Afghan Flashcards
(17 cards)
Why might détente have started 12 years earlier?
if the 1960 U-2 spy plane incident hadn’t derailed U.S.-USSR relations.
What ideological belief delayed détente from the Soviet perspective?
The belief that socialism would inevitably triumph over capitalism in a historical and ideological battle.
: How did U.S. domestic politics delay détente?
Politicians gained electoral advantage by attacking communism, making it politically risky to negotiate with the USSR.
How did the end of the Vietnam War affect U.S. foreign policy?
With the U.S. withdrawing troops by 1973–74 and Nixon forced out by Watergate, the U.S. appeared weakened and more open to changing Cold War strategies.
Who replaced Nixon, and what global event marked the U.S. as “defeated”?
Gerald Ford; the fall of Saigon in 1975 symbolized U.S. defeat in Vietnam.
What were the Helsinki Accords?
A major diplomatic agreement to formalize peace in Europe and recognize post-WWII borders.
How did the Helsinki Accords change U.S. views of Eastern Europe?
The U.S. and Western nations effectively recognized the legitimacy of Eastern European borders under Soviet influence.
What was the “Human Rights Basket” in the Helsinki Accords?
A section where the USSR agreed to uphold basic human rights, though there was no enforcement mechanism.
What was Jimmy Carter’s vision for U.S. foreign policy?
A less aggressive approach focused on healing Cold War wounds and emphasizing human rights.
How did Carter incorporate human rights into foreign policy?
By threatening to withhold aid from countries like Nicaragua and Iran if they violated human rights.
What major event in 1979–1980 challenged Carter’s presidency?
The Iran Hostage Crisis, where 52 Americans were held captive for 444 days.
Did Carter maintain criticism of the USSR?
Yes, especially regarding human rights abuses, despite initially softer rhetoric.
: How did the U.S. respond to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?
By funding Afghan mujahideen fighters to resist Soviet forces and ending détente efforts.
What was the global nickname for Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion?
The “Graveyard of Empires,” due to its history of resisting foreign powers.
What was the Committee on the Present Danger (CPD)?
A U.S. political group that criticized Carter for being too lenient on the USSR and advocated for rearmament.
What was Carter’s reaction to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?
He declared the invasion a breach of détente and called for U.S. rearmament.
How did Reagan’s supporters use Afghanistan against Carter?
They claimed the USSR was nearing military supremacy and that Carter was too weak to respond effectively.
