Detente up to 1979

Question 1

Why was detente pursued by the USSR???

Answer 1

• USSR was in a stronger position to negotiate as nuclear parity
• Soviets wanted to cut military expenditure
• USSR wanted cheap grain and technology from west
• Sino-Soviet split

Question 2

Why was detente pursued by the USA???

Answer 2

• Trade with USSR and Eastern Europe could stimulate the stagnating US economy
• USA wanted soviet help to end Vietnam war

Question 3

SALT I, 1972

Answer 3

• Both sides could only deploy 2 anti-ballistic missile shields.
• USA produced first so undermined MAD

Question 4

The Interim agreement and offensive missiles, 1972

Answer 4

• limited strategic missiles including Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, SLBMs and strategic bombers
• Last 5 years
• Did not cover new technologies like cruise missile systems

Question 5

Moscow Summit (The Basic Principles), 1972

Answer 5

• Accept peaceful coexistence
• Seek disarmament
• Trade with each other

Question 6

Vladivostok Summit, 1974

Answer 6

• Step closer to SALT II
• Equalise stockpiles of ICBMs and SLMB launchers
• Disagreed if surface to air missiles should include cruise missiles
• Carter and Brezhnev disagreed over US proposals for the reduction in launchers and missiles and testing of new ICBMs and cruise missile reductions
• Carter pressured to pursue more ambitions arms reduction programme. Rejected because disproportionate reduction in Soviet weapons

Question 7

Vienna Summit, 1979

Answer 7

• SALT II
• Reduction in launchers of ICBMs SLBMs and ABMSs
• Agreed to limit heavy bombers equipped with cruise missiles

Question 8

Ostpolitik

Answer 8

• West German leader Willy Brandt wanted to increase contact between Eastern and Western blocs of germany
• Signed the Moscow Treaty (1970) and the Basic Treaty (1972) therefore recognising the boarders between East and West Germany
• Brought German reunification closer
• Eastern bloc welcomed increased trade and access to western technology

Question 9

Helsinki Accords, 1975

Answer 9

• International agreement that recognised the boarders settled after WWII
• Leaders agreed to technology and trade exchanges and gave a commitment to respect human rights but not legally enforced

Question 10

Arms race continued

Answer 10

• Soviet refusal to stop deployment of SS-20 missiles in Europe
• Carter activated a new weapons programme in 1978 and introduced stealth bomber
• Urged NATO members to increase military expenditure
• Detente ended with Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (Dec 1979)