Why was there détente in the 1970s?
The time from the Second World War to the mid 1970's was one of great aggression and apprehension between the U.S and Russia. Both had emerged from World War II as superpowers. It was during this era, that the frightening prospect of nuclear war became closer and closer. Nuclear war would mean the end to mankind, so the need for a détente became necessary. Détente is a French word that was used during the Cold War meaning 'relaxation'. The reasons for a détente were not only related to the fear of nuclear holocaust. The USSR's economy was suffering from severe economic crisis. Also, in he USA, public opinion was that the Cold War was 'unjustifiable both economically and morally.'
After the Second World War, the world had entered into a dangerous period where complete destruction could occur at any time. Nuclear weapons had been developed as a threat to enemies. The tension that was created between the U.S and the USSR led to a massive 'arms race' which was economically exhausting. The possibility of full scale nuclear war was one of the main reasons that forced the U.S and Russia to agree to a détente. From 1945 till 1957, the U.S had significantly more advanced nuclear weapons than Russia. However Russia had massive ground forces to even up the 'balance of power.' The period from 1957 till 1962 saw the 'missile gap,' decrease and the balance of nuclear weapons became closer. In October 1957, Russia launched Sputnik 1 into space. This added a frightening dimension to war, as the U.S now not only had to worry about conventional attacks from land, sea and air, but now from space. The type of rocket that had launched Sputnik 1 could also launch nuclear warheads. This was demonstrated previously in 1957, with the successful testing of Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM's). Russia could now launch a successful 'first strike.' The U.S had the problem of overcoming the 'missile gap,' and also developing the ability to retaliate after suffering an attack. Both superpowers realised if they could not come to an agreement, then the world could end, especially with the fact that all their nuclear weapons were pointed towards different population centres of the opposition
The time from the Second World War to the mid 1970's was one of great aggression and apprehension between the U.S and Russia. Both had emerged from World War II as superpowers. It was during this era, that the frightening prospect of nuclear war became closer and closer. Nuclear war would mean the end to mankind, so the need for a détente became necessary. Détente is a French word that was used during the Cold War meaning 'relaxation'. The reasons for a détente were not only related to the fear of nuclear holocaust. The USSR's economy was suffering from severe economic crisis. Also, in he USA, public opinion was that the Cold War was 'unjustifiable both economically and morally.'
After the Second World War, the world had entered into a dangerous period where complete destruction could occur at any time. Nuclear weapons had been developed as a threat to enemies. The tension that was created between the U.S and the USSR led to a massive 'arms race' which was economically exhausting. The possibility of full scale nuclear war was one of the main reasons that forced the U.S and Russia to agree to a détente. From 1945 till 1957, the U.S had significantly more advanced nuclear weapons than Russia. However Russia had massive ground forces to even up the 'balance of power.' The period from 1957 till 1962 saw the 'missile gap,' decrease and the balance of nuclear weapons became closer. In October 1957, Russia launched Sputnik 1 into space. This added a frightening dimension to war, as the U.S now not only had to worry about conventional attacks from land, sea and air, but now from space. The type of rocket that had launched Sputnik 1 could also launch nuclear warheads. This was demonstrated previously in 1957, with the successful testing of Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM's). Russia could now launch a successful 'first strike.' The U.S had the problem of overcoming the 'missile gap,' and also developing the ability to retaliate after suffering an attack. Both superpowers realised if they could not come to an agreement, then the world could end, especially with the fact that all their nuclear weapons were pointed towards different population centres of the opposition
