Which Two Superpowers Signed the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963?

The two superpowers that signed the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963 were the United States and the Soviet Union.

The Historic Limited Test Ban Treaty

The Limited Test Ban Treaty, officially known as the Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, Outer Space and Under Water, marked a significant step in arms control during the Cold War. Signed on August 5, 1963, in Moscow, this treaty aimed to curb the nuclear arms race and mitigate the environmental dangers posed by atmospheric nuclear testing.

While the United States and the Soviet Union were the primary superpowers involved in the negotiations and signing, Great Britain was also a key signatory to the treaty.

Key Aspects of the Treaty

• Year of Signing: 1963
• Primary Signatories (Superpowers):
  • United States
  • Soviet Union
• Additional Key Signatory: Great Britain
• Scope of Ban: It specifically prohibited all nuclear weapon tests conducted in the atmosphere, in outer space, and under water.
• Allowed Tests: Underground nuclear tests were still permitted under the treaty, provided they did not cause radioactive debris to fall outside the territorial limits of the state conducting the test.

This treaty was a direct response to growing international concern over radioactive fallout from nuclear tests, which had become a major public health issue. It represented a rare moment of cooperation between the two Cold War rivals and laid the groundwork for future arms control agreements.

For further details on this pivotal agreement, you can refer to historical records on the Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963.