Lesson 19: The Nuclear Arms Race 1949-62

Question 1

What were American strengths during the arms race?

Answer 1

1. 1955: more military bases across europe than ussr
2. ICBM power
3. 1952: made first hydrogen bomb

Question 2

What were the strengths of the american ICBM missiles?

Answer 2

Had 70 ICBMs in 1962 vs USSR’s 50 (only 4 ready)
Icbms could travel 3000 miles in 30 minutes

Question 3

What were American weaknesses during the arms race?

Answer 3

Eisenhower wanted to save money but was in the pressure by the oppressive government

Soviet economy was growing faster.

It was estimated that the USSR had 1500 nuclear weapons ready

Question 4

How were the USSR superior in long range missile fields?

Answer 4

1957- soviet union launch the first satellite to orbit the Earth successfully called Sputnik