Arms Race

• 1.The Americans dropped its first atomic bombs on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945 and Nagasaki on 9 August 1945.
• 2.The Soviets developed their own bomb in 1949.
• 3.The Americans then developed a hydrogen bomb in 1952.
• 4.In 1953 the Soviets developed a hydrogen bomb.
• 5.In 1957, the USA developed an ICBM which could fire a missile more than 4,500 km.
• 6.Also in 1957, the USSR launched Sputnik, the world’s first satellite. This caused panic in the USA, and triggered the start of a space race.
• 7.This cost both sides huge amounts of money, which was particularly difficult for the USSR, and increased tension, as each side had ICBMs capable of hitting the other.
• 8.Now both sides had enough weapons to destroy each other (‘Mutually Assured Destruction’ – MAD), weapons became less about winning wars and more about deterrence.
• 9.Concerns about the cost and escalating tension led to Khrushchev’s attempts to establish ‘peaceful co-existence’, eg the Geneva Summit
• When did the Americans drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

  Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, Nagasaki on 9 August 1945
• When did the Soviets develop their first atomic bomb?

  In 1949
• When did the Americans develop a hydrogen bomb?

  In 1952
• When did the Soviets develop a hydrogen bomb?

  In 1953
• What significant weapon did the USA develop in 1957?

  An ICBM capable of firing over 4,500 km
• What was the significance of the USSR launching Sputnik in 1957?

  It triggered the start of a space race
• How did the space race affect the USA and USSR financially?

  It cost both sides huge amounts of money
• What was the impact of having ICBMs on both sides during the Cold War?

  Increased tension and potential for destruction
• What does 'Mutually Assured Destruction' (MAD) imply?

  Both sides could destroy each other
• What was the focus of weapons after achieving MAD?

  Deterrence rather than winning wars
• What led to Khrushchev's attempts at 'peaceful co-existence'?

  Concerns about cost and escalating tension