Section 5 - Detente Flashcards
What were the origins of detente from the US perspective?
US wanted to end Vietnam war they hoped improved relations would decrease Soviet help for N Vietnam
US economy was beginning to stagnate. Leaders wanted to reduce defence spending to promote econ growth thru trade with E Eu and SU
US could invest onto its own domestic issues
What were the origins of detente from the Soviet perspective?
SU had achieved relative nuclear parityso could negotiate from position of strength.
SU had economic problems approx 1/6 of the side of US economy so wanted reduce military spending
Soviet leaders wanted to buy cheap grain from the West
Soviet leaders wanted access to superior Western tech
Soviet relations with China had deteriorated and this weakened communist bloc
What was the significance of the Moscow summit? When was it?
In 1972, it showed the leaders of the 2 superpowers were committed to working together hence. SALT I and SALT 2
What were the agreements reached in SALT I treaty?
The ABM Treaty reduced tension caused by destabilising impact & defence systems. US and SU agreed to a limit of 2 ABM systems each one for capital city and one to protect their nuclear missiles.
Interim Treaty on offensive nuclear missiles which would expire in1977 limits placed on ICBM & SLBM’s - SU:1618 and US:1054 as they had a lead in Strategic bombers. Imp step but omitted tech development.
The Basic Principles Agreement made some imp rules for conduct of nuclear warfare. Seabed Pact 1971 - banned placing of warheads in the seabed.
Minimised development of nuclear war - powers promised to do their ‘upmost to avoid military confrontation’
What were the problems with SALT I treaties?
Each power retained enough power to destroy the other several time..
Nevertheless indicated desire to move away from dangerous confrontation.
When was SALT 2?
Signed in 1979
What were the problems with SALT 2 treaties?
It set = limits for missile launches & strategic bombers but left our cruise missiles (US had significant lead)
What were the domestic problems facing the treaty?
Right wing senators saw all arms control as way of allowing the USSR to catch up to their weaponry.
Led by senator Jackson they were too string for ford to ignore.
What happened in 1977 when Carter I regards to SALT II?
He attempted to restart negotiations to reduce the no. SU missiles.
But wasn’t until 1979 that precise figures could be agreed and the SALT II treaty signed by Carter and Brezhnev.
What were the problems facing SALT II?
It was highly technical and hard to understand.
US public opinion was turning against arms control.
Increasing conflict in the 3rd world eg afghan, Iran & Angola led up rejection of SALT II in 1980
When was the Helsinki accords signed?
1975
What was agreed on in the Helsinki accord?
Basket 1 - borders of EU were inviolable so countries accepted existence of soviet bloc. - ton of criticism from right wing in the USA.
Basket 2 - trade and tech exchange to promote links across iron curtain
Basket 3 - contained the concessions the W had tried to gain from the SU. It inc agreement to accept human rights. - US hoped this would undermine the hold of Soviet regimes in E Eu
Evidence that development to Détente came from more than just the superpowers?
The policy of Ostopolik by Willy Brandt
What role did Brandt play in the Ostopolik?
His signing of the Treaty of Moscow in 1970 & basic principles in 1972 accepting existing borders btwn E & W this it him was opening a dialogue with E Ger in hope of a reunification.
Why did Eastern bloc countries welcome Ostopolik?
It would help improve trading relations with the W
It would give them access to W tech
