Option P4: Key topic 3: The end of the Cold War, 1970–91 - 1 Attempts to reduce superpower tensions in the 1970s — Edexcel GCSE History
Test yourself on Option P4: Key topic 3: The end of the Cold War, 1970–91 - 1 Attempts to reduce superpower tensions in the 1970s with PEARSON EDEXCEL GCSE practice questions.
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Option P4: Key topic 3: The end of the Cold War, 1970–91 - 1 Attempts to reduce superpower tensions in the 1970s explained
Détente refers to the period of relaxed tensions between the USA and the USSR during the 1970s.
Read the full explanation
Both superpowers had compelling reasons to seek improved relations: the USA was economically drained by the Vietnam War and facing domestic unrest, while the USSR needed to reduce defence spending to improve living standards and address a technological gap. The Sino-Soviet split also encouraged the USSR to seek better terms with the USA, just as Nixon's visit to China in 1972 pressured Moscow into negotiations. Attempts to reduce tensions included high-level diplomacy, such as the Apollo-Soyuz joint space mission in 1975, which symbolised cooperation. This era was defined by a shift from brinkmanship to negotiation, laying the groundwork for major arms control treaties.
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 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.
Your focus
- Define the term détente in the context of the Cold War during the 1970s.
- Explain the economic and political motivations of the USA and the USSR for seeking to reduce tensions.
- Describe specific attempts and events that characterised the period of détente, such as the Apollo-Soyuz mission.
Show all 6 objectives
- Identify the key terms and limitations established by the SALT 1 agreement.
- Explain the significance of the three 'baskets' of the Helsinki Accords for both East and West.
- Analyse the reasons why SALT 2 was signed but never ratified, marking the end of détente.
Option P4: Key topic 3: The end of the Cold War, 1970–91 - 1 Attempts to reduce superpower tensions in the 1970s exam tips
Marking Points
- Détente was driven by the mutual desire to avoid nuclear war and reduce the crippling economic costs of the arms race.
- The USA sought détente to facilitate an honourable exit from the Vietnam War and address domestic economic issues.
- The USSR pursued détente to access Western technology, improve domestic living standards, and secure its borders following the Sino-Soviet split.
- Nixon's diplomatic visit to China in 1972 played a crucial role in pressuring the Soviet Union to engage in détente with the USA.
- Symbolic acts of cooperation, such as the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz space mission, demonstrated the practical attempts to reduce superpower tensions.
- 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.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Clearly articulate the distinct motivations for both the USA and the USSR in pursuing détente to show a balanced understanding.
- 💡Use the Apollo-Soyuz mission as a concrete example of how attempts to reduce tensions manifested in practical cooperation.
- 💡Link the concept of détente to the broader context of the Sino-Soviet split and triangular diplomacy.
- 💡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.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming détente meant the end of the Cold War; it was merely a temporary relaxation of tensions, and ideological rivalry continued.
- Stating that only the USA wanted détente; both superpowers had strong economic and political motivations for reducing tensions.
- Confusing détente with appeasement; détente involved mutual agreements and arms limitations, not one-sided concessions.
- Error: Confusing the terms of SALT 1 and SALT 2. Correction: Remember that 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.
- Error: Claiming the Helsinki Accords only dealt with human rights. Correction: They also officially recognised the post-WWII borders of Europe, which was a major goal for the USSR.
- Error: Stating that SALT 2 successfully reduced nuclear weapons. Correction: It was signed but never implemented due to the collapse of détente.