The Cold War arms race
I can explain how the arms race led to an increase in Cold War tension between the USA and the USSR.
The Cold War arms race
I can explain how the arms race led to an increase in Cold War tension between the USA and the USSR.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The establishment of NATO (1949) and the Warsaw Pact (1955) divided Europe into two rival alliance systems.
- The American development of the atomic bomb started an arms race between the USA and the USSR.
- In 1953, hopes that new leaders in the USA and USSR would improve relations were short-lived: the arms race continued.
- The development of ICBMs (1957) meant the USA and USSR could fire nuclear weapons at targets in different continents.
- Both the USA and the USSR developed huge stockpiles of nuclear weapons as a form of deterrence.
Keywords
Arms race - when countries compete with each other to build up their military strength
Superpower - a country that has great power and influence globally; the USA and USSR were superpowers during the Cold War period
Summit - a meeting between leaders to discuss significant issues or make important decisions
ICBM - intercontinental ballistic missile; missiles that could fire a nuclear warhead at targets in different continents
Deterrence - using the threat of force to prevent something from happening
Common misconception
NATO was established in response to Stalin setting up the Warsaw Pact.
The Warsaw Pact was a response to NATO's formation in April 1949 (following the Berlin Crisis and Soviet takeover of Czechoslovakia).
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The Cold War arms race, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The Cold War arms race, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the The origins of the Cold War, 1941-58 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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