The Cold War: The 1970s Detente Worksheet

The 1970s were a time of significant change and progress in international relations. The term “Detente” refers to the relaxation of tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War period. The decade of the 1970s was marked by several key events and developments that contributed to this period of Detente. This worksheet allows students to investigate the key events through personal research.

One of the most important factors contributing to Detente was the development of new nuclear weapons. Both the United States and the Soviet Union were heavily invested in the development of nuclear weapons. As a result, the 1970s saw a significant shift in the balance of power between the two nations. The United States and the Soviet Union signed a number of agreements that aimed to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in their respective arsenals.

Another key event that contributed to Detente was the Helsinki Conference, which took place in 1975. This conference brought together leaders from the United States, the Soviet Union, and a number of other European nations. The conference was an important step towards reducing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, and it helped to establish a framework for future negotiations and agreements.

One of the most iconic symbols of the Detente period was the “High handshake” between United States President Richard Nixon and Soviet Union leader Leonid Brezhnev. This handshake took place in 1972 and was seen as a powerful symbol of the new era of cooperation between the two nations.

This lesson plan is designed to help students understand the key features of the Detente period, and to explore the events and developments that contributed to this period of relaxation of tensions. Through critical thinking, research, comprehension and the creation of a visual presentation, students will gain a deeper understanding of this important period in history.

The 1970s Detente is a period of the Cold War that marked a relaxation of tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. This was largely due to the new nuclear weapons, the Helsinki conference, and the iconic High handshake between the leaders of the two nations. With this worksheet, students will engage in critical thinking, research, comprehension and creating visual presentations to gain a deeper understanding of this key period in history.

**Total Pages: 2 pages
Teaching Duration: 2 hours