THE COLD WAR - PART 9: Detente

Summary

The Cold War, spanning over two decades, shaped global politics as the United States and the Soviet Union faced off. In 1969, Richard Nixon’s presidency marked a shift toward diplomacy, with historic visits to China and the Soviet Union, which led to the first nuclear arms treaties. However, his administration was marred by the Watergate scandal, leading to his resignation. Subsequent efforts under Presidents Ford and Carter focused on human rights and peace, but global tensions continued to rise, especially with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The Cold War’s final chapter saw growing unrest, setting the stage for its eventual resolution.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Cold War had been ongoing for over two decades by the time Richard Nixon became President in 1969.
• 😀 In 1969, the superpowers faced a crossroads—either continue confrontations or seek areas of cooperation. Nixon chose cooperation.
• 😀 Nixon's diplomatic initiatives in the early 1970s, including his historic visit to China in 1972, marked a significant shift in Cold War dynamics.
• 😀 Nixon's visit to China symbolized a historic opening between two former enemies, helping to normalize relations between the US and China.
• 😀 The Soviet Union also sought to open up to the West, signing significant nuclear arms limitation treaties with the US in 1972, though they were largely symbolic.
• 😀 Nixon's peace efforts were overshadowed by the Watergate scandal, which led to his resignation in 1974.
• 😀 After Nixon's resignation, President Gerald Ford continued Cold War diplomacy, signing the Helsinki Accords in 1975 to recognize post-WWII borders and promote human rights.
• 😀 The Helsinki Accords also established a standard by which Communist governments could be held accountable for human rights abuses.
• 😀 The 1970s saw significant resistance to Soviet rule in Eastern Europe, with movements like Helsinki Watch and Charter 77 challenging oppressive regimes.
• 😀 By the end of the 1970s, the Cold War reached a new intensity, with the Soviet Union invading Afghanistan and the Iranian Revolution leading to a shift in global power dynamics.

Q & A

What was the state of the Cold War when Richard Nixon became president in 1969?

By the time Richard Nixon reached the White House in 1969, the Cold War had been ongoing for over two decades. The superpowers, the U.S. and the Soviet Union, faced a crossroads between continued confrontations that could lead to nuclear war or seeking cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

What did Nixon and his administration refer to the period of the Cold War after 1969?

Nixon and his National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger referred to the period after 1969 as 'détente,' a time of relative calm in the Cold War where both the U.S. and the Soviet Union sought areas of cooperation.

What was the significance of Nixon's visit to China in 1972?

Nixon's visit to China in 1972 was a historic event, as he became the first American president to visit the Communist People's Republic of China. This trip marked a major breakthrough in the Cold War and symbolized the beginning of the normalization of relations between the U.S. and China.

What were the SALT I and ABM treaties signed by Nixon in 1972?

The SALT I (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) and ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) treaties, signed by Nixon in 1972 with Soviet Chairman Brezhnev, were agreements aimed at limiting the nuclear arsenals of both superpowers. Though largely symbolic, they represented a mutual effort towards de-escalation and cooperation.

How did Nixon view the role of great powers in preventing conflict?

Nixon believed that great powers, such as the U.S. and the Soviet Union, had a responsibility to use their influence to prevent conflicts between smaller nations. He emphasized that peace could be achieved by discouraging aggression and fostering leadership and example.

How did the Watergate scandal impact Nixon's presidency?

The Watergate scandal severely damaged Nixon's presidency, leading to revelations of illegal activities by his administration. This ultimately resulted in Congress threatening impeachment, and Nixon was forced to resign in 1974.

What role did the Helsinki Final Act play in the Cold War?

The Helsinki Final Act, signed in 1975, was a landmark agreement in which 35 countries, including the U.S. and the Soviet Union, formally acknowledged post-World War II borders in Europe and recognized human rights. It became a key instrument for holding Communist governments accountable for human rights violations.

What was the significance of the Charter 77 movement in Czechoslovakia?

The Charter 77 movement in Czechoslovakia was a human rights initiative that called on the government to fulfill its promises made at Helsinki. The petition was signed by dissidents like playwright Václav Havel, and it led to significant government repression against those involved.

What role did Pope John Paul II play in the Cold War?

Pope John Paul II played a pivotal role in the Cold War by supporting the Polish Solidarity movement, a labor union that challenged the Communist regime in Poland. His messages of hope and strength resonated with millions of Poles and became a key force in pushing for change.

How did the Soviet Union's actions in Afghanistan in 1979 impact the Cold War?

In 1979, the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan marked a significant escalation in the Cold War. It was seen as a direct challenge to the U.S. and the West, and it helped reignite tensions by highlighting the aggressive policies of the Soviet regime.