USA and USSR developed nuclear warheads and other weapons. The arms race was very expensive. Both countries saw that money could be better spent at home. Also worried that the arms race might never end.
End of Vietnam War.
Improved relations with China and other Communist countries.
American and Russian astronauts met and shook hands in space.
Helsinki conference August 1975 - all countries agreed borders set out after World War 2 including the division of Germany. Agreed to respect human rights including freedom of speech and freedom to move from one country to another.
Summit meetings held between USSR and USA - Nixon (President of USA) first American president to visit Moscow. Leaders signed SALT1 (1972) leading to the possibility of SALT2.
