Economic factors were really important during the Détente period of the Cold War. This time affected both the United States and the Soviet Union. Let’s break it down.
High Military Spending
During this time, both superpowers were in an arms race, which means they were racing to build up their military. The U.S. was spending around $30 billion a year on military stuff in the late 1960s.
This huge amount of money made leaders think it was time to calm things down and talk it out instead.
Economic Problems in the USSR
By the 1970s, the Soviet Union was facing serious economic problems. They were spending so much money on their military and helping friendly countries that they couldn’t focus on making life better for their own people.
This pushed their leaders to look for ways to improve the economy. They wanted a more peaceful world to help them fix these issues.
World Economy Issues
The oil crisis in 1973 hit many countries hard, including the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Because of this economic struggle, leaders from both sides saw that talking to each other was important.
They realized that fighting could make things worse, which helped lead to agreements like SALT I and II.
More Trade Opportunities
Détente also opened up some trade between the East and the West. This meant the U.S. could sell things to Eastern countries, and the Soviet Union could get better technology.
These trade talks were key in lowering tensions and showed how closely connected economics and global politics are.
In short, these economic factors played a big role in Détente. They helped pave the way for important agreements aimed at making the world a calmer place.
Economic factors were really important during the Détente period of the Cold War. This time affected both the United States and the Soviet Union. Let’s break it down.
High Military Spending
During this time, both superpowers were in an arms race, which means they were racing to build up their military. The U.S. was spending around $30 billion a year on military stuff in the late 1960s.
This huge amount of money made leaders think it was time to calm things down and talk it out instead.
Economic Problems in the USSR
By the 1970s, the Soviet Union was facing serious economic problems. They were spending so much money on their military and helping friendly countries that they couldn’t focus on making life better for their own people.
This pushed their leaders to look for ways to improve the economy. They wanted a more peaceful world to help them fix these issues.
World Economy Issues
The oil crisis in 1973 hit many countries hard, including the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Because of this economic struggle, leaders from both sides saw that talking to each other was important.
They realized that fighting could make things worse, which helped lead to agreements like SALT I and II.
More Trade Opportunities
Détente also opened up some trade between the East and the West. This meant the U.S. could sell things to Eastern countries, and the Soviet Union could get better technology.
These trade talks were key in lowering tensions and showed how closely connected economics and global politics are.
In short, these economic factors played a big role in Détente. They helped pave the way for important agreements aimed at making the world a calmer place.