7. Search For World Peace Since 1970- Whats The USA's Role Been In It? Flashcards
What is detente
An attempt to reduce tension between USA and ussr
Reasons for detente
USA wanted improved relations with both ussr and china.
Reduce risk of nuclear war.
Reduce massive cost of the arms race.
The Brezhnev doctrine- ussr would put down any attempted uprisings/attempts to rebel against communism.
What were the SALT I and II treaties and when. Why was it important?
Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty- 1972 Nixon visited Moscow to improve relations between USA and USSR.
SALT I meant no further production of short range missiles.
Important as it was the first agreement between superpowers to successfully limit number of nuclear weapons they held.
SALT II ban on construction of land based missiles but voided by soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979
When and what was the Helsinki agreement
1975, aimed to promote understanding and confidence between people of USA and ussr.
USA and USSR along w 33 other nations made declarations like:
USA recognised Eastern Europe frontiers and ussr accepted existence of west Germany.
Each agreed to respect basic human rights including freedoms of though, speech, religion and unlawful arrest.
Agreements to work towards closer economic, scientific and cultural links.
(Generally closer links between nations)
Why did relations between us and china improve by 1972
Relations between USSR and china strained, Nixon hoped to exploit this split. China also desired more friendly relations with USA.
Ping pong diplomacy- in 1971 Chinese table tennis team invited us team to china, proved successful and set scene for improved relations between countries- April 71 USA lifted 21 year trading embargo with china.
1972 Nixon became 1st USA president to visit china- improved trading links
When and why did the soviet invade Afghanistan
1979, Brezhnev concerned about growing power & spread of Islamic fundamentalism.
Communist party overthrew afghan gov in 1978, lots of political instability because of anti-Muslim policies. Many afghan Muslims join mujahdeen and declared a jihad (holy war) on amin government.
Why did president carter adopt a firm approach
He was alr under pressure for seizure of hostages in us embassy in Iran- accused of being a weak leader.
He also believed it would improve relations with china, who also opposed USSRs invasion of Afghanistan
What was carters firm approach
Carter doctrine- promised military aid to all nations bordering Afghanistan,
Us companies forbidden to trade high tech goods with USSR,
Carter pressured us olympic team to boycott 1980 Moscow olympics,
What was his approach and what did Reagan do when he became president in 1980
Took an even firmer approach than carter. He had no interest in detente and instead decided to confront the ussr head on.
Vastly increased defence budget and in 1983 scientists began work on the strategic defence initiative(SDI)/ ‘star wars’ programme- developing satellites with lasers that would destroy soviet missiles in space before they cld hit the USA
Why was the SDI/‘Star wars’ programme a turning point in the Cold War
USSR had a weakening economy and so no longer had the money to fund more defence spending to keep up with the USA.
When did Gorbachev become leader of USSR and what did he realise
1985, realised the limitations of communism and how the ussr couldn’t compete with USA in the arms race so started the process of reform which included more friendly relations with USA.
What two terms define Gorbachev rule + meanings
Glasnost(openness)- censorship of press relaxed and a general “opening up” of the soviet state.
Perestroika(restructuring)-reforms to combat poor economic performance. Soviet economy remade to embrace elements of capitalism to make the economy more efficient.
When and what was the Geneva accord
Nov 1985- ended arms race between USA&USSR
It was clear Reagan and Gorbachev got on well, the two agreed to meet in the near future (Washington in 1987)
When and what happened in the meeting in Washington
1987, led to the signing of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) where both leaders agreed to destroy all media, and short range weapons in Europe in 3 years. Was the 1st treaty to reduce the number of nuclear missiles superpowers had.
When and what was the Malta conference
198, bush snr and Gorbachev announce Cold War is over
