1979: SALT II signed

DATE: July 18, 1979

DESCRIPTION:SALT II was a series of talks/a treaty between US and USSR negotiators from 1972 to 1979 in order to help cut down on the production of nuclear weapons; it would also help accomplish nuclear parity. It was a continuation of the SALT I treaty, which limited their numbers of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). It was the first nuclear treaty signed in the world. The treaty was signed by Jimmy Carter (USA) and Leonid Brezhnev (USSR). The terms of SALT II were honored by both sides until the US under President Reagan withdrew from it – they did so after accusing the USSR of previously violating the pact.

BLAME: This event has equal US and Soviet responsibility because they were the ones that negotiated the terms of this treaty from the talks that took place between the US and USSR negotiators. Each side committed themselves to continue discussing their respective terms that they wanted put into this treaty. Their negotiations were the ones that lead to the creation of SALT II. President Ford and General Secretary Brezhnev in specific were also responsible for one of the major breakthroughs that took place: the basic framework of the whole agreement.

TENSION INCREASE: The terms of this treaty helped to slow down the nuclear arms race that was taking place between the two countries. It also played a role in détente – the warming of Soviet-American relations. However, it was only temporary in the long run; the Soviets invaded Afghanistan a mere half a year after SALT II was signed and the USA under Reagan ended up withdrawing from it in the end. -1.5

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