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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

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10

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10

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88 min

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AqaA LevelHistory2R The Cold War, c1945–1991

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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.

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