Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 3: The end of the Cold War, 1970–91 - 1 Attempts to reduce…
Full specification wording
Option P4: Key topic 3: The end of the Cold War, 1970–91 - 1 Attempts to reduce superpower tensions in the 1970s: The significance of SALT 1, the Helsinki Accords, and SALT 2.
SALT 1 (1972) was significant as the first major agreement to limit nuclear weapons, restricting Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) systems and freezing the number of strategic ballistic missile…
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
SALT 1 (1972) was significant as the first major agreement to limit nuclear weapons, restricting Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) systems and freezing the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers, demonstrating that superpowers could cooperate on arms control. The Helsinki Accords (1975) broadened détente by securing agreements across three 'baskets': European borders, international cooperation, and human rights. While the USSR valued the recognition of post-WWII borders, the human rights commitments empowered Soviet dissidents. SALT 2 (1979) aimed to further reduce nuclear stockpiles, but its significance lies in its failure; it was never ratified by the US Senate due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Together, these agreements highlight the peak of détente and its subsequent collapse.
What earns the marks
- SALT 1 (1972) successfully limited Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) sites and froze the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers.
- The significance of SALT 1 lies in its symbolic value, proving that the USA and USSR could reach a consensus on nuclear arms limitation.
- The Helsinki Accords (1975) established three 'baskets' of agreement: security and borders, cooperation, and human rights.
- The human rights basket of the Helsinki Accords became highly significant as it provided a framework for dissidents within the Soviet bloc to challenge their governments.
- SALT 2 (1979) attempted to set equal limits on missile launchers and strategic bombers but was never ratified by the USA following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the terms of SALT 1 and SALT 2.
Put it right: SALT 1 froze the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers, while SALT 2 attempted to set equal limits on delivery vehicles but was never ratified.
Claiming the Helsinki Accords only dealt with human rights.
Put it right: They also officially recognised the post-WWII borders of Europe, which was a major goal for the USSR.
Stating that SALT 2 successfully reduced nuclear weapons.
Put it right: It was signed but never implemented due to the collapse of détente.
Exam tips
- When discussing the Helsinki Accords, explicitly mention the three 'baskets' to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the agreement.
- Contrast the success of SALT 1 with the failure of SALT 2 to illustrate the changing nature of superpower relations in the 1970s.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option P4: Key topic 3: The end of the Cold War, 1970–91 - 1 Attempts to reduce superpower tensions in the 1970s: The significance of SALT 1, the Helsinki Accords, and SALT 2. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was a key agreement made in the 'Baskets' of the Helsinki Accords in 1975?
Listen
SALT 1 (1972) was significant as the first major agreement to limit nuclear weapons, restricting Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) systems and freezing the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers, demonstrating that superpowers could cooperate on arms control. The Helsinki Accords (1975) broadened détente by securing agreements across three 'baskets': European borders, international cooperation, and human rights. While the USSR valued the recognition of post-WWII borders, the human rights commitments empowered Soviet dissidents. SALT 2 (1979) aimed to further reduce nuclear stockpiles, but its significance lies in its failure; it was never ratified by the US Senate due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Together, these agreements highlight the peak of détente and its subsequent collapse. A strong answer earns marks for these points. SALT 1 (1972) successfully limited Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) sites and froze the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers. The significance of SALT 1 lies in its symbolic value, proving that the USA and USSR could reach a consensus on nuclear arms limitation. The Helsinki Accords (1975) established three 'baskets' of agreement: security and borders, cooperation, and human rights. The human rights basket of the Helsinki Accords became highly significant as it provided a framework for dissidents within the Soviet bloc to challenge their governments. A common slip: Confusing the terms of SALT 1 and SALT 2. Instead, SALT 1 froze the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers, while SALT 2 attempted to set equal limits on delivery vehicles but was never ratified. Exam tip: When discussing the Helsinki Accords, explicitly mention the three 'baskets' to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the agreement.
See it
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. First major agreement to limit nuclear weapons
- 2. Aimed to further reduce nuclear stockpiles but never ratified
- 3. Broadened détente with three 'baskets' of agreement
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Arms control and limitation
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Human rights
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
International diplomacy
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Arms control and limitation
- SALT 1 was the first major agreement to limit nuclear weapons, restricting Anti-Ballistic Missile systems and freezing the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers.
- Human rights
- The Helsinki Accords secured agreements on human rights as one of three 'baskets', and these commitments empowered Soviet dissidents.
- International diplomacy
- The Helsinki Accords broadened détente by securing agreements across three 'baskets': European borders, international cooperation, and human rights.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Option P4: Key topic 3: The end of the Cold War, 1970–91 - 1 Attempts to reduce superpower tensions in the 1970s: The significance of SALT 1, the Helsinki Accords, and SALT 2.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge