and society.
What was the outcome of the Geneva Conference in November 1985?
Arms race with the USA ended
This conference marked a significant step towards reducing nuclear arsenals.
What was the significance of the Malta Conference in 1989?
Bush Sr. and Gorbachev declared the Cold War over
This conference symbolized the thawing of relations and the end of decades of tension.
What was the Sinatra Doctrine?
Members of Warsaw Pact could make changes without threat of USSR invasion
This doctrine reversed the Brezhnev Doctrine, allowing for more autonomy among Eastern European nations.
What event occurred on November 9, 1989, in Germany?
East German government announced opening of border crossings into West Germany
This event led to the dismantling of the Berlin Wall.
What happened in January 1979 in Iran?
Reza Pahlavi was forced to abdicate
His abdication led to the establishment of a theocratic regime under Khomeini.
What was the outcome of the failed rescue attempt in April 1980?
Failed to rescue hostages at US Embassy in Tehran
The failed operation highlighted the difficulties the US faced during the Iran Hostage Crisis.
What military action did the USA take in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait?
Military action to remove Iraqis from Kuwait
This operation was part of the Gulf War and was successful by February 1991.