Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty (SALT 1)

• 1a.Signed May 1972
• 2a. Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty stated that ABMs were only allowed at two sites – 100 missiles max in each.
• 3a. Interim Treaty – USA was allowed 1,054 ICBMs (inter continental ballistic missiles) and 740 SLBMs (submarine-launched ballistic missiles); USSR was allowed 1,618 ICBMs and 740 SLBMs.
• 4a. The Basic Principles Agreement – rules for conducting nuclear war such as banning warheads on seabed. Steps set out for avoiding nuclear war such as exercising restraint when needed.
• 1b. It is unlikely that this signed bit of paper would have actually avoided nuclear war.
• 2b. Despite the imposed restrictions, both sides had enough nuclear weapons to destroy the planet several times over.
• 3b. It did not cover the latest technology such as multiple independent targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).
• 4b. It allowed USA and USSR demonstrate publicly better relations.
• 5b. Nixon visited Brezhnev in Moscow and Brezhnev visited Washington in 1973, setting up negotiations for SALT 2 in 1974.
• When was the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty signed?

  May 1972
• What did the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty allow regarding missile sites?

  ABMs were allowed at two sites only
• How many missiles were allowed at each site under the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty?

  100 missiles max in each
• What was the missile limit for the USA under the Interim Treaty?

  1,054 ICBMs and 740 SLBMs
• What was the missile limit for the USSR under the Interim Treaty?

  1,618 ICBMs and 740 SLBMs
• What did the Basic Principles Agreement ban regarding nuclear war?

  It banned warheads on the seabed
• What steps did the Basic Principles Agreement set out to avoid nuclear war?

  • Exercise restraint when needed
  • Rules for conducting nuclear war
• Why is it unlikely that the signed treaties would have avoided nuclear war?

  It was just a signed piece of paper
• What was a significant consequence of the imposed restrictions on nuclear weapons?

  Both sides had enough weapons to destroy the planet
• What technology was not covered by the treaties?

  Multiple independent targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRVs)
• What did the treaties allow the USA and USSR to demonstrate publicly?

  Better relations between the two countries
• Who visited Moscow in 1973?

  Nixon visited Brezhnev
• Who visited Washington in 1973?

  Brezhnev visited Nixon
• What negotiations were set up in 1974?

  Negotiations for SALT 2