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Lesson 20 of 84 · Cold War Modern

30 XP🏰 History Keep

cold-war-modern: Lesson 20

🌍Mission Brief #20

Détente, a French word meaning 'relaxation,' refers to the period of eased tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1970s.

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Be a history detective — read between the dates.

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Mind = Blown

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Then & Now

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Détente, a French word meaning 'relaxation,' refers to the period of eased tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1970s. This era was characterized by diplomatic efforts, including arms control agreements like the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Détente represented a shift from the earlier confrontational policies of the Cold War, as both superpowers sought to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict. However, this period was not without its challenges, as ideological differences and regional conflicts continued to strain relations, leading to the eventual decline of détente by the late 1970s.

Key Facts

1

Détente refers to the relaxation of tensions during the 1970s.

2

Key agreements during this period included SALT I and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

3

Détente was marked by a shift from confrontational Cold War policies.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 2

What does the term 'détente' mean?

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Why this still matters

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Stretch Challenge

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Ask a grown-up what the world looked like when they were your age.

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For the dinner table

What's something from history you wish you could see in person?

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