The Rise and Fall of the Détente Era 1963-1984 Flashcards
What has the period after the Cuban Missile Crisis up until 1975 been known as and why?
The ‘Long Peace’ due to a stabilization in relations that amounted to détente
What were US aims for détente?
To stabilize Europe in order to focus on the conflict in Vietnam
What was the USSR distracted by during détente?
Rivalry with China
What did the French and other European powers want to use détente for?
To assert their independence from the superpowers
What did Mao think the Soviets were?
Appeasers of capitalism
What did the Soviets feel the Chinese wanted to do?
Overthrow them as the leading Communist state
Where and when did the Soviets and the Chinese fight?
They fought a Sino-Soviet border conflict in 1969
By 1966, how many US troops were in South Vietnam?
Over 500,000
Why had the US put troops in Vietnam?
To contain the spread of Communism from the North and fought a bitter guerilla war with Vietcong fighters that caused a huge loss of life, morale and support from their own people.
What was NATO’s response to the US putting troops in Vietnam?
They did not support it, so the US lost respect
When did the US pull out of Vietnam, and why?
1972, they had failed to make significant progress
When was South Vietnam finally invaded by the North?
1975
How did the US exploit the Sino-Soviet split and what impact did it have for the USSR?
President Nixon visited Mao in 1972 and agreed to a rapprochement in relations, this made the USSR seek improved relations
When was the Test Ban Treaty signed?
1963
What did the Test Ban Treaty do?
Banned nuclear tests in the atmosphere, underwater and in outer space
Who signed the Test Ban Treaty?
Britain, USA and USSR but not France and China
When was the Non-Proliferation Treaty signed?
July 1968
What did the Non-Proliferation Treaty do?
It meant the countries pledged not to transfer nuclear weapons to other countries or assist their manufacture
Who signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty?
USA, Britain, USSR & FRG
When was SALT (I) signed?
May 1972
What did SALT (I) do?
It froze construction of missile launchers, intercontinental, submarine launched ballistic missiles and long-range bombers
What weapons were allowed in SALT (I)?
The USSR was allowed more missiles as the USA had more MIRV’s that could hit multiple targets. They were only allowed two anti-ballistic missile screens ensuring ‘mutually assured destruction’
