Détente and Arms Reduction

Fears Over Mutually Assured Destruction

The Cuban Missile Crisis had a powerful effect upon the United States and Soviet Union. Both realized that the threat to life on the planet was a real possibility, as the number of nuclear weapons continued to grow. Shortly after the Cuban Crisis, discussions were held in the attempt to limit development and testing of nuclear weapons. Although the United States and the Soviet Union did not trust each other, and negotiation took many years, agreements were finally put in place to limit nuclear weapons.

Partial Test Ban Treaty - 1963

The year after the Cuban Missile Crisis, the three major nuclear powers of the time agreed to stop testing nuclear weapons above ground. Before the treaty, Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union would test their nuclear weapons by dropping bombs on various deserted parts of the world. As more and more bombs were tested, the environmental damage caused by these tests was becoming a concern. The treaty forbade atmosphere tests of nuclear weapons, but underground explosions were allowed to continue. .

The Outer Space Treaty - 1967

The purpose of this treaty was to ban the use of outer space to store, deploy, or attack from earth's orbit. The drive by both superpowers to put humans on the moon and explore space also opened the possibility for using outer space for military purposes. The Soviets and Americans agreed that the outer space around the planet should be left neutral.

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty - 1968

Ninety countries were to sign the agreement to limiting the spread of nuclear technology and weapons on the planet. The treaty was proposed to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons from getting into the hands of unstable countries or terrorist groups. The treaty was to only have only limited success because several nations refused to sign, and continued developing nuclear weapons.

The Biological Warfare Treaty - 1972

Like nuclear weapons, biological weapons also have the capability of eliminating life on the planet. These weapons were considered extremely dangerous, and in need of serious limitations. Thirty countries signed an agreement to stop all production and storage of biological weapons. Attempts were also made to destroy existing stocks of biological weapons. This has met with some success over the years .

The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT)

The United States and Soviet Union also realized that it was necessary to limit their ever-growing nuclear arsenals. Talks began in late 1969 and were finalized in 1972. Both sides agreed to limit the construction of new inter continental missiles and anti-ballistic missiles. Negotiations continued throughout the 1970s leading to a number of smaller proposals and agreements. In an attempt to limit possible full-scale war, it was agreed that both super powers would observe each other's major military exercises, and that the leaders of both nations would meet regularly.