Late Cold War

• What was the main concern of both the USA and the USSR regarding nuclear weapons by the 1970s?


  Both sides wanted to take steps to avoid a nuclear war.
• How did the Vietnam War impact American public opinion in the 1970s?

  Many Americans protested against the war and wanted a less active role in international events.
• What social issues did many Americans want the government to address during the 1970s?

  Americans wanted the government to solve problems like inequality between rich and poor and racial inequality.
• Why did the USSR want to reduce spending on weapons in the 1970s?

  The USSR faced economic problems and wanted to improve living standards.
• What was détente in the 1970s?


  • A relaxation of tensions between the USA and USSR
  • Aimed for a more cooperative and stable relationship
  • Resulted in various agreements and treaties
• What was the purpose of the SALT 1 treaty signed in May 1972?

  To limit the number of nuclear weapons and prevent nuclear war.
• How many ICBMs were allowed for the USA and USSR under SALT 1?

  USA: 1,054 ICBMs; USSR: 1,618 ICBMs.
• What were the main agreements reached in the Helsinki Accords of August 1975?


  European borders could not be changed by force, cooperation in trade and space missions, and respect for human rights.
• What did SALT 2, signed in June 1979, restrict?


  Missile launchers and strategic bombers.
• What was a consequence of SALT 1 regarding the relationship between the USA and USSR?

  It showed both countries wanted to reach agreements and improve relations.
• What were the limitations of SALT 1 despite its agreements?

  Both countries still had enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other, and it did not cover advancements in nuclear technology.
• What was a significant outcome of the Helsinki Accords regarding Germany?

  It was the first time the border between East and West Germany was formally accepted.
• What was the arms race between the USA and the USSR characterized by?

  Both countries had enough nuclear weapons to completely destroy each other.
• What event demonstrated the potential for the USA and USSR to lose control and escalate to nuclear war?

  The Cuban Missile Crisis.
• What steps did both the USA and USSR take by the 1970s to avoid nuclear war?

  They worked to take steps to avoid a nuclear war.
• What was the main goal of the USA in the Vietnam War?


  To stop the spread of communism.
• What were the consequences of the Vietnam War for American society?

  It was expensive and led to the deaths of many American soldiers, causing protests against the war.
• What social issues did many Americans want the government to address during the 1970s?

  Problems such as inequality between rich and poor and racial inequality.
• How would a policy of détente benefit the American government financially?

  It would allow the government to spend less on weapons and more on domestic economic problems.
• What economic issues was the USSR facing in the 1970s?

  The USSR was facing economic problems and wanted to reduce spending on weapons.
• What was détente in the 1970s?


  • A relaxation of tensions between the USA and USSR
  • Aimed at establishing a more cooperative and stable relationship
  • Involved various agreements and treaties
• What was the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty 1 (SALT 1) signed in May 1972?

  It limited the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) each country could have.
• What were the limits set by SALT 1 for the USA and USSR regarding ICBMs and SLBMs?

  USA: 1,054 ICBMs, USSR: 1,410 ICBMs, and both could have 740 SLBMs each.
• What was one of the commitments made by both sides in SALT 1?

  They agreed to make every effort to avoid nuclear war.
• What was the purpose of the Helsinki Accords signed in August 1975?

  To reach agreements on European borders, trade cooperation, and respect for human rights.
• What were the three main areas of agreement in the Helsinki Accords?


  1. European borders could not be changed by force. 2. Cooperation in trade and a joint space mission. 3. Respect for human rights and individual freedoms.
• What was the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty 2 (SALT 2) signed in June 1979?

  It restricted missile launchers and strategic bombers and banned certain types of weapons.
• What were the consequences of SALT 1 and SALT 2?

  • Reduction in tension showed both sides wanted agreements
  • Continuing tension due to remaining nuclear arsenals
  • SALT 1 led to high-level visits between leaders
  • SALT 2 was never formally approved by the USA
• What was the significance of the Helsinki Accords in terms of East and West Germany?


  It was the first time the borders between East and West Germany were formally accepted.
• What was a notable event that occurred as a result of the Helsinki Accords?

  A joint USA-Soviet space mission in 1975.
• What concerns did some American politicians have regarding the Helsinki Accords?

  They were unhappy about recognizing European borders.
• What were the Soviet concerns regarding the Helsinki Accords?

  They were concerned that organizations would be set up to monitor human rights in communist countries.
• What did SALT 2 demonstrate about the USA and USSR's willingness to negotiate?


  It showed that the two superpowers were willing to negotiate on official issues.
• Why did SALT 2 never become official US policy?

  It was never formally approved by the US Senate due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
• What was the Iranian Revolution in April 1979?

  The overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of an Islamic fundamentalist government.
• Why was the Iranian Revolution a concern for the USSR?


  They feared that Islamic fundamentalism could spread into the USSR and influence their Muslim population.
• What was the USSR's strategic interest in Afghanistan following the Iranian Revolution?

  To use Afghanistan as a buffer zone to prevent the spread of Islamic fundamentalism.
• What happened to the pro-Soviet government in Afghanistan in September 1979?


  It was overthrown, and Babrak Kamal became the new leader.
• What challenges did Babrak Kamal face as the new leader of Afghanistan?

  He became increasingly unpopular, and Muslim groups like the mujahideen began to try to overthrow him.
• What was the USSR's concern regarding Babrak Kamal's leadership?

  They heard rumors that Kamal was in talks with the USA about getting American support.