The Arms Race (jul 24, 1945 – dec 26, 1991)

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Th arms race began with the official notification of Stalin of the USA's nuclear weapons at Potsdam. In actual fact, Stalin knew about the Manhattan project and American nuclear power throughout its existence as his spies had penetrated the project. Stalin probably knew before Truman because the project was so secret that Truman only was notified as president not vice-president.
Fundamentally the arms race was built on the idea that in order to feel safe both sides 'needed' more destructive weaponry (nuclear primarily) than the other and so it spiralled into bigger and bigger militarism -increasing with each new leader.
Throughout the arms race mutually assured destruction prevented either side from actually using the weapons but also gave rise to brinkmanship tactics which rose tensions when implemented (e.g. in Cuba).
As the threat of nuclear war rose, Western countries made plans to survive one - with classroom drills, published advice, bunkers and plans for if leaders were killed. Large crowds formed at campaign for nuclear disarmament and the 'ban the bomb' message was spread as well as many films and other media being inspired by it.

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