The Cold War Under Brezhnev 1964-1982

Leonid Brezhnev Return to Stalin-ier Times Massive arms buildup Crackdown on nonconformists Avoidance of direct confrontation with USA

Prague Spring, 1968 Alexander Dubcek elected leader in Czechoslovakia “socialism with a human face” – greater democracy and freedom of speech Soviets invade and replace Dubcek

Brezhnev Doctrine The Soviet Union and allies have right to intervene in any socialist country whenever it was needed

Ostpolitik WG Chancellor Willy Brandt looks for cooperation with EG “Two German states within one German nation” Peace in Germany contributed to reduction in tension

Détente Attempts to “cool” Cold War were put in place Triggered by Richard Nixon’s diplomacy with China SALT I (1972) – reduction in missile production Helsinki Conference (1975) Recognized Soviet boundaries with Poland, Eastern European countries Soviets pledge to respect human rights

End of Détente Soviet Union invades Afghanistan in 1979 Afghanistan had struggling communist gov’t USA refuses to ratify SALT II and boycotts Olympics Jimmy Carter – more ideological than Nixon Only Britain supports American anger

Solidarity Pope John Paul II preaches “natural rights” in communist Poland in 1979 Poland’s differences Working class union forms called Solidarity Led by Lech Walesa Polish army shuts down movement under Soviet threats