Transcript Detente 1969-1980 - Beechen Cliff School Humanities Faculty

Detente 1969-1980
Definition = a period of improved relations
between the two superpowers in the 1970s
Content Summary
• Main causes of Detente
• Key features of Detente
• Assessment of Detente
• Interpretations of Detente
• Factors that ended Detente
Main Causes of Detente
1) Fear of War
2) Needs of the USSR
3) Needs of the USA
4) European needs and ‘Ostpolitik’
5) Key Individuals: Henry Kissinger
6) Oil Crisis 1973
7) Soviet economic problems
1) Fear of War
• Nuclear War feared after the Cuban missile
crisis 1962
• 1969 USA and USSR had equal nuclear
capacity = balance of power and a deterrent
• Necessity to reduce the risk of future nuclear
war led to DETENTE
2) Needs of the USSR
• Detente was in their best interests -> stabilised relations with the
West
• USA were weak in the late 1960s due to the Vietnam War
• USSR had nuclear parity with USA -> arms limitations agreements
• Prevented the USA developing new technology which the USSR
couldn’t keep up with or afford
• Stabilised Soviet hold on E.Europe -> gained legitimacy from the
West
• Ensured the US wouldn’t get involved in possible conflict with
China after the Sino-Soviet split
• Access to much needed western technology and grain
• Domestic forces pushed towards Detente due to economic
problem -> resources needed to be diverted away from the military
• Still enabled the USSR to help liberation movements in the
developing world
3) Needs of the USA
• Vietnam war -> USA weaker and realised there was a limit to their power
• Vietnam war -> economic problems: inflation, budget deficit -> decline in
support
• Individuals reputations as right wing prevented them looking ‘soft’ on
communism by pursuing Detente
• Rapprochement with China seen as weakening the Communist Bloc
• Reduced the power of the industrial-military complex
• Social issues needed to be addressed -> social reform = money away from
military and arms
• Economic benefits = Detente enabled the US to invest more in its own
commerce and financial services which were falling behind Western
Europe’s
• Detente = adopting to a weaker US with less power ad addressing
domestic issues
4) European Needs and ‘Ostpolitik’
• Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia =continuing tension
in Europe
• Large scale student demonstrations in France
threatened the government
• West German Chancellor Willy Brandt -> promoted
links across the divide
• Stabilisation in Europe = good for the whole continent
• ‘Ostpolitik’= opening up channels between East and
West Europe to reduce tensions ad establish links
• Aided Detente in Europe and encouraged other
countries to establish links eg. France and Romania
5) Key Individuals: Henry Kissinger
• Secretary of State for Nixon
• Supported the views of the ‘realist’ school of
diplomacy
• Pursued ‘real politik’ in his Foreign Policy =
downplaying ideological differences and
seizing opportunities to secure national
interests
6) Oil Crisis 1973
• Arab nations invaded Israel = Yom Kippur War
• Meeting of OPEC -> Raise the price of oil by 70% to put pressure on US and Britain
who supported Israel
• Shock waves through the west -> panic buying of goods, prices rose, lost economic
growth, recession and inflation
• US government worried strains would lead to social unrest with their allies in
Europe = economic climate was a good condition for Communism and revolution to
spread
• US military spending unsustainable due to the crisis
• Short Term = economic strains on the US increased pressure towards Detente with
the USSR
• Washington Energy Conference = agreeement on harmonising western energy
policy -> reduced the crisis
• US abolished capital controls -> banks took advantage of the surplus dollars =
strengthened the large institutions of US capitalism
• Western oil companies benefitted from increased profits due to the higher price of
oil
• Money flowing into the Middle East found its way back into the west through:
investments, arms contracts, airports, schools, fine wines and casinos!
• Arab Wealth -> Stimulus for the global economy
• Long Term = West strengthened by the oil crisis!
7) Soviet Economic Problems
• Vast oil reserves in Siberia cushioned the USSR from the oil crisis and gained from
higher oil prices through exporting its own oil
• BUT had Long Term economic problems :
- Most resources and working population engaged in the military-industrial sector,
- Vast sums supported Communist allies -> ¾ of USSR hard currency went on aid and
arms
- Rigid planning -> economy inflexible and disrupted by crisis’ such as the oil one in
1973
- Technology falling behind the West’s
- Consumer goods in constant short supply
- Living standards were very low in comparison to the West
- Agriculture was very inefficient and there wasn’t even enough grain to feed the
population -> reliant on imports some of which were form the USA
• Detente = very attractive option!
Overall...
• Range of factors pushed towards Detente
• Detente did NOT mark an end to the Cold War
conflict
• It was a recognition there was more to gain
from cooperation that confrontation
• Detente = a change in tactics of superpower
conflict
Key Features of Detente
a) SALT I 1972
b) SALT II 1979
c) Other nuclear limitations treaties
d) Helsinki Accords 1975
a) SALT I 1972
• Covered three areas:
i) ABM Treaty = limited ABM systems to two sites. One
for the capital city and one to protect nuclear missiles
ii) Interim Treaty = limits places on ICBMs and SLBMs
but expired in 1977. Omitted new technological
developments such as MIRVs and each side could
replace old missiles. The advantage lay with the USA
iii) Basic Principles Agreemet = developed rules for the
conduct of Nuclear Warfare -> minimise development
of nuclear weapons
b) SALT II
• Outlined in 1974 -> Set equal limits for missile
launchers and strategic bombers
• Left out cruise missiles on which the US had a lead
• Disliked by the American right
• Carter renegotiated the treaty in 1977 to reduce the
number of Soviet missiles
• 1979 precise figures were agreed and the SALT II treaty
was signed at the Vienna Summit in June
• Rejected by the Senate in 1980 ->American
government didn’t trust the Soviet government due to
their actions in the 3rd world, especially Afghanistan
Other nuclear limitations treaties
• START I 1982= reduced the no. of warheads in both US and USSR
and placed limits on heavy bombers
• MDT = 10 articles -> provision if one country came under attack
then the other could provide aid and military support. Between
Taiwan and US
• INF 1987 = scraped all IRBMs -> first arms reduction between the
two superpowers. They were destroyed by the US and USSR in 1991
• CTBT = banned all nuclear explosions in all environments for
military or civilian purposes -> adopted by the UN
• SORT 2003-2011= limit to nuclear arsenal between 1700-2200
warheads for the US and USSR. Superseded by a new START treaty
= all carried on from the agreements in the 1970s started by SALT I
d) Helsinki Accords 1975
• Basket I = existence of the Soviet Bloc accepted by
countries who signed
• Basket II = trade and technology exchanges promoted
across the Iron Curtain
• Basket III = agreements to respect human rights:
freedom of speech, movement etc. Organisations
established to monitor governments and their actions
• USA = saw it as an opportunity to gain concessions
from the Soviet government
• USSR = wanted to secure recognition of the European
borders established after WWII
Assessment: What did Détente
achieve?
The achievements of the détente lie in the success’ and failures of the treaties made during the 1970’s and
the change in the level of co-operation between the USA and the USSR.
SALT I:
Success’: Resulted in greater co-operation between the two powers, Nixon visited Moscow in ‘72 and ‘74 whilst Brezhnev
visited Washington in ’73. Restrictions placed on a range of nuclear weapons.
Failures: Limitations were inadequate, both USA and USSR still capable of nuclear destruction. No mention of MIRV’S or bans
on the introduction of new nuclear weapons.
SALT II:
Success’: Set precise numbers for the allowance of Soviet missiles, highly detailed.
Failures: Despite the treaty being signed in June ‘79 by Carter and Brezhnev, it was withdrawn from the US Senate by President
Carter after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. From here, relations between the USA and USSR deteriorated severely
Helsinki Accords:
Success’: Again, increased co-operation between USA and USSR, but President Carter was highly criticized by neoconservatives.
Failures: Soviet Union failed to uphold the Human rights agreements of basket three, USSR also failed to inform the USA about
the start of the 1973 Yom Kippur war, breaking the co-operation principles of basket two.
The Basic Treaty:
Success’: Reduced tensions across Europe by recognizing the presence of both Capitalist and Communist powers in Germany.
Failures: President Carter highly criticized, only effective temporarily whilst tensions were relaxed.
Interpretations of Détente: Beneficial to USA or hindrance to USA?
Hindrance to USA
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Opinion arising amongst the American neo-conservatives during the 1970’s.
Neo-conservatives believed that President Carter was being too soft on Communism by accepting the borders of the Soviet
bloc and sharing valuable technological knowledge.
American opinion wanted a renewal of the arm’s race in order to execute their economic and military superiority over the
USSR, this was not reflected in the numerous treaties.
USSR seemed to be gaining from situation where America was not. Soviet continued to intervene in Ethiopia, Somalia, Israel
and Afghanistan and USA did not stop this.
Beneficial to USA
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View of American politicians of the time, such as Nixon and Kissinger
After the USSR had matched the American nuclear capability, the limitation talks provided them with an opportunity to
prevent further development of Soviet arms.
Following the American failures in the Vietnam war and the Cuban Missile Crisis, the détente would enable a period of
recovery for the economy and support of the military force.
Interpretations of Détente: Beneficial to both sides or it prolonged the Cold War?
Beneficial to USA and USSR
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Opinion of many post-revisionist historians such as Bowker Williams, Gordon Craig and J.l. Gaddis.
State it’s achievements to be that it allowed both superpowers to manage the international tensions and create a more
useful working relationship. Additionally, prevented the rivalry developing in to a dangerous and hostile situation.
Defend it’s failures by arguing that the aims of détente were not to end the arms race, prevent Soviet expansionism in the
third world or improve their internal human rights, but to allow the Cold War to become less dangerous and more
predictable.
Post-revisionist’s also believe that the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was a defensive response to a genuine threat on it’s
security.
Between late 1960’s and 1970’s the American-Soviet relations more peaceful than before, therefore the détente was a
success.
It prolonged the Cold War
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The view held by rightist American politicians .
Those who believe that the Cold War ended due to the economic pressure applied by Reagan’s ‘Militarized counter
revolution’ policy believe that by willingly decreasing American armaments, the Cold War was extended.
However, fails to appreciate the benefits of the détente to the American’s after their military failure during Vietnam war.
Why did the Détente come to an end?
Evidence of Soviet expansionism
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Neo-conservatives emphasized how the Soviet Union continued to spread communist influence with interventions in many Third World
countries such as Angola where they supported the Movement for the liberation of Angola (MPLA) along with the Cubans. Also gave
military aid to Mozambique and in Ethiopia in ’77 working with the Cubans against Somalia.
Carter responded to this by providing arms to anti-communist groups in El Salvador and Nicaragua.
The actions of both USA and USSR re-established conflict
Soviet violation of human rights
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Agreements in Basket 3 of the Helsinki accords related to the internal human rights of the Soviet Union, this was particularly important
to America when trading with them.
The American government were troubled by these supposed violations, and soon trade links between the two decreased illustrating
lessened co-operation.
SALT II treaty never being ratified
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A large proportion of the US Senate disliked the generous allowances of the limitation treaties. It was never ratified and eventually
removed after the Afghanistan war.
Brezhnev’s failing health
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Negotiation with the Soviet Union became difficult with Brezhnev’s deteriorating health after a series of heart attacks. Brezezinski,
Carter’s hardline National Security Adviser advised him to use this weakness to adopt a tougher approach on Communism.
Lack of successful communication between the two leaders didn’t help to maintain the good relations.
Why did the détente come to an end? : Soviet invasion of Afghanistan 1979
Why did the Soviet Union intervene?
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USSR perceived Afghanistan as an important buffer state and were worried that it would be effected negatively by the spread
of Muslim fundamentalism in Iran even though the new government was highly anti-American.
After America threatened to support an anti-Soviet faction in Afghanistan in the Summer of 1979, Brezhnev saw the
establishment of a pro-Soviet government as a necessity
Soviet actions
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24th December 1979, Soviet paratroopers land in Afghanistan’s capital- Kabul. USSR stated they had been legitimately invited
in by the new Prime Minister, Amin and his Communist government the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan.
The PDP faced the opposition of the Mujahideen who resented Amin’s attempts to remove Islamic culture and declared a
‘jihad’- a holy war.
Amin is shot on 27th December 1979, replaced by Barack Kamal who had the support of 85,000 Russian soldiers using Napalm
and poisoned gas against the opposition.
American response
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The Carter Doctrine of 1980 soon followed. Its aim was to ‘defend American national interests in the Persian Gulf with the use of military
force when required.’
Illustrates how the Soviet actions caused great hostility between USA and USSR as the Carter Doctrine entailed measures such as;
Creation of a rapid deployment force- over 200,00 troops designed to enforce American military power especially in the Middle East.
A boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics
‘Operation Cyclone’- C.I.A’s mission to arm, train and finance the mujahideen and other guerilla forces against the Communist groups.
Cost $20-30 million in 1980, rising to $630 million in 1987.
Withdrawal of SALT II from the Senate
Increase in American defense spending
Why did the détente come to an end? : Soviet invasion of Afghanistan 1979
Consequences
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For Carter, it meant the end of his Presidency. Some blamed his diplomatic approach to foreign
affairs for allowing Soviet expansion. After the 1980 presidential elections, he was replaced by the
right wing, anti-communist Ronald Reagan who increased the amount of American support given to
the Mujahideen.
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For the USSR, it meant great economic losses of $8 billion and the hardening of American attitudes
to the USSR which is one factor that caused its later collapse in 1991.
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For Afghanistan, the country remained in a state of conflict even after the last Soviet troops were
removed on 16th February 1989. The Al-Qaeda guerilla force that arose during this period and who
were supported by the USA has been linked to numerous terrorist attacks.
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For the arms race, Presidential Directive 59 authorized an increase in American nuclear weapons.
Any agreements of arms limitation were lost.
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For international relations between the USA and the USSR, after the détente both powers were said
to have entered the ‘second Cold War.’ The USA wanted to end the Cold War with the defeat of the
USSR which was the focus of the American foreign policy throughout the 1980’s. The USSR wanted
to strengthen and retain its sphere of influence as numerous factors were acting against its further
expansion.
Exam style questions on the Détente
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‘How far do you agree with the view that disarmament talks and diplomatic cooperation
really eased the tensions between the two superpowers from 1963 to 1980?’
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‘How significant were economic realities in pushing both sides [USA and USSR] towards
Détente?’
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'To what extent did Détente introduce a new era of cooperation between the USA and the
USSR?’
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‘To what extent were economic concerns for both the USA and the USSR the greatest
motivating factor in the emergence of Détente in the 1970’s?’
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‘To what extent were conflicts in the Middle East in the 1970’s responsible for the end of
Détente in 1979?’