After September 2, 1949, both the United States and the Soviet Union had atomic weapons that they could use in a war against each other. Describe how this fact shaped the progress of the Cold War and the relationship between the two countries

After the development of atomic weapons in the United States and the Soviet Union the future of their relationship was entirely shaped by this fact. At times there were intense arms races in the hopes of gaining an edge in regards to nuclear weapons. In addition there was also a policy of deterrence developed by the possession of nuclear weapons which used the possibility of mutually assured destruction to stave off attacks and war between the two super powers.