Question

Soviet strength was revealed, yet McNamara continued quantitative growth, which initiated on the false belief that the Soviets were more powerful (and had more arms) than they actually were. Why was quantitative growth continued in the US?

a) McNamara believed quantitative growth was necessary to maintain military superiority.
b) The US aimed to keep the Soviets in check by maintaining high armament levels.
c) Quantitative growth was a response to political pressures rather than actual threats.
d) McNamara's policy was driven by a misperception of Soviet capabilities.

Answer 1

The continuous quantitative growth of the US military was driven by the perceived need to maintain military superiority over the Soviet Union, influenced by the ideology of containment, political pressures, and the strategic doctrine of mutually assured destruction (MAD).

Step-by-step explanation:

The quantitative growth of the US military during the Cold War era, particularly under Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, was influenced by a complex interplay of factors. One of the key reasons for the continued build-up of military capabilities was the misperception of Soviet strength and intentions. The American military-industrial complex, driven by reports such as NSC-68, which portrayed the USSR as aggressively seeking global dominance, led to a policy focused on maintaining military superiority. Furthermore, political pressures and the desire to prevent the spread of Communism, as encapsulated in the Truman Doctrine and policies of containment, often resulted in the US supporting anti-Communist forces regardless of their popularity or alignment with American values. Additionally, the concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD) embraced during this period perpetuated a mindset of needing to outpace the Soviet Union in nuclear capabilities to ensure national security.