What was the Missile Gap?
The missile gap was a perceived disparity in the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. The term "missile gap" was coined by the media and politicians to describe the perceived threat of a Soviet nuclear superiority.
The Origins of the Missile Gap
The missile gap was a product of the Cold War era, marked by intense competition and paranoia between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union had launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, in 1957, and the United States was concerned about the potential for Soviet missile development. The Eisenhower administration had been aware of the Soviet missile program, but it was not until the late 1950s that the issue gained significant attention.
The Perceived Disparity
The perceived missile gap was fueled by several factors:
- Limited intelligence: The United States had limited intelligence on Soviet missile development, making it difficult to accurately assess the situation.
- Misleading estimates: Estimates of Soviet missile production were often exaggerated, leading to a perceived gap.
- Cold War rhetoric: Politicians and the media amplified the perceived threat, using phrases like "missile gap" and "nuclear superiority" to create a sense of urgency.
The Impact on Politics
The missile gap had significant political implications:
- Election politics: The perceived missile gap became a major issue in the 1960 presidential election, with Democratic candidate John F. Kennedy accusing the Republican administration of being "soft on communism."
- Military buildup: The perceived threat led to increased military spending and a focus on missile development.
- Détente: The missile gap contributed to the deterioration of relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, making it more difficult to achieve détente.
The Reality of the Missile Gap
However, the reality of the missile gap was not as dire as perceived:
- Soviet missile production: The Soviet Union was actually producing fewer ICBMs than previously thought.
- United States missile development: The United States was making significant strides in missile development, with the introduction of the Titan and Minuteman ICBMs.
- Nuclear deterrence: The concept of mutual assured destruction (MAD) emerged, highlighting the devastating consequences of a nuclear war and the futility of a missile gap.
The End of the Missile Gap
The missile gap was largely resolved by the early 1960s:
- Improved intelligence: The United States gained better intelligence on Soviet missile development, reducing the perceived disparity.
- Soviet missile limitations: The Soviet Union’s ICBM production was limited by technical and economic factors.
- Nuclear strategy: The concept of MAD and the development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) reduced the importance of ICBMs.
Timeline of the Missile Gap
Here is a timeline of the missile gap:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1957 | Sputnik launched, highlighting Soviet missile capabilities |
| 1958 | The United States begins to develop its own ICBM program |
| 1960 | The missile gap becomes a major issue in the presidential election |
| 1961 | The Kennedy administration increases military spending and focuses on missile development |
| 1962 | The Cuban Missile Crisis highlights the importance of ICBMs in nuclear deterrence |
| 1964 | The United States achieves nuclear parity with the Soviet Union |
| 1965 | The Soviet Union’s ICBM production slows due to technical and economic limitations |
Conclusion
The missile gap was a perceived disparity in the number of ICBMs between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. While the perceived threat was significant, the reality was not as dire as thought. The missile gap was largely resolved by the early 1960s, with improved intelligence, Soviet missile limitations, and the development of nuclear strategy.
