1970s Detente (1 gen 1970 anni – 24 feb 1979 anni)

Descrizione:

Background
• After the humiliation of the Vietnam war, the USA mad an effort to improve relations further with the USSR and China.
Signs of easing relationship
• The arms race was expensive: both sides knew that money for nuclear weapons could be spent better elsewhere, especially in the USSR.
• President Nixon knew Vietnam conflict had to cease due to increasing domestic distaste – as well as making the US more isolationist. The USA would leave Vietnam in 1974.
• The USSR and China had a souring relationship (Sino-Soviet Split). His meant the USA found it easier to establish relations with the PRC and Nixon would visit in 1972. With the USA close with China – the USSR sought to improve relations with the US.
• In 1972, Nixon would meet with Brezhnev in Moscow. During this visit the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks took place – leading to SALT 1.
1972
- SALT 1
• Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty 1.
• Nixon and Brezhnev, in Moscow.
• Importance:
• Slowed down arms race.
• Showed improvement in relations.
• Would lead to further improvements like the Helsinki Conference and SALT 2.
• Limitations:
• Did not cover intermediate-range nuclear weapons.
• Slowed down the arms race yet both sides still had enough nuclear weapons to destroy the planet.
• Agreement between USSR and USA to limit the number of nuclear weapons they had.
 USA to around 1000 ICBMs, and the USSR to around 1500 ICBMs.
 USA to 41 Nuclear Subs, USSR to 42 Nuclear Subs.
 Can scrap old weapons and make new ones.
 Five-year delay in building more missiles.
1975
- Helsinki Accords / Agreements
• Helsinki conference focused on security and co-operation in Europe. The agreements made at said conference are the Helsinki Accords.
• Signed by USA, USSR and nearly all European nations.
• Current borders of European countries could not be changed or violated and no country could interfere in the affairs of another country – with all disputes solved peacefully.
• Promoted trade between East and west – USA purchases Soviet oil and the Soviets purchased US grain; also, there would be scientific co-operation.
• Respect human rights such as freedom of speech and free movement.
• NOT ABOUT WEAPONS.
• Problems:
• Soviet Union continued to apply Brezhnev Doctrine.
• Eastern Bloc countries did not uphold the human rights agreement.
- Apollo-Soyuz Mission
• Joint mission between USA and USSR – their crafts docked in space and astronauts shook hands.
• July.
• Significant as it was the first time the USA and USSR had cooperated in space instead of competing.
• Slowed down space race.
1979
- SALT 2
• Second round of talks to limit the use of multi-warhead missiles.
• June.
• In Vienna, between Carter and Brezhnev.
• Limitations:
• Did not reduce overall numbers each nation had.
• Reactions:
• Some US politicians believed it gave too much to the USSR.
• West German politicians believed it made the USA less likely to use nuclear weapons to defend West Germany.
• Agreements:
• Further reductions in nuclear weapons until 1985, limiting number of long-range missiles.
• USA and USSR would have equal limit of 2,400 missile launchers and strategic bombs.
• New types of ICBMs were banned from testing or deployment.
• Ultimately, the US senate would refuse to sign SALT 2 after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

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