Why Did the U.S and Russia want a détente?

The period from the Second World War to the mid 1970’s was one of great hostility and tension between the U.S and Russia. Both had emerged from World War II as superpowers. It was during this timeframe, that the frightening prospect of nuclear war became closer and closer. Nuclear war would mean the end to mankind, so the need for a détente became necessary. Détente is a French word that was used …showed first 75 words of 1181 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1181 total…ABM system each. Many believed that the détente hadn’t worked and that the ‘arms race’ was still on. In 1979 Russia invaded Afghanistan and the détente was over. Many people criticised the U.S government. However, had it not of been for the détente, then the world might not be what it is today. It helped reduce the chance of nuclear war, something that it did effectively and something that everyone wanted.