This concern led them to complete the first arms control agreement of the Cold War, the Limited Test Ban Treaty of This treaty did not have much practical effect on the development and proliferation of nuclear weapons, but it established an important precedent for future arms control.
Both superpowers entered the s determined to build or maintain nuclear superiority. The Soviet Union had led the way in the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles after its launch of the first man-made satellite, Sputnik , in In just a few years, it had developed an arsenal of long and medium range missiles that had raised alarm in Washington.
With both sides working to develop new and better nuclear technology over the course of the late s and early s, each engaged in a series of test explosions. These nuclear tests received worldwide scrutiny, not only for what they meant for the arms race but also for what they meant for human life.
This led to the formation of activist groups and public discussion of the issue. Discussions between the United States and the Soviet Union concerning a ban on nuclear testing began in the mids. Officials from both nations came to believe that the nuclear arms race was reaching a dangerous level. In addition, public protest against the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons was gaining strength. Nevertheless, talks between the two nations later joined by Great Britain dragged on for years, usually collapsing when the issue of verification was raised.
The Americans and British wanted on-site inspections, something the Soviets vehemently opposed. In , the three sides seemed close to an agreement, but the downing of an American spy plane over the Soviet Union in May brought negotiations to an end. The Cuban Missile Crisis provided a major impetus for reinvigorating the talks in October The Soviets attempted to install nuclear-capable missiles in Cuba, bringing the Soviet Union and the United States to the brink of a nuclear war.
Cooler heads prevailed and the crisis passed, but the other possible scenarios were not lost on U. In June , the test ban negotiations resumed, with compromises from all sides. France and China were asked to join the agreement but refused. The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was a small but significant step toward the control of nuclear weapons.
Over the next two months, President Kennedy convinced a fearful public and a divided Senate to support the treaty. The Senate approved the treaty on September 23, , by an margin. Kennedy signed the ratified treaty on October 7, Signed by 71 nations, including those possessing nuclear weapons, the treaty prohibited all nuclear test explosions including those conducted underground. Though it was signed by President Bill Clinton, the Senate rejected the treaty by a vote of 51 to Skip past main navigation.
JFK in History. Life of John F. Kennedy Life of Jacqueline B. Kennedy on the Economy and Taxes John F. Kennedy and the Press John F. Kennedy and PT John F. Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Kennedy Opposes Testing John F. Pressure to Resume Testing President Kennedy's political and military advisors feared that the Soviet Union had continued secret underground testing and made gains in nuclear technology.
Success in Moscow President Kennedy selected Averell Harriman, an experienced diplomat known and respected by Khrushchev, to resume negotiations in Moscow. The treaty: prohibited nuclear weapons tests or other nuclear explosions under water, in the atmosphere, or in outer space allowed underground nuclear tests as long as no radioactive debris falls outside the boundaries of the nation conducting the test pledged signatories to work towards complete disarmament, an end to the armaments race, and an end to the contamination of the environment by radioactive substances.
Identifier Accession. Rights Access Status. Relation Is Part Of Desc. Subject Geog. The objective of the organization is to achieve the object and purpose of the Treaty, to ensure the implementation of its provisions, including those for international verification of compliance with the Treaty, and to provide a forum for consultation and cooperation among Member States. To this end, the Commission prepares for the entry-into-force of the Treaty and carries out the necessary preparations for the effective implementation of the Treaty, including the establishment of a global verification regime.
The Preparatory Commission consists of a plenary body composed of all States signatories to the Treaty and a Provisional Technical Secretariat. Welcome to the United Nations.
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