The Nuclear Arms Race in Context of Soviet-American Relationship

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THE NUCLEAR ARMS RACE IN THE CONTEXT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE SOVIET UNION FROM 1917 TO 1980 I. The relation between the United States and the Soviet Union is what concluded the nuclear arms race. Development of technology, military capability, and weapons system are the physical manifestation of their highly intensified relationship. The spread of communism in Europe shaped the relationship of the United States and the Soviet Union. From 1917 to 1980, their relationship shifts from good relationship to bad relationship that almost led to nuclear war, which was fallowed again with a good relationship that led to arms control and détente, then to an intensified relationship until the end of the cold war. IA. It is important to know the background that strained the relationship of the Americans and the Soviets by understanding the period 1917 to 1945. It is not at this span of time that the nuclear arms race started but rather this period marked the beginning of the ideological clash between the Americans and the Soviets. The overthrowing of the Tsarist Empire in 1917 led to the creation of the Soviet Union, marking the expansion of communism in Europe. The soviet now deemed it necessary to change all existing political and social system into communism which is in conflict with the American ideology of Self-determination. Thus in 1930 the Wilson administration refused to recognize the Soviets as an ally and as a result the United States did not give diplomatic recognition and no official relations with the Soviets happened. IB. The assumption of the Roosevelt administration in 1933 marked a turning point in the relations of the United States and the Soviet Union. From 1933 to 1945 the relationship between both countries was noted to have improved. President Roosevelt opened a window of communication that enhanced their relationship with the
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