The thaw and move towards detente Flashcards
The hotline
- A direct communications line between the US and the USSR, to prevent any miscommunication between the two countries.
- Established after the near-disastrous Cuban missile crisis happened
The limited test ban treaty
A treaty that prevented initially the US, USSR and the UK from carrying out nuclear weapon tests ‘in the atmosphere, underwater, or in outer space, or in any other environment if the explosion would cause radioactive debris to be present outside the borders of the state conducting the explosion.
The limited test ban treaty - effects
The limited test ban treaty bettered the relations between the superpowers, at least in the public eye. It showed that the two superpowers were willing to cooperate to ensure a safe and secure world, free from more war and suffering.
The limited ban treaty also deterred the production of nuclear bombs as countries wouldn’t be as keen to test these weapons of mass destruction in the domestic ground (or if they did it could pose as a threat to one’s countries own population and cause discontent) this meant that the threat of more nuclear bombs being produced was diminished and the tensions between the US and the USSR due to arms race somewhat subsided.
The outer space treaty -
- Put in place regulations on the exploration of outer space which stopped the arms race from spreading
- Examples of terms: no nuclear bombs in outer space, space exploration were to be carried out for benefit of all countries, and the moon/other celestial bodies should be used only for peaceful purposes.
The outer space treaty - effects
-The limited test ban treaty bettered the relations between the superpowers, at least in the public eye. It showed that the two superpowers were willing to cooperate to ensure a safe and secure world, free from more war and suffering. Moreover as now space exploration was officially for the benefit of all countries, it gave a common goal t
The outer space treaty - effects
- The limited test ban treaty bettered the relations between the superpowers, at least in the public eye. It showed that the two superpowers were willing to cooperate to ensure a safe and secure world, free from more war and suffering. Moreover as now space exploration was officially for the benefit of all countries, it gave a common goal to the US and USSR to work towards which improved relations.
- The treaty also prevented the arms race from spreading to outer space which would’ve forcefully obliged both countries to invest even more heavily in space technologies which would further deplete the economies of both countries. This thus lowered tensions as both superpowers became better off economically and weren’t under constant competition with the other.
Non-proliferation treaty
- A further step by the major powers to reduce the spread of nuclear weapons.
- Treaty divided countries into 2 categories: nuclear weapon state (NWS) and non-nuclear weapon states(NNWS)
- NWS declared that they would play no part in helping other countries develop these weapons and that they would work towards disarmament.
- NNWS also agreed to not be involved in developing nuclear weapons.
Non-proliferation treaty - effects
-Improved relations between the nations that had a monopoly on nuclear weapons. As stated by the treaty, NWS would have to work towards disarmament which means countries would not have to worry as much about other powers developing more nuclear weapons than them and feel less inclined to build more of their own - preventing a recurring cycle that develops into an arms race and increases the tension.
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Reasons for detente - US
- The US was suffering heavy losses and expenses in the Vietnam war in addition to the fact that they weren’t winning, more than 60000 soldiers had died, and 170 billion were invested. Countries around the world did not agree with the US’ policy of military intervention and protests erupted within the US itself opposing the war. This meant that the cold war with the USSR may not be as affordable anymore.
- Newly elected president Richard Nixon also had concerns for China which was a communist country that possessed nuclear weapons. Although relations were poor between China and the USSR, Nixon was concerned that if the two communist countries came to an agreement, they could become a grave threat to the security of the US.
Reasons for detente -USSR
- The Soviets wanted detente and thought this was the best time to initiate the idea as they were no equal in nuclear weapons to the US and therefore had much more negotiating power. The failure of the Vietnam war suggested to the Soviets that the Americans may be keener on cooperation and better relations. And perhaps under these circumstances, the US could recognise Soviet prowess and control over Eastern Europe.
- The Soviet Union’s economy was declining, it was spending an abundant amount on its defence/military budget - up to 30% of its GDP compared to 13% being spent by the US. The Soviets were also falling behind in new technologies and thought that with relaxation fo tensions, the US would potentially share some of these technologies, or more of the GDP could be invested in developing the economy.
Detente - the role of China - Relations between China and the USSR.
- Despite signing a Sino-Soviet treaty of friendship in 1949 tensions were worsening between the two countries.
- Chinese delegates had been treated badly on their trip to Moscow and Mao was offended. Moreover, after a visit to Beijing by Krushchev, Krushchev publically criticized Mao’s reforms and Mao later accused KRushchev of cowardice with regards to the Cuban missile crisis.
- Mao and China, therefore, decided to adopt a more cooperative approach to the US.
Detente - China and the US relations
-By 1969, both countries desired a better relationship, and after a few ping pong matches in which Americans were invited to the US to play, relations improved gradually.
Henry Kissinger, the US secretary of state visited China and met with the Chinese prime minister. He established good relations with China and later negotiated the Strategic Arms Limitation treaty (SALT 1).
Detente - Ospolitik
- New German Chancellor was elected and he wanted to ease tension in Europe by establishing links between East and WEst - known as Ospolitik.
- Other countries followed his lead, and better relations ensued between East and West which contributed to Detente.
Detente - SALT 1
Agreement between USA and USSR called the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty.
Key areas:
- Anti-Ballistic missile treaty: Treaty stated that Anti Ballistic missile could only be placed in two sites in each country with a maximum of 100 missiles each.
-The interim treaty placed restrictions on the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
-The basic principles agreement laid down rules for the conduct of nuclear warfare. To prevent the spread of Nuclear weapons, it banned the placing of warheads on the sea bed. Set other measures to prevent Nuclear war.
SALT 1 effects
- Significant impact on international relations and the image of the US and the USSR. It was a symbolic show that both countries were working towards a deescalating of tensions, and were actively trying to improve the relations between the two countries, moreover, there was face to face talks and negotiation between the leaders of the two countries with them both making visits to the opposite country. This significantly reduced the threat of nuclear war which would affect internationally countries all around the world and made it clear to all the countries that the US and the USSR were trying to reduce it.
- The SALT 1 also improved relations between the superpowers themselves, many of the agreements in SALT 1 limited many of the weapons that could cause deleteriously harm the other country, this reduced the tensions significantly. Moreover, both countries were also happy with the fact that they now, with the limitations in place have less incentive to develop more weapons and keep up with the opposition, meaning they could instead spend money on other things that would be more beneficial to their economy and with dealing with more domestic affairs.
