Détente 1969-79

• What does the term 'détente' mean in a Cold War context?

  Détente means to pursue a period of peace between two hostile countries.
• Why was the 1970s considered a perfect opportunity to improve US-Soviet relations?

  Both countries had significant nuclear arsenals and faced domestic challenges.
• How many nuclear warheads did the US possess by 1967?

  31,255 nuclear warheads.
• How many nuclear warheads did the Soviet Union have by 1967?

  Approximately 8,400 nuclear warheads.
• What was one of the causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  The stockpiling of nuclear weapons by both the USA and the Soviet Union.
• What does the term 'Mutually Assured Destruction' (MAD) mean?

  It means that both the USA and the Soviet Union recognized they had enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other.
• How did the nuclear arms race affect the leaders of the USA and the Soviet Union?

  It distracted them from serious domestic concerns.
• What major event in the 1980s affected Cold War tensions?

  Cold War tensions resumed significantly.
• What was the state of US-Soviet relations since 1945?

  US-Soviet relations had been tense and competitive.
• When did Cold War tensions peak?

  In 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
• Why did the USA and the Soviet Union need détente by the 1970s?

  To prevent Cold War tensions from escalating to levels seen during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
• What were the key components of the 'relaxation' of US-Soviet relations during détente?

  • Mutual reduction of nuclear weapons
  • Establishment of respect and trust between the two countries
• What domestic issues motivated the USA to pursue détente in the 1960s?

  The USA was involved in the Vietnam War and faced severe racial tensions.
• Who became the President of the United States in 1968?

  Richard Nixon.
• How much did the USA spend on its military in 1968?

  $84 billion.
• What was the public sentiment towards the Vietnam War in the USA?

  The Vietnam War was very unpopular, leading to mass protests.
• What social issue in the USA was exacerbated by the assassination of Martin Luther King?

  The lack of civil rights for Black Americans and resulting street conflicts.
• What was the state of the Soviet Union's economy by the end of the 1960s?

  The Soviet Union's economy was poor.
• What was the impact of the Five Year Plans on the Soviet economy?

  The Five Year Plans did not help to improve the Soviet Union's economy.
• How did the quality of consumer goods in the Soviet Union compare to that of the USA?

  The Soviet Union produced very poor quality consumer goods compared to the USA.
• What percentage of its GDP did the Soviet Union spend on its defense budget?

  20% of its GDP.
• Why did the Soviet Union see an opportunity to pursue better relations with the USA by the 1970s?

  The Vietnam War demonstrated that an enemy could defeat the US army.
• Who was elected Chancellor of West Germany in 1969?

  Willy Brandt.
• What does 'Ostpolitik' mean?

  Ostpolitik means 'Eastern Policy'.
• How did Ostpolitik impact US-Soviet relations?

  Ostpolitik had a positive impact on US-Soviet relations.
• What was the significance of Nixon and Kissinger's visit to the Soviet Union in 1973?

  It marked the commitment of both countries to the process of détente.
• What were the key themes of Superpower Relations during the détente period?

  • Cold War tensions
  • US-Soviet relations
  • Reduction in tension between the USA and the Soviet Union
• What was the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT)?

  SALT attempted to reduce the amount and types of nuclear weapons available to the USA and Soviet Union.
• When was SALT 1 signed?

  SALT 1 was signed on 26th May 1972.
• What were the key areas of weapons limitation in SALT 1?

  1. Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty: Restricted ABMs to 100 across two sites.
  2. Interim Treaty: Limited ICBMs and SLBMs for both countries.
  3. Basic Principles Agreement: Developed actions to avoid nuclear warfare.

  
• What was a major criticism of SALT 1?

  SALT 1 did not cover newer forms of nuclear technology.
• What was the purpose of SALT 2?

  SALT 2 aimed to resolve issues not covered by SALT 1 and continue reducing nuclear weapons.
• When was SALT 2 signed?

  SALT 2 was signed on 18th June 1979.
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of SALT 2?

  Strengths:

  • Covered the latest nuclear technology.
  • Attempted to improve upon SALT 1.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Never received ratification from the US Senate.
  • Was never upheld by either country.

  
• What world events impacted the success of SALT 2?

  The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and increased aggression from the Soviet government.
• What marked the end of détente?

  The Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979.
• What is the importance of the SALT agreements for Cold War tensions?

  • SALT 1 reduced Cold War tensions by introducing restrictions on nuclear weapons.
  • SALT 1 aimed to bring transparency about nuclear capabilities.
  • SALT 1 focused on building trust between the USA and the Soviet Union.

  
• What should students remember about the narrative skill tested in the Superpower Relations exam?

  Students should remember the chain of impacts in their answers regarding SALT agreements.
• What was the focus of the treaty mentioned in the study material?

  Older weaponry
• How did the treaty impact Cold War tensions?

  It reduced Cold War tensions by building trust between the USA and the Soviet Union