Question

How was the policy of deterrence meant to prevent nuclear war?

Answer 1

The policy of deterrence aimed to prevent nuclear war by creating a strong nuclear arsenal that would deter the Soviet Union from attacking the United States. This strategy relied on the principle of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), where both sides understood the consequences of a nuclear attack.

Step-by-step explanation:

The policy of deterrence was meant to prevent nuclear war by creating a strong nuclear arsenal that would deter the Soviet Union from launching an attack on the United States. The United States aimed to have a weapons arsenal so deadly that it would make the Soviets think twice before attacking.

This strategy was known as "massive retaliation" and relied on the principle of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), where both sides understood that any nuclear attack would result in the annihilation of both nations. Massive retaliation is a military strategy associated with the Cold War era. It involves the threat of using overwhelming force, including nuclear weapons, to deter an adversary from aggression.

Answer 2

It was meant to stop nuclear war by deterring it. The plan was to launch defense missiles to intercept an incoming nuclear warhead.