International communist information bureau established by Stalin in 1947; dissolved by Khrushchev in 1956.

Submarine-launched ballistic missiles armed with multiple warheads; Trident II missiles had a range of more than 4,000 miles and carried 10 to 15 warheads each.

Antiballistic missiles, designed to detect and intercept incoming nuclear missiles.

Competitive buildup of nuclear weapons between the United States and Soviet Union that began after the Soviets exploded their first atomic weapon on August 29, 1949 -- ending the U.S. nuclear monopoly [..]

Developed in the 1960s, these intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) were housed in deep underground concrete silos built to withstand a nuclear attack.

First nuclear weapon used in wartime, by the United States on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945; an A-bomb explosion is created by the splitting of atomic nuclei and results in a huge release of ene [..]

Strategic U.S. heavy bomber with nuclear capacity, developed in the 1980s; unlike the B-52, the B-1 is capable of flying intercontinental missions without refueling.

Strategic U.S. heavy bomber with nuclear capacity, powered by eight turbojet engines; its range is extended by in-flight refueling. B-52s were the mainstay of U.S. nuclear forces in the 1950s.

Soviet missile-testing facility where rockets, spacecraft and satellites are launched; located in current-day Kazakhstan.

Landing area on Cuba's south coast where an American-organized invasion by Cuban exiles was defeated by Fidel Castro's government forces April 17-20, 1961.