arms race

• What is the main focus of the lesson discussed today?

  The arms race
• What does the term "arms race" refer to?

  Competition between countries to build powerful and numerous weapons
• Which two countries are primarily involved in the arms race discussed?

  The USA and the USSR
• What historical example of an arms race is mentioned?

  The naval race between Germany and Great Britain before World War I
• How did the development of nuclear weapons change the arms race during the Cold War?

  It made the arms race significantly more threatening to the entire world
• What is the definition of mutually assured destruction (MAD)?

  A situation where nuclear war would be so devastating that neither side would risk starting one
• What is brinksmanship?

  The practice of pushing a dangerous policy to the brink of conflict to achieve an advantage
• When did the USA first use an atomic bomb?

  In 1945 on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
• What was the power of the atomic bomb used by the USA in 1945?

  Equivalent to 15,000 tons of TNT
• When did the USSR successfully develop their own atomic bomb?

  In 1949
• What significant development did the USA achieve in 1952?

  The development of the hydrogen bomb
• How much more powerful is the hydrogen bomb compared to the atomic bomb?

  2,500 times more powerful
• What long-range bomber did the USA develop in 1952?

  The B-52 bomber
• What was the USSR's response to the USA's hydrogen bomb development?

  They developed their own hydrogen bomb in 1953
• What was the name of the long-range bomber developed by the USSR in 1956?

  The TU-95
• What does "first strike capability" refer to?

  The ability to strike the enemy before they can retaliate
• What was the significance of the Polaris submarine developed by the USA in 1960?

  It signaled a breakthrough in second strike capability
• How many missiles could the Polaris submarine carry?

  16 missiles
• What is the concept of mutually assured destruction in the context of the arms race?

  Both sides can destroy each other, ensuring that neither will initiate a conflict
• What are the key definitions related to the arms race discussed in the lesson?

  • Arms Race: Competition between countries to build powerful and numerous weapons.
  • Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD): A situation where nuclear war would be so devastating that neither side would risk starting one.
  • Brinksmanship: Pushing a dangerous policy to the brink of conflict to achieve an advantage.
• How did the arms race evolve from the development of atomic bombs to hydrogen bombs?

  1. USA drops atomic bombs in 1945.
  2. USSR develops atomic bomb in 1949.
  3. USA develops hydrogen bomb in 1952.
  4. USSR develops hydrogen bomb in 1953.
  5. Both sides develop long-range bombers to deliver these bombs.
• What are the phases of the Cold War arms race as discussed in the lesson?

  1. Initial arms race with atomic bombs.
  2. Development of hydrogen bombs.
  3. Establishment of first strike capability.
  4. Development of second strike capability with submarines.
  5. Mutually assured destruction as a deterrent.
• What was the impact of the space race on the arms race?

  • Both countries developed technology for military applications.
  • The launch of Sputnik by the USSR in 1957 raised fears about missile capabilities.
  • The USA developed ICBMs in response, leading to a balance of power in both space and military technology.
• What is the potential impact of nuclear weapons according to the text?

  Nuclear weapons can destroy cities and potentially entire countries.
• What did the Soviets realize about launching a nuclear attack on the US?

  They realized that the US could retaliate with unknown means, leading to mutual destruction.
• What does the term "second strike capability" refer to?

  It refers to the ability to retaliate after being hit first.
• How does second strike capability contribute to the concept of mutually assured destruction?

  It ensures that both sides can destroy each other even if one is attacked first.
• When did the Soviets launch their version of the submarine?

  In 1961.
• What was the state of the arms race by the late 1960s?

  It reached a point of stagnation where neither side could win without mutual destruction.
• What was the psychological impact of the arms race on the world?

  It created paranoia and fear about nuclear conflict.
• What are the definitions of first strike and second strike capability?

  • First strike capability: The ability to attack first and potentially destroy the enemy's ability to retaliate.
  • Second strike capability: The ability to respond with a counterattack after being hit first.
• How many nuclear warheads were estimated to be produced by the USA and USSR by 1986?

  40,000 nuclear warheads.
• What is the equivalent destructive power of the nuclear warheads produced by the USA and USSR?

  It is equivalent to 1 million Hiroshima bombs.
• What financial challenges did the USSR face during the arms race?

  The USSR faced greater financial problems, including hunger and poverty, leading to a need to redirect funds to the people.
• What was the defense spending of the USA in 1981?

  178 billion dollars.
• What was the defense spending of the USA in 1986?

  367 billion dollars.
• How has the arms race changed the Cold War?

  It has introduced the constant threat of nuclear war.
• What was the outcome of the arms race for the USSR by 1987?

  The USSR was effectively bankrupt due to the arms race.
• What policy is used to push events to the edge during the arms race?

  Brinksmanship
• What were the three main events where nuclear weapons played a critical role in escalating tensions?

  1. Berlin Blockade (1948)
  2. Korean War (1950-1953)
  3. Cuban Missile Crisis (1961)