This document is a summary of "Why did Detente end in a Second Cold War" to help revise for the 'Component 4' (CIE History 9389) examination this June. These notes are specifically made for 'Cambridge International AS and A level History 9389' (Depth study 3: International History, )
Why Did Détente End in a Second Cold War?
(Depth Study 3: International History, 1945-1991)
(Cambridge International AS and A level History 9389)
Period started around 1968-1980 with Ronald Reagan becoming president. Means
relaxation of tension, 1970s used to describe attempts by US + USSR establish cooperative
relationship. Also used for (USA + China) (W. Europe + USSR). After 1980 detente replaced
by ‘second Cold War’.
Reasons Soviet-American rapprochement?
Improvement of relations as growing awareness nuke war. Early 1960s US + USSR ready take
step reduce nuke. By 1969 USSR reached nuke parity with US so equal when negotiate.
Also had individual reasons for relaxation:
USSR's reason detente
Its economy was stagnating. Order deal with economic problems + improve standards living
for USSR needed able transfer econ resources from weapons to consumer goods. Also
import tech. from West.
Also cause USSR's relationship PRC deteriorating. Sino-Soviet split almost led war. Crucial
keep China isolated + improve relations West.
US’ reason detente
Detente initiated by Nixon + Kissinger. Need way to end Nam war + wanted US follow more
realistic foreign policy which change int. sit. Pursuit of realpolitik.
Realpolitik is a system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or
ideological considerations.
Nixon hoped use detente get USSR + PRC put pressure N. Vietnam end war + retain US’
global rule by negotiation instead confrontation. Arms control free resources for US
economy.
, Reasons PRC-USA rapprochement?
China relation with USSR low late 1960s. China worried about international isolation + saw
improved relations with US way prevent + payback to USSR. For US improved relationship
China part of realpolitik foreign policy. Attempt US show trying for peace.
US knew China give extra leverage with USSR.
Reasons improved East-West relations Europe?
Pressure for detente from Europe. 1968 events = political instability both E + W Europe with
USSR Invasion Czechoslovakia + student riots France. Willy Brandt (W. Germany Chancellor)
took lead try improve both Germanys. Believed whole continent benefit reduction tensions
+ greater links. Known as Ostpolitik.
Ostpolitik was the foreign policy of western European countries of detente with reference
to the former communist bloc, especially the opening of relations with the Eastern bloc by
the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) in the 1960s.
From USSR side impetus improved relations Europe. Formal peace treaty after WW2 never
signed. Soviets wanted win Western acceptance division Germany.
Successes of Detente?
Arms agreements US + USSR: SALT I
After CMC, US + USSR signed control agreements. Most significant arms agreement was
SALT I in 1972. Treaty covered agreement in:
- ABM Treaty: ABMs only allowed two sites each, each site only 100 missiles. Deterred
MAD.
- Interim Treaty: limited number ICBMs + SLBMs.
- Basic principles Agreement: laid rules conduct nuke war + dev weapons. Committed
sides work together Peaceful Co-existence. 1973 followed PNW treaty.
Jason Mason said SALT I reduced tension between powers. Co-operation spirit in 1972 + 74
Nixon visit + 1973 Brezhnev visit.
Severe criticisms SALT I not going far enough limit nukes as didn't mention MIRVs. Said that
freezer cavalry but not the tanks
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