Détente

What was détente?

Détente refers to a period during the Cold War where tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union were eased. There was increased cooperation and several attempts were made to slow down the arms race.

When did détente happen?

Détente was between 1967 and 1979.

What role did Henry Kissinger play in détente?

Henry Kissinger was very important to détente in 3 key ways:

• ❖ As President Nixon's security advisor, he organised Nixon's trips to Moscow and China in 1972.
• ❖ He also played an important role in the SALT 1 talks.
• ❖ As Secretary of State, Kissinger helped end the Vietnam War for which he jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973.

Why was the policy of détente introduced?

Détente occurred for 7 key reasons:

• ❖ Both the USSR and the USA wanted to ease tensions after the Cuban Missile Crisis because they came so close to nuclear war.
• ❖ The Sino-Soviet relationship had deteriorated and the USSR wanted to prevent the USA becoming closer to China. The Soviets were worried when President Nixon visited China in 1972.
• ❖ Brezhnev, the leader of the USSR, wanted an improved relationship with the USA as he wanted access to US technology and grain.
• ❖ Both sides wanted to slow down the arms race because it was very expensive and they needed the money for domestic issues.
• ❖ The USA had domestic problems with anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, race riots and massive social inequality. It needed to cut defence spending so it could invest at home.
• ❖ The USSR had economic problems and needed to cut defence spending so there was money to invest at home.
• ❖ The USA needed the USSR's help to end the Vietnam War as it was supplying the Vietnamese communists. To find a solution, the USA asked the USSR for help.

What were the key events of détente?

The 9 key events of détente were:

• ❖ 1968: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
• ❖ 1970: Relations between East Germany and West Germany improved with the policy of Ostpolitik.
• ❖ 1970: Ostpolitik resulted in the Treaty of Warsaw, which recognised the existing borders between the countries.
• ❖ 1972: SALT 1.
• ❖ 1972: President Nixon visited China to meet Chairman Mao and visited Brezhnev in Moscow.
• ❖ 1972: Ostpolitik continued with the signing of the Basic Treaty which established formal relations between the two German nations.
• ❖ 1973: Brezhnev, leader of the USSR, visited Washington to meet Nixon.
• ❖ 1975: Helsinki Accords and the Apollo-Soyuz Missions.
• ❖ 1979: SALT 2.

What role did Ostpolitik play in détente?

Ostpolitik was the policy of Chancellor Willy Brandt of West Germany which aimed to reduce tensions between the two German nations.

What was the importance of détente?

The move towards détente led to the signing of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaties, or SALT. These treaties were intended to limit the arms race in strategic ballistic missiles armed with nuclear weapons.

Why did détente end?

The main reason détente ended was due to the USSR's invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979.