Week 10- New Presidents Flashcards
In 1964, who is Khrushchev replaced by?
Brezhnev
In 1969, who is elected president of the USA?
Nixon
How does Nixon begin to change the US policy?
He begins to change the U.S. policy about fighting for democracy on behalf of pro-west States after continuing failures in Vietnam and changing public sentiment (We’ll just send them some $$$)
Who was Kissinger?
Kissinger was the U.S. national security adviser.
Why do Nixon and Kissinger meet with Brezhnev 3 times and what happens in these meetings?
Nixon and Kissinger meet with Brezhnev 3 times in attempts to improve relations between Soviets & the USA + come to agreements about ‘arms limitations’. Tensions between the USA and Soviets begin to ease. This period of relative calm was known as ‘ dètente.’
What is SALT1?
Nixon and Brezhnev agree to a Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT1) which sets limits on the numbers of missiles either side can have. (1972)
What happens to Nixon in 1975?
1975 Nixon resigns- replaced by Ford
Who was elected president after Ford and what was happening during this time?
Jimmy Carter was elected president. During this time many small proxy wars between capitalist and communist states continue to occur with funding and support from the USA and soviets.
Explain the term “Proxy War” in detail?
A proxy war is a war instigated by a major power which does not become significantly or totally involved itself. Proxy Wars are a way to conduct some armed conflict over clashing ideologies-while also keeping the major power in a more stable and protected “Cold War” situation. Vietnam, Korea and The Bay of Pigs are also examples of types of proxy wars.
What happens when the Soviets invade Afghanistan in an attempt to bring communism to this country?
The USA objects and dètente ends.
What is Ronald Reagan’s approach to the Soviets?
Ronald Reagan calls for a much tougher approach to the Soviets ( cyclical- back to Eisenhower approach+ $$$ fund guerrilla and pro-west groups)
What was Reagan’s SDI Program that he announced in 1983?
SDI stands for Strategic Defence Initiative. The SDI was intended to defend the United States from attack from Soviet ICBMs by intercepting missiles at various phases of their flight. Reagan was determined to maintain the U.S. military advantage by removing the possibility of MAD.
Why was the SDI program unrealistic?
For the interception, the SDI would require extremely advanced technological systems, yet to be developed. Among the potential components of the defence system were both space and earth-based laser battle stations, which, by a combination of methods, would direct their killing beams towards moving soviet targets.
Why did the threat of SDI work?
The soviets feared that the SDI would enable the U.S. To launch a first-strike against them. The soviets immediately increased their military spending to design their own system and improve defences. It became clear that the USSR (and its struggling economy) would not be able to sustain an arms and technology race approach with the USA anymore.
How does JFK die in 1963?
He is assassinated.
