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Type of conflict feared due to the arms race12/14/2023 ![]() This theory relied on neither side having the potential for a ‘first strike’ (the ability to destroy the other side with an intensive nuclear strike, before they attacked). The theory of mutually assured destruction (MAD) championed the view that a superpower would not fire its nuclear weapons as the other side would automatically do the same. Both sides feared falling behind in research and production.Įventually, nuclear weapons became a deterrent rather than a weapon for use in warfare. ![]() In 1953, both the USA and the USSR were testing hydrogen bombs and it appeared to the Americans that the Soviets had caught up technologically. This led to a race between the two superpowers to amass the most powerful nuclear weapons with the most effective delivery systems. In 1949, the USSR tested its first atomic bomb. The American victory in the Pacific, without Soviet help, meant the USSR was denied any share of the occupation in that area. Through his spy network, Stalin had known about Truman’s nuclear weapons for months. Stalin was offended and his suspicion and distrust of the West intensified. ![]() However, the fact that US President Truman did not inform Stalin of his intent to deploy nuclear weapons had the opposite effect. This action had the added potential of pressurizing the USSR into negotiating over Eastern Europe and Germany. The intention was to force Japan to surrender, thus avoiding a long war in the Pacific. In August 1945 the USA detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
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