Which crisis impacted the American approach to détente in the late 1970s?

Study for the APUSH Period 8 – Cold War and Civil Rights Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Hone your knowledge in Cold War dynamics and civil rights movements. Excel in your exam!

The Iranian Hostage Crisis significantly impacted the American approach to détente in the late 1970s. This crisis began in November 1979, when militants took over the U.S. embassy in Tehran and held 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage for 444 days. The ramifications of this event led to a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy and a re-evaluation of the strategy of détente, which had been characterized by seeking a more cooperative relationship with the Soviet Union and reducing tensions that marked the Cold War era.

As the Iranian Hostage Crisis unfolded, it weakened the spirit of détente, as the U.S. found itself facing humiliation on the global stage, and it contributed to rising anti-Iranian sentiment among the American public and policymakers. The crisis underscored vulnerabilities in U.S. foreign policy and influenced subsequent actions and strategies, including a renewed focus on military strength and interventionism. Consequently, the U.S. moved away from the conciliatory approach that characterized détente, leading to a more confrontational stance in foreign relations.

The other events mentioned, while significant in their own right, did not have the same direct and immediate impact on U.S.-Soviet relations or the strategy of détente. The Vietnam War was a long

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