Détente and SALT 1 (AQA GCSE History): Revision Notes
Détente and SALT 1
What was détente?
In the early 1970s, the intense hostility between the United States and Soviet Union began to ease significantly. This period of reduced tensions became known as détente - a French word meaning "relaxation." Both superpowers recognised that their hostile relationship was becoming too dangerous and expensive to maintain, particularly with the ever-present threat of nuclear war.
The term "détente" comes from French diplomatic language and literally means "loosening" or "relaxation." Its adoption into English reflects how this concept originated in European diplomatic circles before becoming central to US-Soviet relations.
This shift towards cooperation represented a major transformation in Cold War relations. Rather than constantly confronting each other, the USA and USSR began exploring ways to work together and limit the most dangerous aspects of their rivalry.
Why did détente happen?
Several important factors combined to make both superpowers more willing to negotiate and reduce tensions. Understanding these causes helps explain why this dramatic shift occurred when it did.
The China-Soviet split
The relationship between Communist China and the Soviet Union had completely broken down by the late 1960s. Chinese leader Mao Zedong became increasingly critical of Soviet policies and wanted to free China from dependence on what he saw as Soviet interference. This split created an opportunity for the United States to improve relations with China, which put pressure on the USSR to also seek better relations with America to avoid being isolated.
The China-Soviet split was crucial because it broke the assumption that all Communist nations would automatically work together. This created a "triangular diplomacy" where each superpower could potentially align with China against the other.
The massive cost of the arms race
The nuclear arms race had become incredibly expensive for both nations. The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 had shown just how close the world could come to nuclear war, and subsequent developments made the situation even more dangerous. When China developed nuclear weapons in 1964, both the USA and USSR became concerned about nuclear technology spreading to more countries. The enormous financial burden of constantly developing new weapons was also straining both economies.
By the early 1970s, both superpowers were spending approximately 10-15% of their entire national budgets on military expenses, with nuclear weapons programmes consuming a significant portion of these costs.
Lessons from the Vietnam War
The Vietnam conflict demonstrated that military superiority alone could not guarantee victory. Both the United States and Soviet Union realised that indirect involvement in conflicts around the world was costly and often ineffective. This encouraged both sides to rely more on diplomacy rather than military confrontation.
Domestic pressures
Both superpowers faced significant internal challenges. The Soviet Union was struggling with economic problems and the risk of bankruptcy if military spending continued at such high levels. The United States faced social unrest and protests at home, partly due to opposition to its international policies. These domestic issues made leaders more interested in reducing international tensions.
The partnership between Brezhnev and Nixon
The personal relationship between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and US President Richard Nixon played a crucial role in making détente successful. Starting in 1968, these leaders held regular summit meetings, which was unusual for the time period.
Both men brought important qualities to their relationship. Brezhnev had been involved in Stalin's inner circle and was a key figure under Khrushchev, giving him deep understanding of Soviet politics. Nixon had been strongly anti-communist throughout his career and had served as Eisenhower's vice president, which gave him credibility with American conservatives.
Nixon's anti-communist credentials were essential for détente's success. Because he was known as a "hawk" on communism, American conservatives were more willing to trust his diplomatic initiatives with the Soviet Union.
Their shared experience helped them make progress where younger, less experienced leaders had failed. They understood the serious consequences of Cold War tensions and recognised what was at stake. Both had witnessed the most dangerous moments of the Cold War and found they had more in common than expected.
Nixon's diplomatic initiatives were particularly significant. He made historic visits to both Moscow and China during this period, demonstrating America's willingness to engage with Communist nations in new ways.
The SALT 1 Treaty (1972)
The Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT 1) signed in 1972 represented the most serious attempt by the superpowers to control nuclear weapons. Importantly, the US had encouraged China to participate the previous year, making the Soviets more willing to cooperate to avoid being isolated.
Key provisions of SALT 1
The treaty established several important limitations on nuclear weapons that marked a significant departure from the unlimited arms race:
Key Treaty Provisions Explained:
No new strategic ballistic weapons: Both sides agreed to stop producing short-range, lightweight missiles designed for nuclear attack
Freeze on intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs): The number of long-range missiles could not be increased, though existing ones could be replaced when they became outdated
No new missile launchers: Neither side could build new submarines capable of launching nuclear weapons (SLBMs), though they could replace existing launcher systems
Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) restrictions: Both countries were limited to just two areas where they could deploy defensive missile systems
The ABM restrictions were particularly significant because they prevented either side from developing a comprehensive missile defence system that might encourage a first-strike nuclear attack by making retaliation impossible.
How effective was SALT 1?
SALT 1 achieved some important successes but also had significant limitations. Evaluating its effectiveness requires examining both its achievements and its shortcomings.
On the positive side, it slowed down the nuclear arms race and led to further negotiations, including SALT 2 in 1979. The treaty ensured that neither superpower gained a decisive advantage in nuclear weapons.
While SALT 1 was groundbreaking, it's crucial to understand its limitations: détente had clear boundaries. Both superpowers continued to target nuclear weapons at each other and continued competing for influence around the world. The basic rivalry of the Cold War remained, even though it was managed more carefully.
The treaty represented an important first step in nuclear arms control, but it did not end the fundamental tensions between East and West.
Timeline of key events
The following chronology shows how détente developed over more than a decade:
- 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis demonstrates dangers of nuclear confrontation
- 1963: Partial Test Ban Treaty signed
- 1964: China develops nuclear weapons
- 1968: Regular summit meetings begin between Brezhnev and Nixon
- Early 1970s: Period of détente begins
- 1972: SALT 1 Treaty signed
- 1979: SALT 2 negotiations conclude
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
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Détente was a period of reduced tensions between the USA and USSR in the early 1970s, driven by the massive costs of the arms race and domestic pressures
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Multiple factors contributed to détente: the China-Soviet split, lessons from Vietnam, nuclear weapons costs, and internal problems in both countries
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Brezhnev and Nixon developed an effective working relationship based on their experience and understanding of Cold War dangers
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SALT 1 (1972) was the first major treaty limiting nuclear weapons, including restrictions on new missiles, launchers, and defensive systems
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Limited success: While SALT 1 slowed the arms race, it didn't end the fundamental Cold War rivalry between the superpowers