chapter 13-15 coldwar

second nuclear war

The potential conflict involving the use of nuclear weapons during the Cold War, following the original nuclear bombings in World War II. It encompassed various crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis that heightened fears of nuclear escalation. The term refers to tensions and confrontations that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, driven by ideological conflicts between the United States and the Soviet Union.

nuclear parity

A situation in which two or more nations possess equal nuclear capabilities, thereby deterring full-scale conflicts and maintaining a balance of power during the Cold War. This concept was crucial in the strategy of deterrence, as it prevented either side from launching an attack due to fear of mutual destruction.

SALT I and II

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, agreements between the US and the USSR aimed at curbing the arms race by limiting nuclear weapons development and deployment. These treaties were significant steps towards arms control, reflecting the desire to reduce the risk of nuclear confrontation during the Cold War.

final act

The concluding agreement signed at the end of the Cold War, specifically during the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) in 1990, which aimed to enhance cooperation and security among European nations.

helsinki agreement

A diplomatic agreement signed in 1975 during the CSCE, outlining commitments to respect human rights, territorial integrity, and cooperation among nations in Europe and North America, which significantly shaped post-Cold War relations. The Helsinki Agreement established principles for security and cooperation, promoting dialogue and reducing tensions between East and West.

jackson vanik amendment

A U.S. law enacted in 1974 aimed at encouraging the Soviet Union to allow greater emigration and human rights practices. It linked trade with the USSR to improvements in the treatment of Jewish citizens and other dissidents.

carter doctrine

A U.S. foreign policy established by President Jimmy Carter in 1980, stating that any attempt by external forces to dominate the Persian Gulf region would be met with military intervention by the United States.

strategic defense initative

A proposed missile defense system initiated by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1983, aimed at preventing missile attacks through ground-based and space-based systems, significantly impacting Cold War defense strategies.

solidarity

A Polish social movement and trade union founded in 1980, led by Lech Wałęsa, that played a crucial role in opposing communist rule in Poland and inspired anti-communist movements across Eastern Europe. It promoted workers' rights and civil liberties, ultimately contributing to the fall of communism in Poland.

radio free europe

A US government-funded organization established in 1949 to broadcast news and information to Eastern European nations behind the Iron Curtain, promoting democratic values and providing an alternative to state-controlled media.

zealot

A fervent and uncompromising advocate for a particular cause or belief, often demonstrating extreme passion and dedication, sometimes leading to radical actions.

chernoloyl

A catastrophic nuclear accident that occurred in 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, resulting in widespread radioactive contamination and a significant environmental disaster.

raegan victory school

A term referring to President Ronald Reagan's strategic approach in promoting conservative policies and anti-communism during the Cold War era, often associated with military victories and ideological battles against the Soviet Union.

uni-polar

A global power structure characterized by a single dominant superpower, often arising after the Cold War, where that superpower exerts significant influence over global affairs.