1976-1981: U.S. and Soviet Union Relations

1976: Bicentennial and New Leaders

• The United States celebrated 200 years of independence.
• Jimmy Carter heading for presidency, promised to restore self-confidence and leadership.
• Soviet Union under Leonid Brezhnev, both leaders initially aimed to reduce tensions.
• Promises of reduced tensions turned to anger and mistrust over four years.

1977: Carter's Presidency and Relations with Soviet Union

• Carter aimed to promote human rights and push for nuclear arms cuts.
• Interim agreement at Vladivostok under President Ford set common ceilings for strategic arsenals.
• Carter wanted more drastic cuts, Brezhnev was uncertain of Carter.

Carter's Initiatives

• Sent Secretary of State Cyrus Vance to Moscow with proposals for cuts.
• Soviets rejected these, preferring Vladivostok terms.
• Miscalculations perceived; Soviets saw Vladivostok as adequate.

Domestic and Foreign Challenges

• Carter proposed a 3% increase in defense budget.
• Critics argued for nuclear superiority.
• Soviet military buildup insulated from oil crisis affecting the West.

Soviet Union's Internal State

• Defense spending strained Soviet economy.
• Brezhnev's health declining, central state in disarray.
• Ordinary Russians faced poor living standards.

Human Rights and East-West Tensions

• 1975 Helsinki declaration signed, West used it to pressure Soviets on human rights.
• Dissidents in Eastern Bloc and Soviet Union faced persecution.
• High-profile cases like Anatoly Sharansky highlighted human rights abuses.

Arms Negotiations and Tensions

• Ongoing SALT II negotiations, SS-20 missiles not addressed.
• Soviets deployed SS-20 missiles targeting Western Europe, causing alarm.
• NATO adopted a twin-track policy of missile development and negotiation.

SALT II Treaty and Criticism

• SALT II signed in June 1979 but faced American opposition.
• Treaty seen as incomplete by critics; perceived Soviet expansionism fueled fears.

Middle East Unrest and Oil Crisis

• Iranian Revolution overthrew Shah, Khomeini took power, U.S. seen as "Great Satan."
• U.S. embassy hostages in Iran, failed rescue attempts.
• Oil shortages in the U.S., economy slowed, affecting Carter's re-election chances.

Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

• Soviet invasion viewed as threat to peace; ended détente.
• Carter imposed sanctions, boycotted 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Poland's Solidarity Movement

• Pope John Paul II's visit inspired Polish resistance.
• Solidarity grew, demanding economic reform and political rights.
• Soviet Union pressured Polish government to curb movement.

Reagan's Election and Hardline Policies

• Ronald Reagan elected, promised tougher stance against USSR.
• Solidarity faced crackdowns; martial law imposed in Poland.
• East-West relations further strained as Soviet influence continued to be challenged.