The Cold War was a period of intense political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, which lasted from the end of World War II until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The conflict was characterized by a war of ideologies, as the two superpowers competed for global dominance. The Cold War was characterized by various proxy wars and nuclear arms races, with the threat of global annihilation looming over the world.
So, what ended the Cold War?
The end of the Cold War is attributed to several key factors, including the reforms initiated by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s, the peaceful revolutions in Eastern Europe, and the weakening of the Soviet economy.
However, the most significant factor that brought an end to the Cold War was the agreement signed between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1991, commonly referred to as the START Treaty (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty).
The START Treaty was a landmark agreement signed by the United States and the Soviet Union on July 31, 1991. The treaty aimed to reduce both countries` strategic nuclear arsenals significantly. The agreement called for the reduction of deployed nuclear warheads to 6,000 for each country, a 30% decrease from existing levels.
Under the treaty, both nations agreed to reduce the number of their nuclear delivery systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers. Moreover, the treaty also established a system of verification measures, including on-site inspections and data exchanges, to ensure compliance with the agreement.
The START Treaty opened the door to a new era of cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union. The agreement was a significant step toward reducing the risk of nuclear war and the threat of global annihilation. The treaty laid the groundwork for further arms control agreements between the two superpowers, paving the way for a more stable and peaceful world.
In conclusion, the START Treaty was the pivotal agreement that ended the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. The treaty marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation and understanding between the two superpowers, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. The treaty`s lasting legacy was a reduction in global tensions and a safer world for future generations.