Détente

• What significant events in the 1960s and early 1970s contributed to the emergence of détente?

  The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War
• What was the effect of the Cuban Missile Crisis on superpower relations?

  It had a sobering effect and led to an improvement in relations known as détente.
• What communication improvement was established between Washington and the Kremlin after the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  A hotline was established.
• What was the purpose of the Test Ban Treaty of 1963?


  To show a willingness to address the issue of developing nuclear weapons.
• How did the Six Day War of 1967 affect relations between Arab states and the Soviet Union?

  Arab states were drawn more closely towards the Soviet Union due to US military support for Israel.
• What was the impact of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 on US-Soviet relations?

  It did not endanger Soviet-American relations.
• When did the USA begin sending troops to Vietnam?

  In 1965.
• What was the outcome of the Vietnam War for the USA?

  The USA could not defeat the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong.
• What was the term used to describe Vietnamese communists?

  Viet Cong.
• What was Nixon's strategy called that aimed to link trade and technology improvements to ending the Vietnam War?

  'Linkage.'
• What was Nixon's stance on Vietnam during his visit to Moscow in 1972?

  He did not see Vietnam as an obstacle to détente.
• What significant event occurred in July 1975 related to US-Soviet relations?

  The Apollo-Soyuz mission took place.
• What were the main agreements of SALT I in 1972?

  • Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty: Allowed at only two sites with 100 missiles each.
  • Interim Agreement on Offensive Arms: Five-year freeze on ICBM and SLBM launchers.
• What were the limitations of SALT I?

  It did not limit strategic bombers or MIRVs and allowed satellite verification.
• What triggered the Yom Kippur War in 1973?

  Syria and Egypt launched surprise attacks on Israel.
• What was Nixon's response to Brezhnev's proposal during the Yom Kippur War?

  Nixon put all US forces on alert.
• What were the key outcomes of Nixon's visit to Moscow in July 1974?

  • Agreement to limit and eventually end the arms race.
  • Commitment to remove the danger of war involving nuclear weapons.
  • Development of cooperation in various fields.
• What was the purpose of the Helsinki Agreements in 1975?

  To address security, cooperation, and human rights among nations.
• How did President Jimmy Carter link human rights to US foreign policy?

  He sought to pressure the Soviet Union regarding human rights violations.
• What was the outcome of SALT II negotiations in 1974?

  A limit of 2400 strategic nuclear delivery vehicles for each side.
• Why did the US Senate refuse to ratify SALT II?

  Concerns over verification and the presence of Soviet troops in Cuba.
• What event marked the end of détente in 1979?

  The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
• What significant event occurred on Nixon's last day as president?

  The hostages in Tehran were released.
• What were the main points of the Carter Doctrine?

  • The USA would use military force to protect its interests in the Persian Gulf.
  • It was a response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
• What was the main concern regarding SALT II in the late 1970s?

  Limits could not be verified and there were concerns over Soviet troops in Cuba.
• What event marked the unexpected end of détente in December 1979?

  The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.
• Who became president of the USA in 1977?

  James (Jimmy) Carter.
• What significant agreement did Jimmy Carter help facilitate in 1978-79?

  The Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel.
• What major diplomatic achievement did Carter accomplish in 1979?

  Establishing diplomatic relations with Communist China.
• What event in November 1979 negatively impacted Carter's presidency?

  The seizure of the US embassy in Tehran and hostage crisis.
• When were the US hostages released in relation to Carter's presidency?

  On his last day as president.
• What doctrine did Carter propose following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

  The Carter Doctrine.
• How many leaders did the Soviet Union have between 1982 and 1985?

  Four different leaders.
• Who succeeded Brezhnev as the leader of the Soviet Union?

  Yuri Andropov.
• What was a significant change in leadership with Gorbachev's appointment?

  He was much younger and prepared to adopt drastic policies.
• What realization did Gorbachev come to regarding the Soviet Union's economy?

  The Soviet economy was not as efficient as the American economy.
• What was the impact of the Cold War on the Soviet economy according to Gorbachev?

  It drained wealth and hindered economic development.
• What were the two main reforms Gorbachev introduced to address Soviet issues?

  Perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness).
• What did Gorbachev abandon that marked a significant shift in Soviet policy?

  The Brezhnev Doctrine.
• How did Gorbachev's early interactions with the public reflect his leadership style?

  He engaged directly with citizens and showed a willingness to listen.