Détente Flashcards
What does “détente” mean?
Easing of tensions.
Why did the USA want détente? Give 3 reasons.
1) Wanted to focus on ending the Vietnam war 2) Needed to address social problems that led to large-scale riots in 1968 3) Nuclear weapons expensive
Why did the USSR want détente?
The economy was not developing, because all its funds were being diverted to nuclear weaponry. Living standards were poor.
Why did both the USA and USSR want détente?
Despite their many differences, they agreed that the arms race had threatened the world with a risk of nuclear war - they each had enough powerful weapons to lead to complete destruction of the other. Events in Berlin, Cuba and Czechoslovakia had shown the close proximity of war. Both Superpowers saw it as in their interests to reduce the tension between them.
What does “SALT” stand for?
Strategic arms limitation treaty.
When was SALT 1 signed?
1972.
Who was leader of the USA at the time SALT 1 was signed? What was their goal for their presidency?
Nixon. He had a personal aim to win the Nobel Peace Prize; he wanted to ease tensions without damaging the USA’s prestige.
Name the 3 key agreements made as part of SALT 1.
1) Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty
2) Interim Treaty
3) Basic Principles Agreement
What did the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty state?
Ballistic missiles only allowed at 2 sites, with a max of 100 at each.
What did the Interim Treaty do?
It put restrictions on the number of ICBMs (inter-continental ballistic missiles) that each Superpower could have.
What did the Basic Principles Agreement do?
It laid out a set of rules dictating where missiles could and could not be placed. For example, none could be placed on the seabed, or on submarines.
When were the Helsinki accords signed?
1975
Which countries signed the Helsinki accords?
33 nations, from the Warsaw Pact and NATO.
The Helsinki accords were in what 3 “baskets”?
1) European borders 2) International cooperation 3) Human rights.
What was agreed in basket 1 (borders) of the Helsinki accords?
Borders between East and West Germany formally agreed. It was now illegal for either side to force a change in these borders or invade the other’s territory.
