Describe how the Cuban Missile Crisis ultimately led to better relations between the United States and the Soviet Union as détente was established.
Here are a number of excellent articles on the Crisis:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Cuban+Missile+Crisis&spell=1
detente - Hutchinson encyclopedia article about detente The immediate cause of détente was the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, ... Eventually detente is attempted by schools spending their scarce resources to ...
http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/detente
Cold War - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world closer to nuclear war than ever before in .... by adversaries was one factor leading to the Soviet-US détente. ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_War
Thinking it through: Cuban missile crisis Thinking it through: Cuban missile crisis ... For the next decade and a half ' detente' moderated the instability of the Cold War. It did not, however, ...
http://pubs.socialistreviewindex.org.uk/sr212/harman.htm
::Detente:: Détente was a permanent relaxation in international affairs during the Cold War rather than just ... 1963 - hot-line established after Cuban Missile Crisis ...
http;//www.historylearningsite.co.uk/detente.htm
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/detente.htm
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 was a pivotal moment during the Cold War, as it brought the United States and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war. However, it also played a significant role in establishing détente, a period of improved relations between the two superpowers. Here's how the crisis ultimately led to better relations:
1. Crisis Resolution: The immediate outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis was a negotiated settlement. The Soviet Union agreed to remove its nuclear missiles from Cuba, and in return, the United States pledged not to invade the island nation and secretly agreed to remove its own missiles from Turkey. This resolution prevented a potential war and laid the groundwork for future negotiations.
2. Hotline and Nuclear Testing Ban: As a result of the crisis, both countries recognized the need for direct communication to avoid misunderstandings and escalate conflicts. In 1963, the United States and the Soviet Union established the "hotline," a direct telephone link between the White House and the Kremlin, to ensure a quick and effective way of communication during times of crisis. Additionally, in the same year, both countries signed the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which prohibited atmospheric and underwater nuclear testing. These steps demonstrated a mutual desire to reduce tensions and avoid a nuclear arms race.
3. Nuclear Arms Control: The Cuban Missile Crisis also contributed to the subsequent negotiation of several arms control agreements. In 1969, the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) began between the United States and the Soviet Union. This led to the signing of the SALT I treaty in 1972, which aimed to limit the number of strategic nuclear weapons possessed by both sides. Although SALT I didn't significantly reduce stockpiles, it symbolized a willingness to engage in arms control negotiations and marked an important step toward reducing tensions.
4. Increased Diplomatic Engagement: Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, there was a noticeable shift in diplomatic engagement between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both countries realized the importance of direct interactions and initiated various diplomatic initiatives. There were increased cultural exchanges, such as sports events and exhibitions, aimed at fostering understanding and building trust between the nations. Additionally, both sides began to engage in bilateral negotiations on various issues, including trade, science, and technology. This newfound dialogue laid the foundation for future agreements and cooperation.
Overall, the Cuban Missile Crisis was a turning point in the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union. While it initially heightened tensions, the crisis ultimately led to improved relations by promoting crisis management mechanisms, arms control negotiations, and increased diplomatic engagement. These developments set the stage for the détente period and paved the way for future diplomatic breakthroughs between the two superpowers.