Helsinki Accords facts for kids
The Helsinki Final Act, also called the Helsinki Accords or Helsinki Declaration, was an important document signed in Helsinki, Finland. This happened at the end of a big meeting called the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, from July 30 to August 1, 1975.
Leaders from 35 countries signed this agreement. This included all the countries in Europe at the time, plus the United States and Canada. They signed it to try and make things better between the Soviet bloc (countries allied with the Soviet Union) and the West (countries like the U.S. and its allies). This effort to reduce tension and improve relations was known as détente.
Contents
What Was the Helsinki Final Act?
The Helsinki Final Act was not a treaty, but a promise. It was a set of agreements and ideas that countries agreed to follow. The main goal was to make Europe more peaceful and secure. It aimed to build trust and cooperation between countries that had been rivals for a long time.
Why Was It Important?
This document was very important during the Cold War. The Cold War was a period of tension between the Soviet Union and the United States. The Helsinki Final Act helped to calm things down. It showed that countries could talk and agree on things, even if they had different political systems.
Main Ideas of the Act
The Helsinki Final Act had three main parts, often called "baskets":
- Basket One: Security in Europe. This part focused on making sure countries respected each other's borders. It also included rules for how countries should act towards each other. They agreed not to use force and to settle arguments peacefully.
- Basket Two: Cooperation in Economics, Science, and Environment. This part encouraged countries to work together. They wanted to trade more, share scientific discoveries, and protect the environment. This helped build connections between the East and West.
- Basket Three: Cooperation in Humanitarian and Other Fields. This was about human rights. Countries agreed to respect basic freedoms, like freedom of thought and religion. They also wanted to make it easier for people to travel and share information. This part was especially important for people living in the Soviet bloc.
Who Signed the Act?
Many important leaders signed the Helsinki Final Act. These included:
- Gerald Ford, the President of the United States.
- Leonid Brezhnev, the leader of the Soviet Union.
- Leaders from countries like West Germany, East Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
Their signing showed a shared hope for a more stable and peaceful future.
Images for kids
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Chancellor of Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) Helmut Schmidt, Chairman of the State Council of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) Erich Honecker, US president Gerald Ford and Austrian chancellor Bruno Kreisky
