Flow of History
Flow of History: Nuclear Arms Race
The events and countries involved in the nuclear arms race are profiled. Text plus a colored graphic flowchart make the topic visually appealing and of interest to both students and educators.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Atomic Fears and the Arms Race
Looks at the nuclear arms race in the 1950s as the United States and the USSR both stockpiled nuclear weapons. Includes 1951 propaganda video showing schoolchildren how to 'Duck and Cover' in the event of a nuclear attack. [9:15]
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: The Development and Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Read about how the atomic bomb was first developed, starting the nuclear arms race. As nuclear weapons proliferated, so did apprehension. A Non-Proliferation Treaty was released in 1968, and governments began to sign on to it. Green...
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Wilson Center: Nuclear Proliferation
A collection of digital documents "on the history of nuclear proliferation, the arms race, and disarmament efforts".
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Wilson Center: Soviet Nuclear History
A digital archive of documents from the 1940s-1980s that relate to the nuclear weapons race in the Soviet Union. Included in archive are notes from the head of the Soviet atomic bomb project, Igor Kurchatov and documents related to...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1945 1980: Atomic Fears and the Arms Race
Read about the impact of nuclear proliferation in the 1950s, including fears of atomic bombs and increasing militarization.
Other
Halting the Arms Race: 1983 Uua General Resolution
This resource presents a 1983 statement by the Unitarian Universalist Association regarding the arms race. The statement is more specifically addressed to the U.S. Congress.
PBS
Pbs American Experience: Race for the Superbomb
This site explores the Cold War race to develop the hydrogen bomb, a weapon that would change the world. Content details all the people who were involved in the race for the H-Bomb, as well as notable events during this time period....
Oregon State University
Oregon State University: History of Nuclear Testing: Playing With Fire
Oregon State University online exhibit provides information on nuclear weapons testing.
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Wilson Center: Nuclear Debate Pamphlets
A collection of pamphlets from organizations against and for nuclear power.
PBS
Pbs: Frontline: Explore Post Cold War Conflict Over Nuclear Technology
Since the development of the nuclear technology people have questioned the value of its protection versus peril. Through the resources and discussion questions students will evaluate the value based on their research and decide if...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Race for the Superbomb: Timeline
Timeline which gives an overview of steps taken in the arms race from 1941-1963.
Ducksters
Ducksters: The Cold War for Kids: Arms Race
Kids learn about the history of the Arms Race during the Cold War. The United States and the Soviet Union building nuclear weapons stockpiles.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Quiz: Cold War Arms Race for Kids
History Questions: Arms Race Quiz, Test, and WebQuest
Federation of American Scientists
Fas: National Security Policy Arms Control Disarmament
A lengthy essay describing the negotiations and politics involved in President Kennedy's quest to create a permanent ban on nuclear tests.
PBS
Pbs: Red Files: Secret Soviet Moon Mission
PBS offers biographies and stories from the early days of the Soviet Space program, which prompted the Space Race and nuclear arms race between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union.
Other
Brookings Institution: 50 Facts About u.s. Nuclear Weapons
A page provided by the Brookings Institution which lists 50 "facts" about U.S. Nuclear Weapons. Good place to start for basic (and sometimes interesting) statistics. (Published April 28, 2014)
Other
Nevada Test Site Oral History Project
A comprehensive look at the 50 years of nuclear testing in Nevada through oral histories of the participants. In addition to the histories, the site includes a timeline, information about the test sites, and videos.
Other
American Institute of Physics: Soviet Physics, Nuclear Weapons, and Human Rights
A resource with extensive information on all aspects of Sakharov's life. Arranged chronologically.
Other
Welcome to the Cns Website
Resource from the Non Nuclear Proliferation Studies. Provides links to news items, publications and content related to the arms race.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Secret Victories of the Kgb
Explore the role of espionage in wartime and investigate Soviet spy activities during the Cold War. Trace the history of the atomic bomb and explore Soviet activities in stealing nuclear secrets during the Manhattan Project.
Other
Atom Central: The Atomic Cannon
Read about the Atomic Cannon, the largest nuclear capable mobile artillery piece manufactured by the United States in 1953.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Mutual Assured Destruction
A complete description of the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction. Explains what the concept means, and how the concept was used during the Cold War and up to the George W. Bush Administration. Includes links to terms that may require...
National Archives (UK)
National Archives Exhibit: The Cold War
This resource enables the viewer to explore various events and topics of the Cold War through learning games, primary documents, and a tour through an interactive bunker.