Why were nuclear arms less military weapons than political ones?

Question

a) The massive atomic stockpiles created by the United States and the Soviet Union were less intended for actual use than for overawing foreign and domestic audiences.
b) Neither the United States nor the Soviet Union had nearly as many nuclear weapons as they claimed; they lied to gain political advantage.
Consider This: What is meant by the doctrine of Mutual Assured Destruction? See 14.5: Narrative: Big Ivan.
c) The United Nations had outlawed using nuclear weapons, so having them was largely a symbolic gesture.
Consider This: What is meant by the doctrine of Mutual Assured Destruction? See 14.5: Narrative: Big Ivan.
d) Because nuclear weapons are so expensive, each nuclear nation was more concerned about paying for them than firing them off.
Consider This: What is meant by the doctrine of Mutual Assured Destruction? See 14.5: Narrative: Big Ivan.

Answer 1

a) The massive atomic stockpiles created by the United States and the Soviet Union were less intended for actual use than for overawing foreign and domestic audiences.