Topic study hub
The Brezhnev era, 1972–1985 (A-level only)
from Détente to the end of the Cold War, c1963–1991 (A-: The Brezhnev era, 1972–1985 (A-level only)
4
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
88 min
Study time
AqaA LevelHistory2R The Cold War, c1945–1991
Choose a revision tool
Start revising The Brezhnev era, 1972–1985 (A-level only)
Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
4 objective pages available
The Brezhnev era, 1972–1985 (A-level only)4 objectives
- The USA and SE Asia: Paris peace talks; Northern victory; continuing problems in Cambodia; costs of war.
- The extent of Détente up to 1979: the SALT talks; Ostpolitik and Helsinki accords; arms race; relations with China.
- The Second Cold War: the reasons for renewed hostilities and developments, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan; new personalities, including Reagan, Thatcher and Pope John Paul II; the crushing of Solidarity in Poland; the shooting down of KAL 007.
- Developments in Africa and the Americas: the impact of Cuban intervention in Angola and Ethiopia; the impact of US intervention in Latin America and the Caribbean including Chile, Grenada and Nicaragua.
Key terms
DétenteDomino TheoryArms RaceSecond Cold WarSolidarityMPLADerg
Exam tips
- Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing the impact of events like the Vietnam War, include specific examples such as the Paris Peace Accords and the rise of the Khmer Rouge.
- Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing events like the Helsinki Accords or SALT talks, include specific details or outcomes to strengthen your argument.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the outcomes of the Vietnam War: Focus on the specific consequences of the Vietnam War, such as the fall of Saigon and the rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.
- Confusing SALT I with SALT II: Ensure to distinguish between the two agreements: SALT I focused on limiting existing arms, while SALT II aimed to further reduce the number of nuclear weapons but was never ratified.
Practice preview
Continue by objective
Objectives are grouped by subtopic so students can jump straight to the exact skill they want to revise.
Related topics
