The Arms Race: 1950-58

Question 1

When my nuclear bombs develop by both sides?

Answer 1

• 1945 USA atomic bomb
• 1949 USSR atomic bomb
• 1952 USA hydrogen
• 1953 USSR hydrogen bomb
• 1957 USA ICBM (Intercontinental ballistic missile)
• 1957 USSR ICBM

Question 2

What are the effects of the arms race on both sides?

Answer 2

• Each site became more powerful
• USA and USSR spent huge sums of money on developing conventional and nuclear weapons, and armies
• Led to a change in thinking about war - they acted as a deterrent to war

Question 3

Which president took over from Truman in 1953?

Answer 3

Eisenhower - he was fiercely anti-Communist but open to talks between the two sides

Question 4

When Stalin died in 1953 who took over leadership of the USSR?

Answer 4

Khrushchev in 1956 - follow the policy of de-Stalinisation.