Richard Nixon and the Detente
Richard Nixon
- Elected 37th President in 1968
- Promised to end the Vietnam war
- Pulled troops but increased bombing campaign, implemented Vietnamization
- Began a policy of Détente to lessen Cold War tensions
Detente (A relaxation of Tension)
- Reasons why U.S. sought détente:
- Nuclear and Strategic Parity - The Russians had caught the U.S. in most military areas (caused them to want to think of other options)
- Early Success:
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (limit the spread of Nuclear weapons) Signed by Johnson in 1968 (France and China do not sign it)
Ostpolitik
- German for ‘east politics’
- Western German leader, Willy Brandt wished to unite the Germanys
- Wanted improved relations between the two
- 1972 a Basic Treaty was signed with East Germany
- Accused of selling out to the communist East Germany, others see it as another détente move
"When the President does it, that means that it's not illegal."
- Nixon
- Nixon
Subjunctive Question
What would have happened if Nixon had followed through with the peace he had promised?
Summary
Richard Nixon become president by promising peace, but did not follow through. He did begin the policy of Detente which lessened the tension. Detente had much success but ended with the soviet invasion of Afghanistan. East and West Germany lessened their tensions as well and started the slow return to joining.