The Arms Race-History-Cold war

• What was the primary goal of the USA and the USSR during the Cold War regarding military power?

  To gain an advantage by forming military alliances and developing powerful weapons
• Why did the USA and the USSR engage in an Arms Race during the Cold War?

  Both sides wanted to deter the other from attacking by appearing strong
• What was the consequence of the Arms Race between the USA and the USSR?

  A stand-off developed where neither side dared to act against the other
• What event marked the beginning of the space race between the USA and the USSR?

  The USSR launching the first satellite into space
• Who was the first man sent into space, and which country did he represent?

  The first man sent into space was from the USSR
• What significant event occurred in 1969 related to space exploration?

  The USA sent astronauts to the Moon
• What was Khrushchev's stance towards the West after Stalin's death?

  Khrushchev wanted 'peaceful co-existence' with the West
• How did Khrushchev's desire for 'peaceful co-existence' affect the arms race?

  Despite his words, the arms race continued as the West felt threatened
• What was Khrushchev's strategy for spreading communism?

  To demonstrate its superiority rather than defeat the West in war
• What was the USA's first nuclear weapon developed during World War II?

  The atomic bomb
• When did the USA detonate its first hydrogen bomb?

  In 1952
• What significant missile did the Soviets test-fire in 1957?

  The first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
• Why did the USSR feel militarily vulnerable after 1949?

  Because of the formation of NATO
• What treaty was signed in February 1950 that heightened Western fears?

  A treaty of alliance between communist China and the USSR
• How did the USA respond to the USSR's advancements in missile technology?

  The USA launched its Atlas ICBM and increased its missile stockpile
• What was the state of nuclear capabilities between the USA and the USSR by the time of Khrushchev's leadership?

  Both had the power to destroy each other multiple times over
• What did Khrushchev's rise to power signify for the Cold War?

  It brought hopes for 'peaceful co-existence' but continued competition
• What were the key events in the Arms Race during the Cold War?

  • Development of the atomic bomb by the USA during WWII
  • USA detonated the first hydrogen bomb in 1952
  • USSR exploded its own atom bomb in 1949
  • USSR developed its hydrogen bomb by 1955
  • USA launched Atlas ICBM in 1950
  • USSR test-fired the first ICBM in 1957
• What were the implications of the Arms Race on global relations?

  • Increased military tensions between superpowers
  • Development of nuclear stockpiles
  • Fear of nuclear war became a real possibility
  • Competition extended into space exploration