Chapter 29.2
The Nuclear Arms Race: Cold War Competition, Deterrence, and Diplomacy
Explore how the United States and Soviet Union competed to build nuclear arsenals, developed the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction, and negotiated landmark arms control treaties that shaped global foreign policy.
What You'll Learn
MAD doctrine prevented nuclear war through mutual annihilation threats.
SALT treaties froze and limited superpower nuclear weapon deployments significantly.
Nuclear proliferation spread weapons technology beyond original superpower nations.
Arms control treaties marked diplomatic progress in reducing nuclear competition.
What You'll Practice
1
Students analyze MAD doctrine and nuclear deterrence strategy concepts.
2
Learners identify key arms control treaties and their specific achievements.
3
Practice questions cover nuclear proliferation, testing, and environmental impacts.
Why This Matters
Understanding the Nuclear Arms Race equips students to analyze how nations use deterrence, diplomacy, and international agreements to manage existential threats and maintain global security.
This Unit Includes
Practice exercises
Learning resources
Skills
Nuclear Deterrence
Arms Control
Cold War
Proliferation
MAD Doctrine
OH Curriculum Aligned
