Reasons for Detente in the Mid-1960s to Mid-1970s: Economic and Political Perspectives
Detente, a relaxation of tensions between the US and Soviet Union, was driven by economic and political factors. The nations aimed to limit the nuclear arms race, improve living standards, and establish peaceful relations. The Soviet Union faced economic challenges, leading to a focus on social reforms. Politically, both sides sought to stabilize their positions and engage in negotiation rather than confrontation.
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Economic and Political Reasons for Detente- Mid 1960s-Mid 1970s TOPIC 3: DETENTE
Definition Detente: A French word for slacken, relax or reduce pressure
Why did detente occur? A series of international crises meant that the US and the Soviet Union had to rethink their positions Historian D McDougall stated that it was a way to gain improvements without being cooperative The nations agreed to limit the nuclear arms race and establish links across the Iron Curtain
Economic Reasons for detente: The Soviet Union Khrushchev was dismissed in 1964 The Soviet Politburo (government) faced huge economic problems In order to improve the standard of living, they had to stop spending money on the military The soviets could access western technology and food supplies through detente
Economic Reasons for detente: The US They could spend less on the military and more on social reform the civil rights movement saw the rise in urban riots Kennedy had promised a new frontier and Johnson a new society but had a lack of resources because of military spending
Political Reasons for Detente The Soviet Union The Soviet Union could boast that they had stabilised the situation and continued to control Eastern Europe
Political Reasons for Detente The US People in America were against communism, politicians could not be seen to be letting the Soviet Union win detente allowed an easing of pressure without an agreement of values Detente offered negotiation, not confrontation
The Arms Race The Cuban Missile Crisis had frightened people around the world By 1969 the Soviets has matched the US for mutually assured destruction There was a balance of power but the innovations in technology could destroy this balance at any time
