Détente and Opening to China Flashcards

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What does the term détente mean in Cold War history?

Détente means a relaxing or easing of tension between rival countries, especially the USA and the USSR, in the late 1960s and 1970s.

He wanted to cut the cost of the arms race, reduce the risk of nuclear war, calm protests at home, and gain help in ending the Vietnam War.

It was the growing dispute and rivalry between communist China and the USSR from the 1960s, which weakened the communist bloc.

Nixon could play China and the USSR against each other, so both had reasons to put pressure on North Vietnam to make peace.

He hoped China would help bring North Vietnam to peace talks, and he wanted to isolate the USSR and increase US influence in Asia.

It was the exchange of table tennis teams between the USA and China in 1971, which helped open friendly contact after years of hostility.

Kissinger’s visit to Beijing prepared the ground for Nixon’s later trip and agreed steps to improve US–Chinese relations.

Nixon met Chinese leaders, including Mao Zedong, and both sides issued the Shanghai Communiqué, promising to improve relations and trade.

It showed North Vietnam that the USA had powerful new friends, and it encouraged China and the USSR to push North Vietnam towards a peace agreement.

It was Nixon’s policy of managing relations between the USA, the USSR and China so that the USA could gain advantage and help end the Vietnam War.

The USSR wanted good relations and trade with the USA, so it had more reason to urge North Vietnam to accept peace talks and a settlement.

The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) limited some nuclear missiles and showed that both superpowers were willing to reduce tension.