USA HISTORY

THE COLD WAR 1950 1973

MCCARTHYISM AND THE RED SCARE

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Why did both countries want détente at this time?
A
Spending too much on the arms race
B
They decided to be nicer
C
To make the other side look bad<br />
D
As their Mums were very cross with them
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Détente helped the superpowers reduce spending on the arms race and fighting the Cold War. Instead they could focus on problems in their own respective countries.

Detailed explanation-2: -Détente was a propaganda opportunity for both sides. They each could portray themselves as peacemakers who were concerned with the safety of the world. Détente helped the superpowers save money as they were able to reduce the amount spent on the arms race and focus on problems in their own countries.

Detailed explanation-3: -Détente and Arms Reduction Talks As the Arms Race heated up, it became very expensive for both countries. In the early 1970s both sides realized that something had to give. The two sides began to talk and take a softer line towards each other. This easing of relations was called détente.

Detailed explanation-4: -Détente, French for “relaxation, ” is “a process of managing relations with a potentially hostile country in order to preserve peace while maintaining our vital interests, ” Henry Kissinger, then U.S. secretary of state, told a Congressional committee in 1974, while warning that such a relationship faces “sharp limits.”

Detailed explanation-5: -There were several factors and conditions that led to Détente, including nuclear fears, domestic issues, changes to leadership and policy pragmatism. 3. Détente brought about better communication between the two superpowers. This led to several bilateral and multilateral treaties and Nixon’s 1972 visit to China.

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