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Soviets Create and Test Nuclear Bomb
Description
The Soviets created a nuclear bomb, named the First Lightning, and tested it in Semiplalatinsk, Kazakhstan. The First Lightning was equivalent to the United States's nuclear bomb. To evaluate its effects caged animals and replicated structures of the civilization were constructed nearby. -
Continued
Analysis
The Soviets created the nuclear bomb in order to keep up with the rapidly growing arms race. The United States had created the first nuclear bomb and caught wind of the Soviet’s creation on Sept. 3 1949. The development of the Soviet’s nuclear bomb lead to the United State’s hydrogen bomb followed.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/soviets-explode-atomic-bomb -
US Creates and Tests Hydrogen Bomb
Description
After the development of the nuclear bomb, the United States gradually started the development of the newest, greatest weapon. However the development rapidly accelerated after the Soviets developed the nuclear bomb. The hydrogen bomb was tested in the Pacific Ocean and sped up the arms race too quickly. -
Continued
Analysis
The hydrogen bomb was developed to put the United States at an advantage in the arms race. The hydrogen bomb was 1000 times as strong as the nuclear bomb that was developed years prior.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/united-states-tests-first-hydrogen-bomb -
Soviets launch Sputnik
Description
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik, a tiny satellite that would orbit the Earth. This advancment startled the Americans as they realized that we were not as advanced as other countries. The United States then worked on developing our space program and launched explorer1. This action initiated the United States into the Space Race.
www.history.com/this-day-in-history/sputnik-launched -
Continued
Analysis
The invasion of Grenada contributed to the Cold War by creating the idea of communism vs. democracy. The United States took action in Grenada to bring democracy back to a government that was overthrown by communism. Therefore the reason for invading Grenada was containment.
www.history.com/this-day-in-history/united-states-invades-grenada
http://grenada1983.weebly.com/connections-to-the-cold-war.html -
United States invades Grenada
Description
The invasion of Grenada was initiated when the United States spotted a threat from the Marxist regime. After Bernard Coard arranged for the assassination of Maurice Bishop and took power, violence escalated in Grenada due to the citizens disapproval. President Ronald Reagan ordered the Marines to invade Grenada to ensure that the United States’ citizens present on the island remained safe. After the fighting, the government collapsed and the United States created a new government. -
Olympic Games: Rivalry Basketball Game
In the 1972 Olympic Games, the United States played the Soviet Union in the championship basketball game. The United States' team was 63-0 going into the championship game. Their rival, the Soviet Union, put up a fight. The game was decided by a buzzer beater shot that put the Soviets in the lead. At this time the Cold War was at a stale mate yet tensions rose.
espn.go.com/classic/s/Classic_1972_usa_ussr_gold_medal_hoop.html -
Miracle on Ice
The 1980's Olympic game raised tensions between the United States and Soviet Union. The United States' team consisted of inexperienced hockey players, all of which were fairly young. The Soviets' team however consisted of highly ranked players with ample experience. Despite the odds the United States took the victory. This loss increased the hatred that the Soviet Union had towards the United States.
www.orda.org/miracle/
