Research Paper Topic Proposal: Nuclear Arms

The topic for my research paper is going to be the nuclear arms race between the superpowers of Russia and the United States. The time frame I will focus on is the mid 20th century, primarily the late 1940’s to late 1960’s. Included in my paper, will be in-depth details on programs such as the Manhattan Project, the Plowshare Program, Project Gasbuggy, and the SALT and SALT II Proposals. I will touch upon the “balance of terror” between Russia and the US in this time frame, which kept the world alert at all times, and poised with nuclear weapons. Each country built up its nuclear stockpile, and wanted to be the first to launch their nuclear weapons in the form of a preemptive strike. The US and Russia were both afraid that the other would launch their nuclear weapons first, thus causing the feeling of a need for a preemptive strike. This shall be further discussed and outlined, as well as the steps taken by both nations to reduce this level of fear. The “Nuclear Club” and its members will be examined thoroughly, for all of them participated in the race for nuclear arms.