What caused America to be afraid of a "missile gap" with the Soviet Union?
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During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a rivalry that included a race in developing and deploying nuclear weapons. The fear of a "missile gap" refers to the concern that the Soviet Union had an advantage over the United States in terms of the number and capability of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). This fear was based on several factors:
1. Soviet claims: The Soviet Union publicly emphasized its advancements in missile technology, including the successful launch of the world's first satellite, Sputnik, in 1957. These claims led many Americans to believe that the Soviets had superior missile capabilities.
2. Intelligence reports: US intelligence agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), analyzed Soviet military capabilities and provided reports suggesting that the Soviet Union was rapidly expanding its missile arsenal. These reports increased concerns about a potential missile gap.
3. Political rhetoric: American politicians, most notably President John F. Kennedy during his 1960 presidential campaign, highlighted the issue of a supposed missile gap to criticize the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, accusing it of neglecting national defense. This further fueled public fears and the perception of a missile gap.
To specifically address your question of what caused America to be afraid of a missile gap, it was primarily a combination of Soviet propaganda, intelligence reports, and political rhetoric that led to the concern that the Soviet Union had surpassed the United States in missile technology and armament.