Détente and US-USSR Relations (1965-1979)

Vocabulary practice covering the reasons for and methods of Détente, including arms limitation treaties, internal pressures, and shifting global alliances.

Détente

A period of improved relations and relaxation of tensions between the US and the USSR occurring from approximately $1965$ to $1979$.

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

A long-range missile first launched by the USSR in $1957$, which placed them ahead of the US in the arms race at that time.

US Military Expenditure (1953)

The amount spent on military costs by the US which rose to US$75.4\text{ billion} by $1953$, emphasizing the burden of the armaments race.

USSR Military Expenditure (1967)

The military spending of the Soviet Union which increased to US$80.9\text{ billion} by $1967$, up from US$15.5\text{ billion} in $1950$.

Sino-Soviet split

The breakdown of relations between China and the USSR starting in $1958$, including a border conflict in $1969$, which reduced the perceived communist threat to the US.

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963)

An agreement signed by the US, Britain, and the USSR to stop nuclear testing in the atmosphere, outer space, and under water.

SALT I

The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks held during $1969$-$1972$ where the US and USSR agreed to limit missile systems and nuclear weapons for a period of $5$ years.

SALT II

Negotiations held between $1972$ and $1979$ to further limit nuclear weapons; however, the US refused to sign it after the USSR invaded Afghanistan in late $1979$.

Helsinki Agreement

An accord signed during the $1973$-$1975$ CSCE where Western countries recognized Eastern European boundaries and communist countries promised to respect basic human rights.

Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE)

A meeting involving member states of NATO and the Warsaw Pact occurring between $1973$ and $1975$ to promote co-operation between the two blocs.

Normalization of Sino-American relations

The process of improving ties between the US and China, marked by the PRC joining the UN in $1971$, Nixon's visit in $1972$, and the final establishment of diplomatic relations in $1979$.

Trade Volume (1975)

The total value of trade between the US and USSR which increased from less than US$200\text{ million} in $1970$ to US$2\text{ billion} by $1975$.