The Importance of Atomic Weapons for the Cold War, 1946-55

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  • Created by: Lizz2002
  • Created on: 24-02-21 07:37
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  • The Importance of Atomic Weapons for the Cold War, 1946-55
    • The Arms Race
      • The USA developed the first atomic weapon in 1945 and used them on Japan to end WW2
        • The USSR developed their first atomic weapon in 1949
      • Both countries possessing atomic weapons lead to the idea of "Mutually Assured Destruction"
      • Control
        • The USA tried to put controls on atomic energy through the UN in 1945 however the USSR vetoed their plans and called for an end to all atomic weapons
      • By 1955, both countries had developed hydrogen bombs
    • Espionage
      • Soviet espionage lead to them developing their own atomic weapons
        • This fueled anti-communist hysteria in the USA and the execution of two soviet spies in 1953
    • Massive Retaliation
      • 1950-54, USA refuse to use atomic weapons in Korean War
        • 1954, US Secretary of State proclaims that atomic weapons would be used against the USSR
          • Doctrine of Massive Retaliation, 1954
          • USA felt safer as they were further from the USSR, and had remote bases in Europe they could use
          • This encouraged the development of missiles and increased the possibility for conflict

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