THAWING OF THE COLD WAR
Anjali Patel
Following Stalin’s death was the leadership of Nikita Khrushchev,Communist Party first secretary, which went from 1955-1964. His era has come to be known as the “thaw” of the Cold War. He strove to obtain a “peaceful coexistence” with western powers like the US and it’s allies. One way he tried to this was by implementing Destalinization which refers the political reform movement that aimed to eliminate the influence of Stalin.This movement came as shock to many Communist all around the world who were taught to idolize Stalin. Overall, it damaged the Soviet Union’s reputation and led to uprising in Europe (Hungary and Poland).
Another event that contributed to the thaw of the Cold War is division between the Soviets and the Chinese; which was known as the Sino-Soviet split. Relations between China and the USSR began to decline as they both wanted different things. Russia wanted to focus on a “peaceful coexistence” while China wanted to continue aggression towards imperialist nations.Their differences paved way for economic and territorial disputes to arise. Finally, in March 1969, Soviets removed their advisers from China which led to border disputes in which border guards from both countries opened fire at each other. This led to many casualties as they battled for months. This ended when China decided to back down and side with the Americans.
The United States shifted from their policy of brinkmanship to detente as President Nixon realized it that containment cause too much tension between the US and the USSR. With the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the war with Vietnam, the president saw it fit to avoid direct confrontation with Russia and switched from brinkmanship to detente in order to lessen tension in the Cold War.
Another event that contributed to the thaw of the Cold War is division between the Soviets and the Chinese; which was known as the Sino-Soviet split. Relations between China and the USSR began to decline as they both wanted different things. Russia wanted to focus on a “peaceful coexistence” while China wanted to continue aggression towards imperialist nations.Their differences paved way for economic and territorial disputes to arise. Finally, in March 1969, Soviets removed their advisers from China which led to border disputes in which border guards from both countries opened fire at each other. This led to many casualties as they battled for months. This ended when China decided to back down and side with the Americans.
The United States shifted from their policy of brinkmanship to detente as President Nixon realized it that containment cause too much tension between the US and the USSR. With the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the war with Vietnam, the president saw it fit to avoid direct confrontation with Russia and switched from brinkmanship to detente in order to lessen tension in the Cold War.
Above is a video that talks more about Russia's/Khrushchev's relationship and view of America during his time of leadership. Below is a picture of President Nixon on the left and Nikita Khrushchev on the right.
Photo used under Creative Commons from History In An Hour