Fall of the Soviet Union

Leads to a revision of Communism

The greatest symbol of a nation’s strength was in their nuclear arsenal. Both the USA and USSR had stockpiled thousands of nuclear warheads and launch vehicles. This treaty limited both of the arsenals and lowered the threat of nuclear war.

Designed to reduce tension between the Soviet and Western blocs. It was an attempt to secure common acceptance of the post-World War II status quo in Europe, including the division of Germany.