Better notes on Detente Flashcards
(35 cards)
What is détente?
Easing of Cold War tensions between USA and USSR (1967–1979).
When did détente primarily occur?
Late 1960s through the 1970s.
What global event increased the urgency for détente?
Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).
How did the Vietnam War influence US policy towards détente?
US sought to reduce Cold War tensions to focus on Vietnam.
What economic factor motivated détente?
High costs of the arms race strained both superpowers’ economies.
How did the Sino-Soviet split affect détente?
USSR sought better US relations to counterbalance China.
What role did nuclear weapons play in causing détente?
Fear of mutually assured destruction encouraged arms control talks.
How did US domestic politics influence détente?
Public opposition to Vietnam War pushed US towards diplomacy.
What was Nixon’s approach to détente?
Realpolitik; pragmatic diplomacy to manage rivalry.
- Maintaining and enhancing America’s power and influence in the world
- Nixon was willing to engage with communist nations if it served American interests
Who was Henry Kissinger?
US National Security Advisor and Secretary of State; architect of détente.
What was the significance of Nixon’s 1972 visit to Moscow?
Initiated SALT I and symbolized thaw in US-USSR relations.
What did SALT I limit?
Number of ICBMs, SLBMs, and ABM systems.
What is the ABM Treaty?
1972
Agreement limiting anti-ballistic missile systems to maintain nuclear balance.
What was the Outer Space Treaty (1967)?
Banned nuclear weapons in space.
What was the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968)?
Prevented spread of nuclear weapons to non-nuclear states.
What was the Helsinki Accords (1975)?
Agreement recognizing European borders and promoting cooperation and human rights.
What was Ostpolitik?
West Germany’s policy of rapprochement with Eastern Europe during détente.
How did détente affect cultural exchanges?
Increased scientific, educational, and cultural contacts between East and West.
(71’ ping pong diplomacy & IREX which sent soviet post grads to US for study 40 per year)
What role did trade play in détente?
Expanded US-Soviet trade, including grain sales to USSR.
The Soviets quickly exceeded the 750 million credit limit, spending about $1 billion on U.S. grain by the end of 1972 roughly 19 million metric tons, which was about one-fourth of the entire U.S. wheat harvest that year
What was SALT II?
Follow-up arms control negotiations started in 1972 but never ratified.
How did détente reduce the risk of nuclear war?
Through arms control treaties and improved communication.
What diplomatic improvements resulted from détente?
Regular summits and increased dialogue between superpowers.
Did détente end proxy wars?
No; conflicts in Vietnam, Angola, and elsewhere continued.
How did détente impact the economies of the superpowers?
Allowed slowed down military spending and increased trade.
