Unit 1.1 - The Atomic Bomb 1945

Question 1

When did the USA develop and test the atomic bomb?

Answer 1

JULY 1945 in New Mexico

Question 2

The USA had kept the Atomic Bomb secret until…

Answer 2

the Potsdam Conference - Stalin already knew since his spies had infiltrated the US Atomic Programme. Stalin was angered that Truman didn’t inform him since they were allies; he grew suspicious of the US’s intentions and felt that they were working separately to dominate alone. BREAK DOWN OF TRUST.

Question 3

When did the USA drop the Atomic Bomb?

Answer 3

HIroshima (6th August)
Nagasaki (9th August)
120-200, 000 died and Japan surrendered.

Question 4

How did this influence the power dynamic between the superpowers?

Answer 4

America was in a stronger negotiating position at the end of WW2 as Russia did not have a weapon as strong. Made Western Europe confident in the ability and strength of USA to protect them from the spread of communism.

Question 5

Relations between the superpowers…

Answer 5

worsened. Tensions increased.

Question 6

By 1949…

Answer 6

Russia had its own Atomic Bomb and by 1964, so did Britain, France and China.

Question 7

Nuclear Deterrence:

Answer 7

The USA and Soviet Union were less likely to use atomic weapons in war as it would result in mutual mass destruction. It was said that the bomb would end all wars, since each country had power to use an equally destructive weapon in response to a nuclear attack.

Question 8

Arms Race:

Answer 8

USA and Soviet Union entered into a race, stockpiling nuclear weapons with the wish to become the number one superpower in the world.