Lesson 78 of 84 · Cold War Modern
⭐ 30 XP🏰 History Keepcold-war-modern: Lesson 78
The policy of détente emerged in the 1970s as a strategy to ease the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
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The policy of détente emerged in the 1970s as a strategy to ease the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This approach focused on diplomacy and negotiation rather than confrontation, leading to several important treaties, including the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) in 1972. Détente allowed for increased trade and cultural exchanges, as well as a reduction in the immediate threat of nuclear war. However, the shift towards a more cooperative relationship was short-lived, as renewed tensions in the late 1970s, particularly during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, ultimately ended this phase of détente.
Key Facts
Détente was a policy aimed at easing U.S.-Soviet tensions in the 1970s.
The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) were a significant outcome of détente.
Détente ended with renewed tensions due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What was the primary aim of the policy of détente?
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