Beginning of the Nuclear Arms Race Flashcards

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In the Cold War, what is meant by the term "nuclear arms race"?

It was the competition between the USA and the USSR to build more and better nuclear weapons than the other side.

Why did the USA have an early advantage in the nuclear arms race after 1945?

The USA was the only country with atomic bombs and had already used them, so it had a clear lead in nuclear power.

In which year did the USSR test its first atomic bomb, ending the US nuclear monopoly?

The USSR tested its first atomic bomb in 1949.

How did the Soviet atomic bomb test in 1949 change the arms race?

It ended the US nuclear monopoly and meant both sides had atomic bombs, so a true nuclear arms race began.

What new type of nuclear weapon did the USA develop in 1952?

The USA developed the hydrogen bomb in 1952, which was far more powerful than the earlier atomic bomb.

When did the USSR test its first hydrogen bomb?

The USSR tested its first hydrogen bomb in 1953.

What is meant by "nuclear deterrence"?

It is the idea that having many nuclear weapons will stop the enemy attacking, because they fear massive nuclear revenge.

Why did both superpowers keep building more nuclear weapons in the early arms race?

Each side feared falling behind, so they built more weapons to try to stay ahead and to look strong.

Why did Stalin push Soviet scientists to develop an atomic bomb quickly after 1945?

He feared the USA might use its nuclear power to threaten the USSR and wanted to remove that US advantage.

How did the early nuclear arms race affect relations between the USA and the USSR?

It increased fear and mistrust, as both sides prepared for possible nuclear war instead of working together.

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