Lesson 55 of 84 · Cold War Modern
⭐ 30 XP🏰 History Keepcold-war-modern: Lesson 55
The policy of détente emerged in the late 1960s as a strategy to ease tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
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⚡ The twist
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Mind = Blown
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Then & Now
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The policy of détente emerged in the late 1960s as a strategy to ease tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. This period was characterized by increased diplomatic engagement and negotiations, including treaties such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) that aimed to limit nuclear weapons. Détente represented a shift from the more confrontational policies of earlier years, promoting dialogue over conflict. However, this thawing of relations was tested by events such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, which ultimately led to a resurgence of Cold War hostilities.
Key Facts
Détente was a policy to ease tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
It included treaties like the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT).
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 marked the end of détente.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What was a key feature of the détente policy?
Why this still matters
Every road sign, every flag, every holiday — there's history hiding inside.
Stretch Challenge
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Find one historical photo that shocked you. Tell someone about it.
For the dinner table
“What's something from history you wish you could see in person?”
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