Nuclear Parity

1949 Creation of the Federal Republic of Germany and German Democratic Republic Formation of NATO Soviet Union successfully detonates its own atom bomb. Chinese communist party defeated the Nationalists.

Soviet Technology Despite appearing calm, cool, and collected the US nuclear monopoly dominated Soviet security discussions. Soviet scientists w/ E German physicists were aided by details from the Manhattan project gathered through espionage. Generally accepted that Soviet scientists were on this track already but that espionage accelerated the process by as much as two years.

Views of Soviet Scientists Appalled by Hiroshima and Nagasaki, some saw parity as a means to prevent future use. Proof that Soviet science was as strong/innovative. Saw it as a challenge to use their discipline in a practical manner. Crucial to national defense, not just against the US but all western powers.

US Program Post WWII Destruction in Japan had been worse than expected, especially radiation sickness afterwards. “An evaluation of the atom bomb as a military weapon” Report, written by generals, to the Joint Chiefs Dangerous nature of the weapon Reluctance to use it in the future However, with the Soviet Union producing their own weapon the program could not be abandoned.

US Program Post WWII Continue building up air force to maintain an effective delivery method if needed. Maintain superiority through number of weapons. Build military bases close to potential enemies for ease of deployment.

August 29, 1949, the Soviets successfully detonated an atom bomb in Kazakhstan. Evidence of the detonation was picked up by a US spy plane and Truman alerted the American public a month later. Truman ordered development of the hydrogen bomb program.

How does Soviet development of nuclear technology change things? Between the US and USSR but also for their allies.

Homework Cold War 2.1-2.3 Due Thursday