1. The Arms and Space Race
Unit 9: Cold War

2. Arms Race Begins
US and USSR became involved in an arms race by the 1950s
Nuclear weapons included in race
USSR detonates first atomic bomb in 1949
Early 1950s, both countries developed the hydrogen bomb
Arms Race: building up armies and weapon stores to keep up with an enemy

4. Arms Race Begins
US and USSR stockpiled nuclear weapons; seen as deterrence
Large nuclear arsenals on both sides prevented war
Also known as MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction)
Late 1950s, both had intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs); can send warheads virtually anywhere

7. Defensive Systems
Fear of ICBMs leads to improved anti-missile defenses
Designed to intercept incoming nuclear weapons
Most famous was Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars)
Failure due to budget restrictions and political opposition

9. Peace Talks Threat of MAD led both sides to negotiating table
SALT and SALT II
Agreements to reduce total number of arms
Agreements largely failed until late in 1980s when Soviet Union fell

10. Space Race

11. Origins of Space Race Germans experimenting with V2 rockets in WWII
Technology adopted by nearby countries
1957- Soviets launch Sputnik I; first human- made satellite
Fear leads to a push to get manned craft in space

17. Apollo Missions Launched by President Kennedy
Goal: Land man on the moon and return
Gemini Program also developed for new space technology
July 20, Apollo 11 successfully lands on the moon