TRANSFORMATION OF THE COLD WAR (1970-2)

What was détente?

Détente means the relaxing of tensions between the USA and USSR.

Why did both superpowers want détente?

Both wanted better relations after dangerous crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Why did fear of nuclear war encourage détente?

Both sides feared the destructive consequences of nuclear war and wanted to reduce the risk of conflict.

Why were nuclear weapons a reason for détente?

Nuclear weapons were so destructive that both sides wanted to reduce the risk of nuclear war.

Why did both countries want to reduce military spending?

Maintaining huge military forces and nuclear arsenals was extremely expensive.

Why was the USA weakened during détente?

The USA had been weakened by the Vietnam War.

Why did economic problems encourage the USSR to support détente?

The USSR was experiencing economic difficulties and wanted to reduce the costs of the arms race.

What was SALT I?

The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks were agreements in 1972 designed to limit certain nuclear weapons.

When was SALT I agreed?

1972.

What was the main aim of SALT I?

To limit nuclear weapons and reduce tensions between the USA and USSR.

Why was SALT I significant?

It improved relations between the superpowers and was an important arms-control agreement.

What was the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty?

An agreement that limited the number of missile defence systems each superpower could have.

How many missile defence systems were allowed under the ABM Treaty?

Each side was allowed 100 missiles.

Why did the ABM Treaty help maintain the nuclear balance?

It limited missile defences, meaning neither side could easily protect itself from the other's nuclear weapons.

What was Ostpolitik?

A policy led by Willy Brandt to improve relations between West Germany, East Germany and the wider Eastern bloc.

Who led Ostpolitik?

Willy Brandt.

What was the aim of Ostpolitik?

To improve relations between East and West Germany and reduce tension in Europe.

Why was Ostpolitik significant for détente?

It helped reduce tensions between East and West Germany and contributed to improved relations in Europe.

What were the Brezhnev-Nixon Summits?

Meetings between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and US President Richard Nixon aimed at improving relations and negotiating agreements.

When did Brezhnev visit the USA?

1973.

What was the Non-Proliferation Treaty?

An international agreement intended to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and encourage nuclear disarmament and peaceful nuclear cooperation.

Why did the Non-Proliferation Treaty not completely stop nuclear proliferation?

It did not prevent every country from developing nuclear weapons.

What was the Helsinki Agreement?

A 1975 agreement signed by 35 countries dealing with security, cooperation and human rights in Europe.

When was the Helsinki Agreement signed?

1975.

How many countries signed the Helsinki Agreement?

35 countries.

What did the Helsinki Agreement confirm about Eastern Europe?

It recognised the existing borders and effectively accepted Soviet control over much of Eastern Europe.

What did the Helsinki Agreement recognise about Germany?

It accepted that Germany remained divided into East and West Germany.

What did the USSR agree to regarding human rights at Helsinki?

The USSR agreed to recognise certain human rights principles.

Why was the Helsinki Agreement criticised?

Critics argued that it largely confirmed the existing division of Europe and Soviet control of Eastern Europe, while giving the USSR recognition of the status quo.

Why was the Helsinki Agreement significant for détente?

It showed that the superpowers and other European countries could cooperate and formally recognise agreements, although it did not end the underlying Cold War divisions.

What were the main reasons for détente?

Fear of nuclear war, the enormous destructive power of nuclear weapons, the high cost of military spending, the USA being weakened by Vietnam and economic problems in the USSR.

What were the main effects of détente?

Cold War tensions were reduced, communication between the superpowers improved, the risk of nuclear war was lowered and important arms-control agreements were created.

Why was détente significant for the Cold War?

It reduced tensions between the USA and USSR and created greater cooperation, particularly over nuclear weapons and European security.