USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -U.S. and Soviet/Russian nuclear weapons stockpiles/inventories from 1945 to 2006. The failing Soviet economy and the dissolution of the country between 1989 and 1991 which marks the end of the Cold War and with it the relaxation of the arms race, brought about a large decrease in both nations’ stockpiles.

Detailed explanation-2: -In addition to the United States and the Soviet Union, three other nations, the United Kingdom, the People’s Republic of China, and France developed nuclear weapons during the early cold war years.

Detailed explanation-3: -Nine countries possess nuclear weapons: the United States, Russia, France, China, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea. In total, the global nuclear stockpile is close to 13, 000 weapons.

Detailed explanation-4: -Threats During the Cold War The Soviet Union was the only nation with a nuclear arsenal that could threaten the political existence of the United States and the only nation that could pose a global challenge to U.S. allies and interests.