The failure of Detente and the collapse of communism, 1970-1991

Detente- A period of eased tension between the USA and the USSR in the cold war when the super powers tried to agree and co-operate.

Why the super powers wanted Detente:

• Cost of the Cold war- weapons cost billions, they don't last for long + economic depression in the West
• USSR & China relationship - both communist but they fell out - America take advantage and befriend both China and Russia
• MAD - A fear of MAD (Mutually Atomic Destruction) People angry and panicky
• Power - Nixon wanted to be re-elected, so he acts as a statesman and peace loving guy
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Leaders involved - Leonid Brezhnev (1963- 1982), Richard Nixon (1969-1974), Jimmy Carter (1976-1981)  

What was Detente:

• Economic Problems, 1970 - Economic depression
• SALT 1 Treaty, 1972 - Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty
• Vietnam, 1972- Americans withdraw from Vietnam
• Space shake 1975 - Americans & Soviets shake hands in space, July 1975
• Helsinki 1975 - Borders from WW2 recognise + human rights respected August 1975
• Bilbao 1976 - The biggest protest march
• Carter 1977 - President Jimmy Carter criticises Soviet Union
• New Weapons 1977-1979 - Soviet **-20s vs US perishing 2s & Cruise
• Collapse of SALT 2 1977-1979 - Salt signed and rejected by US congress
• Iran 1979 - revelotion in Iran- Shah overthrown by Ayatollah Khomenini + a new Islamic Fundamentalist government.
• Afghanistan 1979 - Soviets invade Afghanistan, December 1979