3.1 - Attempts To Reduce Tension Between The East and The West, 1969-79 Flashcards
What policy did the USA and Soviet Union embrace after the Cuban Missile Crisis?
The policy of détente.
Why did the US follow the policy of détente?
The US wanted to focus on : ending the Vietnam War; needs to address social problems that led to large-scale rioting in 1968; building nuclear weapons is expensive and this money can be utilised for other purposes.
Why did the Soviet Union follow the policy of détente?
The Soviet Union wanted to focus on : improving poor living standards; economy not developing; building nuclear weapons is expensive which could be used to improve the economy.
Who was elected in the USA which also supported the policy of détente?
In 1968, Nixon was elected president and he was determined to take his country out of the Vietnam War which had cost the USA billions of dollaes and resulted in the deaths of almost 60,000 American soldiers.
Describe the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT 1) (agreements set out).
- Signed in May 1972
- The treaty set out agreements in three areas:
The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty stated that ABMs were allowed at only two sites.
The Interim Treaty placed restrictions on the number of ICBMs and SLBMs each country could have.
The Basic Principles Agreement laid down rules for the conduct of nuclear warfare and set out steps for avoiding nuclear war. Eg both countries agreed to excerise restraint in their relations.
- Had a significant impact on international relations.
Describe the weaknesses of SALT 1.
- If nuclear war looked likely, it wasn’t going to actually stop war between the two super powers as they had enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other.
- Did not cover latest technological development, multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).
When was the Helsinki Conference?
1975
What did the Helsinki Accords produce? Explain in detail.
Three baskets - agreed greater co-operation of:
- European Borders : Borders are inviolable which was significant because this was the first time the boundaries between East and West were formally accepted.
- International co-operation : Work for closer relation between the East and the West e.g trade agreements, technology exchanges and a joint space mission.
- Human Rights : Individual freedoms such as free speech, religion and free movement should be respected across Europe. USA pleased with this extension of human rights into the Soviet Union would undermine communist authority and weaken the power of the Soviet Union.
What was the impact of the Helsinki Accords (three baskets)?
Made the high point of détente and stabilised the USA and Soviet Union’s relationship for the time being.
What were the Soviets pleased with from the Helsinki Accords?
Soviets happy with first and seconds baskets as they gave recognition of existing borders and an oppurtunity to boost the Soviet economy. American politicians unhappy about this.
What were the Americans pleased with from the Helsinki Accords?
US wanted an extension of human rights into Soviet controlled territories, which would undermine communist authority and weaken the power of the Soviet Union.
Soviets concerned that organisations would be set to monitor Soviet policies in it’s satellite states.
Describe SALT 2.
- President Carter (US) and President Brezhnev (Soviet Union) signed an agreement which included restrictions on missile launchers and strategic bombers, as well as a ban in testing or deploying new types of ICBM.
- However, withdrawn before it could be ratified due to breakdown of relations.
Why were the improved relations between the Soviet Union and the USA starting to fade?
- Growing belief amongst the American government that the Soviet government could not be trusted - increase in Soviet support for communist groups.
- In 1979, Islamic militants captured American embassy in Tehran and many Americans wanted to see an end to détente.
- Advisers in President Carter’s own administration called for a stronger stance to be taken against the Soviets.
- Finally, in December 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, bringing the period of détente to an end.
