Economic and Political Costs of the Arms Race Flashcards

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What is meant by the 'arms race' during the Cold War?

It was the competition between the USA and USSR to build more and better weapons, especially nuclear missiles.

Why did the arms race cost so much money for both superpowers?

New weapons like nuclear missiles, bombers and submarines were very expensive to design, build and keep ready to use.

How did high military spending in the USA affect government spending at home?

It meant less money was available for things like schools, housing and health care, which many Americans wanted the government to improve.

How did the arms race affect living standards in the USSR?

The USSR spent so much on weapons that there was less investment in farms, factories and consumer goods, so many people faced shortages and poor housing.

What is the 'opportunity cost' of the arms race?

It is the useful things that could not be paid for, such as better roads or hospitals, because the money was spent on weapons instead.

Why was the arms race a heavier economic burden on the USSR than on the USA?

The Soviet economy was smaller and less efficient, so a large defence budget took up a bigger share of its money and slowed growth more.

How did the cost of the Vietnam War add to US worries about the arms race?

The USA was already spending huge sums on fighting in Vietnam, so many people felt the country could not afford both a big war and a costly nuclear arms race.

How did public opinion in the USA become a political cost of the arms race?

Many Americans joined peace and anti-nuclear movements and voted for leaders who promised to cut spending and reduce the risk of war.

Why did Soviet leaders fear political problems linked to the arms race?

They knew people were unhappy about low wages, shortages and poor housing, and they worried that continued high arms spending might lead to unrest.

How did the economic and political costs of the arms race help to ease Cold War tensions?

Both sides saw that the arms race was too expensive and unpopular, so they became more willing to talk and look for ways to limit weapons and improve relations.

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