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How important was the arms race as a reason for the emergence of the Cold War, up to 1955? - Scottish Highers History - Question 40 - 2019
Question 40
How important was the arms race as a reason for the emergence of the Cold War, up to 1955?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How important was the arms race as a reason for the emergence of the Cold War, up to 1955? - Scottish Highers History - Question 40 - 2019
Step 1
Importance of the Arms Race
Answer
The arms race was a critical factor in the emergence of the Cold War, particularly following World War II. After the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the United States aimed to establish its dominance in weaponry while the Soviet Union sought to catch up.
The arms race not only escalated tensions but also fostered mutual distrust. Each nation ramped up their nuclear arsenals, which led to a competitive environment fueled by fear and the threat of total annihilation.
Additionally, the arms race reflected ideological differences, as both superpowers viewed military capability as essential to their survival and as a means to project power globally.
Step 2
Context of the Arms Race
Answer
In the immediate post-war period, both the United States and the Soviet Union were wary of each other's intentions. The U.S. developed its nuclear arsenal believing that military supremacy would ensure security against Soviet expansion. Conversely, the Soviet Union's initiation of its own nuclear program by 1949 was a direct response to perceived threats from the U.S.
This led to a cycle of build-up, where each act by one side prompted a counteraction by the other, deepening the divide between the capitalist West and the communist East.
The arms race can be seen as a manifestation of ongoing tensions and disagreements that had built during the wartime alliance, signaling the shift in relations and establishing a new geopolitical landscape.
Step 3
Other Relevant Factors
Answer
While the arms race was essential, it interacted with other elements that contributed to the Cold War's emergence. Tensions from the wartime alliance persisted, with ideological divides remaining unaddressed.
Additionally, post-war disputes, such as disagreements over the future of Germany, played an integral role. The differing visions for Germany and Eastern Europe further solidified the divide between the superpowers.
The crisis in Korea, where the U.S. and its allies opposed the North's communist regime, also illustrated how military concerns intertwined with political and ideological conflicts. Thus, the arms race, though critical, was part of a larger tapestry of Cold War factors.