Superpower relations and the Cold War - The Arms Race

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  • Created by: MC
  • Created on: 21-11-18 07:21

The Arms Race

In the Cold War, USA and USSR tried to gain an advantage by forming military alliances and developing ever more powerful weapons. The aim was to 'look strong' to deter the other from attacking.

The USA and USSR began an Arms Race

During the Cold War, USA and USSR worked to develop the most powerful weapons they could - there was an arms race

Neither side really wanted to use these weapons, but both felt the other couldnt be allowed to gain an advantage. The fear was that if either gained a significant military advantage, that country might be tempted to trigger a war to take advantage of it.

Instead, a stand - off developed where both countries didnt dare act against the other, but didnt dare get 'left behind' either

This competition sometimes spilled over into other areas. For example, when USSR launched the first satellite into space, USA quickly developed one of its own. This 'space race' led to USSR sending the first man into space in 1961 and to USA sending astronauts to the Moon in 1969.

Both countries developed

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