Quick questions on Detente in the 1970s explained: O-Level History

Detente produced real achievements. The most important were agreements to limit nuclear weapons, especially the SALT talks (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks), which placed limits on the numbers of certain nuclear weapons and slowed the arms race. There were summit meetings between American and Soviet leaders, which improved personal contact and trust. Relations between the West and the communist bloc improved more generally, including a major agreement in which the powers recognised the borders in Europe and made promises about human rights.

Detente had clear limits, and a balanced answer must recognise them. The two sides remained rivals and continued to compete for influence around the world, supporting opposing sides in various conflicts. The arms-control agreements limited but did not end the arms race, and both sides kept large arsenals. Deep distrust remained beneath the improved atmosphere.

By the end of the 1970s detente was breaking down. Relations cooled as the two sides accused each other of taking advantage of detente to gain influence in the developing world. The decisive blow came in 1979, when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. The United States and the West condemned this strongly, and relations sharply worsened, beginning a more tense period sometimes called the "Second Cold War" in the early 1980s.

What does the word "detente" mean? [3 marks]

Explain why the cost of the arms race encouraged detente. [5 marks]

"Detente failed because it did not end the Cold War." How far do you agree? [8 marks]