How did the soviet union respond to increased u.s. production of intercontinental ballistic missiles (icbms) and the american nuclear buildup in europe?

History · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

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During the Cold War, the Soviet Union responded to the increased U.S. production of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) and the American nuclear buildup in Europe with its own military and strategic measures. The key Soviet responses included:


1. Arms Race: The Soviet Union engaged in an arms race with the United States, striving to match or surpass U.S. capabilities in terms of nuclear weapons and delivery systems. This competition led to an escalation of both nations' arsenals.


2. Development of ICBMs: The Soviet Union accelerated its own development and deployment of ICBMs to maintain a strategic balance with the United States. This included advancements in missile technology and the establishment of a nuclear triad (land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers).


3. Strategic Missile Forces: The Soviet Union expanded its Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Rocket Forces) to enhance its capacity for a nuclear deterrent. This involved deploying ICBMs capable of reaching the United States.


4. Military Presence in Eastern Europe: In response to the American nuclear buildup in Europe, the Soviet Union increased its military presence in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries aligned with the Warsaw Pact. This was part of a strategy to counter NATO's military positioning.


5. Cuban Missile Crisis: As a more assertive response, the Soviet Union attempted to deploy nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962, leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The crisis was eventually resolved through diplomatic means, with both superpowers agreeing to remove certain missiles from sensitive locations.


Overall, the Soviet response to the U.S. actions was characterized by efforts to maintain a strategic balance and deter potential aggression. The arms race and strategic competition between the two superpowers defined much of the Cold War period.