What was the Arms Race during the Cold War?

The Arms Race during the Cold War primarily refers to the intense competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to develop, produce, and stockpile nuclear weapons. This period, which spanned several decades, was characterized by both nations investing heavily in their military capabilities in an effort to deter the other from attacking. The idea was that possessing a superior number of nuclear weapons would provide a strategic advantage and prevent direct military conflict through a concept known as Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD).

This focus on nuclear armament significantly influenced international relations and military strategies during the Cold War, leading to various treaties and negotiations aimed at arms control, such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). The consequences of the Arms Race had far-reaching effects, contributing to tensions and shaping the geopolitical landscape of the period. The other options reflect important aspects of the Cold War era but do not encapsulate the central theme of the Arms Race as effectively.