Question

How did the concept of mutually assured destruction influence the Cold War?

Answer 1

It reminded people that a nuclear war would be devastating for everyone.

Answer 2

Mutually assured destruction is based around the idea that if a nuclear war took place between the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War, both countries would be absolutely destroyed. The military capabilities of both countries would result in the deaths of millions and the destruction of hundreds, possibly even thousands, of cities. This is why the leaders of the United States and Soviet Union consistently compromised despite huge differences in economic and political ideologies.