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GCSE History · key term
An easing of tensions between rival powers, particularly the USA and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Paper 1
Revise: CzechoslovakiaThe invasion increased mistrust between East and West and temporarily interrupted détente. US President Lyndon B. Johnson cancelled a planned summit with Brezhnev.
The deliberate easing of tension between hostile countries; in the Cold War, improved US–Soviet relations through negotiation without ending their rivalry.
Paper 2
An easing of tensions between rival countries; in the Cold War, the improvement in relations between the USA and Soviet Union during the late 1960s and 1970s.
Revise: DétenteDétente means an easing of tensions. During the late 1960s and 1970s, the USA and Soviet Union increasingly tried to manage their rivalry through negotiations and agreements. They remained ideological opponents: the USA supported capitalism, while the Soviet Union supported communism.
The easing of tensions between rival states, particularly the USA and Soviet Union during the 1970s.
An easing of tension between rival powers, particularly the USA and USSR during the Cold War.
Paper 1
A relaxation of tensions between rival states, particularly the USA and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Revise: The Cuban Missile CrisisThe crisis encouraged a relaxation of tensions, or détente, because both governments had seen the dangers of uncontrolled escalation. Yet their rivalry continued. Its significance lies in this combination: it demonstrated how close the Cold War could come to catastrophe, while also showing that negotiation and compromise could prevent war.
An easing of tensions between rival states, particularly the USA and the communist powers during the Cold War.
For consequences, distinguish immediate damage to East–West relations from the longer-term continuation of détente. Western condemnation did not lead to military intervention.
Distinguish causes from outcomes: fear of nuclear war encouraged détente; SALT 1 was an achievement of détente.
Keep the chronology clear: Nixon pursued détente while the Vietnam War was still continuing, not only after it ended.
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