Détente - GCSE History Definition

Détente refers to the period of improved relations and reduced tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, particularly from the late 1960s to the late 1970s. This era was marked by efforts to avoid nuclear conflict and promote peace through diplomacy and negotiation, leading to significant agreements such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) which aimed to limit the production of nuclear weapons. For GCSE History students, détente is important because it shows a time during the Cold War when the USA and the Soviet Union tried to get along more by using diplomacy and agreements instead of fighting or threatening each other.