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.
PBS
Nova: Secrets of Lost Empires: Medieval Arms Race
Defines and describes the weapons commonly used in medieval times when attacking a castle.
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]
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.
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...
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....
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)
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.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Race for the Superbomb: Timeline
Timeline which gives an overview of steps taken in the arms race from 1941-1963.
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.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University: History of Nuclear Testing: Playing With Fire
Oregon State University online exhibit provides information on nuclear weapons testing.
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.
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...
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.
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...
Other
Atom Central: Tsar Bomba King of the Bombs
Find out about a Soviet bomber that was made to be a statement of intimidation by the Soviet Union to the United States.
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.
Other
Atom Central: Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
Find out about the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile program, a post-World War II, U.S. military defense system.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Salt Treaty
The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) between the United States and the USSR resulted in the SALT Treaty in 1972.
Library of Congress
Loc: Attacks on Intelligentsia Suppressing Dissidents
A collection of Russian documents (letters,telegrams, etc.) that supported the suppression of dissidents. Also includes an introduction explaining the dissidents.
Atomic Archive
Atomic Archive: Developing the Hydrogen Bomb
Links to seven different documents regarding the hydrogen bomb and its development during the Cold War. Excellent resource.
Other
Ellsworth american.com: Antiballistic Missiles
The article on antiballistic missiles primarily only discusses how Congress has approved their development under Reagan's "Star Wars" plan.
Other
Jewish News: Gorbachev, Shamir Mark Decade of Soviet Aliyah
This article provides insight into religious persecution in the former Soviet Union and Gorbachev's efforts to curb intolerance.