The ideological division between East and West, communism and capitalism, culminated in a nuclear arms race, which had the potential to destroy the whole world. After going through various crises, which will be presented to you in this paper, like for example the extremely dangerous Cuban missile crisis in 1962, the involved states realized that without a rapprochement on governmental level a competition for global predominance would potentially destroy the whole world. One first step on the way to détente was the installation of the Moscow–Washington hotline. The “red telephone” or the “heiße Draht” how we call it in Germany, was approved by an agreement on June 20, 1963 in Geneva, Switzerland. Other reasons for a political approximation were to be found in the domestic affairs of the U.S.A and the Soviet Union: “From the American perspective, the debacle in Vietnam had, by the late 1960´s, proven costly in terms of life lost and the expenditures incurred, while it had simultaneously undermined the United States prestige around the globe. (…) Weaknesses in the Soviet economy – the need for access to Western markets and technology – provided an additional rationale for Moscow´s interest in Detènte”.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Emergence of Cold War
- Events of the East-West Conflict
- Berlin Crisis I
- The German Question
- Korean War
- Berlin Crisis II
- Cuban Missile Crisis
- Vietnam
- German Détente
- Treaties
- Superpower Détente
- Treaties
- End of Détente
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the emergence of détente during the Cold War, focusing on the interplay between superpower relations and the German question. It analyzes the major events leading up to détente, the reasons behind its development, and its eventual decline. The analysis will trace the historical events and political decisions that shaped this crucial period.
- The origins and development of the Cold War
- The role of major crises (Berlin Crises, Cuban Missile Crisis) in shaping superpower relations
- The impact of domestic policies in the US and USSR on the pursuit of détente
- The German question and its influence on East-West relations
- The rise and fall of détente as a period of relaxed tensions
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter defines détente as a relaxation of strained relations, primarily within the context of the Cold War. It establishes the historical context of the Cold War's origins in post-World War II agreements and the division of Europe into spheres of influence. The chapter highlights the crucial role of the German question and the escalating nuclear arms race as factors contributing to the need for rapprochement between the superpowers. The establishment of the Moscow-Washington hotline is presented as a significant early step toward détente, along with the influence of domestic issues in the USA and the USSR as motivations for pursuing a less confrontational approach. The chapter concludes by outlining the paper's objective of analyzing the reasons behind détente's emergence during the Cold War, with a focus on parallel developments in superpower relations and the German context.
Emergence of Cold War: This chapter traces the origins of the Cold War to 1917, focusing on the Russian Revolution and US entry into World War I. It highlights the ideological clash between communism and capitalism and the resulting mutual distrust between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. The chapter analyzes events following World War II, including the division of Germany into occupation zones and the implementation of the Marshall Plan. The contrasting approaches of the US, using economic influence, and the USSR's suspicion of Western motives are presented as major contributors to the growing tension and the eventual solidification of the Cold War dynamic. The chapter explains the conflicting post-war agendas and unresolved issues, particularly regarding Germany and the division of Europe, which laid the groundwork for the Cold War's enduring tensions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Cold War, Détente, Soviet Union, United States, Germany, Berlin Crisis, Cuban Missile Crisis, Nuclear Arms Race, East-West Relations, Superpower Politics, International Relations, Cold War History, Willy Brandt, Neue Ostpolitik, Marshall Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cold War Détente
What is the overall topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper exploring the emergence, development, and decline of détente during the Cold War. It focuses on the interplay between superpower relations (primarily the US and USSR) and the German question as key drivers of this period of relaxed tensions.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes sections on the Introduction, the Emergence of the Cold War, key events of the East-West conflict (including the Berlin Crises, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam), German Détente, Treaties (multiple instances), Superpower Détente, and the End of Détente.
What are the main objectives and key themes of the paper?
The paper aims to analyze the emergence of détente during the Cold War, focusing on the relationship between superpower relations and the German question. Key themes include the origins and development of the Cold War, the impact of major crises on superpower relations, the role of domestic policies in the US and USSR, the influence of the German question, and the rise and fall of détente itself.
What are the chapter summaries provided?
The provided summaries detail the introduction's establishment of context and objectives; the emergence of the Cold War chapter traces its origins from the Russian Revolution and WWI to post-WWII divisions and contrasting US and USSR approaches; further chapters (not fully summarized) cover specific events leading to and influencing détente.
What keywords are associated with this document?
Keywords include: Cold War, Détente, Soviet Union, United States, Germany, Berlin Crisis, Cuban Missile Crisis, Nuclear Arms Race, East-West Relations, Superpower Politics, International Relations, Cold War History, Willy Brandt, Neue Ostpolitik, and Marshall Plan.
What is the scope of the analysis regarding the German Question?
The analysis significantly emphasizes the "German question" – the division of Germany and its impact on East-West relations – as a crucial factor shaping the dynamics of détente and the broader Cold War.
What role do the Berlin Crises and the Cuban Missile Crisis play in the analysis?
The Berlin Crises and the Cuban Missile Crisis are presented as major events that significantly shaped superpower relations and contributed to the need for, and the eventual failure of, détente.
How does the paper address domestic policies in the US and USSR?
The paper considers the impact of domestic policies in both the US and USSR on the pursuit and eventual decline of détente, suggesting internal factors influenced the international relations approach.
What is the overall conclusion regarding Détente?
The overall conclusion, although not explicitly stated in the preview, implicitly suggests an analysis of both the reasons for the emergence of détente and the factors that led to its eventual end.
- Quote paper
- Nemo Tronnier (Author), 2009, The Emergence of Detente in the Cold War, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/150609