Which of the following describes the most important characteristic of the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The possession of nuclear weapons by both superpowers was the most important characteristic of the Cold War rivalry. It created a constant atmosphere of fear and tension as each side tried to outdo the other in terms of nuclear capability. The threat of mutually assured destruction kept the two sides at a relative stalemate and prevented a direct war between them. The other options are also true, but they are not as central to the defining nature of the Cold War as the possession of nuclear weapons.

Which of the Following Describes the Most Important Characteristic of the Cold