Download Task 1 Detente event sheet - history

Event:
Detente
Year(s):
1970s
USSR Leader:
Brezhnev
USA President: Nixon/ Carter
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Causes

Economic situation in the USSR
There were shortages of consumer goods, and the Soviet agricultural sector struggled to keep pace
with growing demand.

Problems for the USA
o Civil unrest - ongoing struggle for civil rights for African Americans.
o Vietnam War - The war was highly controversial, with many Americans opposed to the conflict
and the government's handling of it.
Key words
Main events
 SALT 1
These agreements placed limits on the number and type of nuclear weapons that each side could possess
 Helsinki Accords
aimed to improve relations between the East and West
Consequences (at least two)
 Joint Space Mission
improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.
increased cooperation and collaboration in space exploration.
Effect on the reputation / power
of the USA:
 SALT 2 negotiations
establishment of new limits on the development and deployment of nuclear weapons.
increased tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Effect on the reputation / power
of the USSR:
 Level of tension
reduction in the risk of a direct military conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union.
increased cooperation and dialogue between the United States and the Soviet Union
Did it increase or decrease the
level of tension between the
USA and the USSR?