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March 5: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, ratified by the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union and the United States, among others, enters into force.
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November 18: United States' aid to Cambodia to support the Lon Nol regime begins
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October 25 : The United Nations General Assembly passes Resolution 2758, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China
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December 16 : Bangladesh and Indian joint forces defeat Pakistan in the Bangladesh Liberation War. Bangladesh is officially recognized by the eastern bloc.
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February 21: Nixon visits China, the first visit by a U.S. President since the establishment of the People's Republic of China
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December 18: Richard Nixon announces the beginning of a massive bombing campaign in North Vietnam
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January 27: The Paris Peace Accords end American involvement in the Vietnam War. Congress cuts off funds for the continued bombing of Indochina.
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November 11: The Soviet Union announces that, because of its opposition to the recent overthrow of the government of Chilean President Salvador Allende, it will not play a World Cup Soccer match against the Chilean team if the match is held in Santiago.
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August 9: Gerald Ford becomes President of the United States upon the resignation of Nixon.
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May 12: Mayagüez incident: The Khmer Rouge seize an American naval ship, prompting American intervention to recapture the ship and its crew. In the end, the crew is released from captivity.
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August 1: Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe signed by the United States, Canada, the Soviet Union and Europe
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July 20: U.S. Military personnel withdraw from Thailand.
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January 20: Jimmy Carter becomes President of the United States.
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July 23: The Ogaden War begins when Somalia attacks Ethiopia.
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April 27: President of Afghanistan Sardar Mohammed Daoud's government is overthrown when he is murdered in a coup led by pro-communist rebels.
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May 9: War breaks out in El Salvador between Marxist-led insurgents and the U.S.-backed government.
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June 18: U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Soviet leader, Leonid Brezhnev, sign the SALT II agreement, outlining limitations and guidelines for nuclear weapons.
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December 24: The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan to oust Hafizullah Amin, resulting in the end of Détente.
