Reaction to the Atomic Bomb
The world reacted with shock at the destruction caused by the atomic bomb. Nonetheless, some countries were determined to make their own atomic bombs, just as the United States had. Some leaders saw the atomic bomb as a good defensive weapon to deter attacks by other nations, while others saw its power as a means to world domination.
In addition to peace-seekers, the atomic bomb also inspired terrorists; they saw the potential for what the atom bomb could achieve. Some countries tested their new atomic weapons in hopes of creating more and more powerful bombs. Russia was viewed as one of those seeking to use nuclear weapons on the offensive. The Soviets had nuclear missile sites in Cuba, ready to fire at the U.S., during the Cuban Missile Crisis. They also created and tested the world's most powerful atom bomb, the Tzar Bomba. A video with more information about the Tzar Bomba can be found here.
People knew the atomic bomb was dangerous, and wanted to put an end to the testing. President John F. Kennedy protested nuclear testing since 1956. Once he took office in 1960, he helped create the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which prohibited the continued testing of nuclear weapons.
In addition to peace-seekers, the atomic bomb also inspired terrorists; they saw the potential for what the atom bomb could achieve. Some countries tested their new atomic weapons in hopes of creating more and more powerful bombs. Russia was viewed as one of those seeking to use nuclear weapons on the offensive. The Soviets had nuclear missile sites in Cuba, ready to fire at the U.S., during the Cuban Missile Crisis. They also created and tested the world's most powerful atom bomb, the Tzar Bomba. A video with more information about the Tzar Bomba can be found here.
People knew the atomic bomb was dangerous, and wanted to put an end to the testing. President John F. Kennedy protested nuclear testing since 1956. Once he took office in 1960, he helped create the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which prohibited the continued testing of nuclear weapons.